Chengdu, known for its vibrant food scene, is a city where hotpot is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The iconic hotpot culture here blends rich, spicy broths with fresh ingredients to create an unforgettable dining adventure. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or prefer a milder taste, Chengdu offers something for everyone. From traditional Chongqing-style hotpots to unique local variations, here are 9 top hotpot restaurants in Chengdu that are sure to satisfy your cravings.
1. Xinghong She Chongqing Laohuoguo (星鸿社重庆老火锅)
- Address: 36 Shuxiangli 1st Alley (菽香里一巷36号)
- Vibe: Classic Chongqing hotpot
- Key Highlights: The signature broth is spicy, with a rich and deep color that promises full flavor. It’s one of those hotpots that builds in heat, so if you’re not a fan of intense spice, remember to request a milder option! The squid here is especially thick and tender, while the signature tofu, braised chicken feet, and thick beef slices are dishes you’ll find yourself ordering every time.
2. Bashu Dazhaimen Hotpot (巴蜀大宅门火锅)
- Address: 91 Beidajie, Qingyang District (青羊区北大街91号)
- Vibe: Homestyle Sichuan hotpot with a touch of innovation
- Key Highlights: Known for its tender and crispy fried rice cakes and crispy meat, Bashu Dazhaimen offers a refreshing clear broth with a variety of options, including the health-boosting chrysanthemum broth. For those who enjoy trying a variety of ingredients, the half-portion option is perfect. Their cilantro beef is some of the best you’ll find, and cilantro lovers will not want to miss this one.
3. Chongqing Lao Huoguo Wang (重庆老火锅王)
- Address: 110 Xianbei North Road, 2-4th Floor (西安北路110号附2-4号)
- Vibe: Classic nine-grid Chongqing-style hotpot
- Key Highlights: Offering the quintessential Chongqing nine-grid hotpot experience, this restaurant serves a deeply fragrant broth. However, it stands out for one reason: despite being around for over 20 years, they don’t offer essential ingredients like potatoes or cilantro, which are a hotpot staple in many places. Yet, it remains a hugely popular spot, proving that simplicity, combined with traditional ingredients, can create lasting success.
4. Chongqing Shaguo Shanyu Hotpot (重庆砂锅鳝鱼火锅)
- Address: 33-35 Shima Alley (石马巷33-35号)
- Vibe: Mild and flavorful hotpot with a focus on fresh ingredients
- Key Highlights: Known for its gentle and mild-flavored broth, this hotpot allows you to add salt according to your preference. The eel used in the hotpot is fresh and meaty, cooked to perfection—tender and juicy. It’s a great choice for those who prefer a less spicy experience while still enjoying the richness of the broth and the freshness of the ingredients.
5. Xiaolong Lao Huoguo (小龙老火锅)
- Address: 82 Yingkang Road, Jinniu District (金牛区营康路82号)
- Vibe: Budget-friendly, fresh, and tasty hotpot
- Key Highlights: A place known for its great value and fresh ingredients, Xiaolong Lao Huoguo offers an unbeatable price for high-quality hotpot. Signature dishes like duck intestines and beef tripe are fresh and crunchy. All meat dishes are priced affordably at ¥9, and vegetables are available for just ¥3—an ideal place for a satisfying yet wallet-friendly hotpot meal.
6. Chongqing Jialing Lao Huoguo (重庆嘉陵老火锅)
- Address: 9 Guangfu Road, 16th Floor (广福路9号附16号)
- Vibe: Flavor-packed, traditional Sichuan hotpot
- Key Highlights: The broth here is on the spicier side, with a heat that builds the longer you cook your ingredients. The key to this hotpot’s success is its focus on fresh ingredients and a powerful, well-balanced broth. The dipping sauces are simple, relying only on sesame oil, garlic, and cilantro, ensuring that the taste of the broth is the main focus. This restaurant has earned its place as a local favorite.
7. Tianxing Zhengyuan Hotpot (天星正源火锅)
- Address: 48 Dikan Road, 1st Floor (地勘路1号附48号)
- Vibe: Affordable, rich in flavors
- Key Highlights: Known for its budget-friendly hotpot, the broth here is only ¥8, offering a great deal for a flavorful meal. One of the restaurant’s unique features is its offering of “fat intestine joints”—a must-try for any fan of offal. Also, their dry cauliflower is a standout, offering a crunchy texture and an unforgettable taste that pairs perfectly with the broth.
8. Aiqi Steak Hotpot (爱妻牛排火锅)
- Address: 1 Shier South Street, Boji Garden (十二南街1号博济苑内)
- Vibe: Fusion of steak and hotpot
- Key Highlights: For steak lovers, Aiqi is a dream come true. Offering a fusion of hotpot and steak, their signature beef ribs are tender and fall off the bone with ease. The luncheon meat is cut into blocks, revealing the texture and quality of the meat within. The combination of juicy steak and bubbling hotpot broth makes for a satisfying meal.
9. Piaoxiang Hotpot (飘香火锅)
- Address: 31 Yulin West Road, 1st Floor (玉林西路31号附1号)
- Vibe: Classic Chengdu community hotpot with a long history
- Key Highlights: As a Chengdu community favorite since 1997, Piaoxiang Hotpot offers a mild, refreshing broth that won’t get overly salty the longer it cooks. One of the restaurant’s highlights is their peanut sprouts, which have a sweet, nutty flavor with a crunchy texture. If you’ve never tried it before, definitely give it a go. The other ingredients are all top-notch, making this a great option for a reliable and delicious hotpot meal.