Chinese culture places great emphasis on food, epitomized by the saying, “Food is heaven for the people.” Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is renowned across the nation for its culinary delights, especially its famous spicy dishes. Sichuan cuisine is synonymous with “mala” (麻辣, spicy and numbing) flavors, and hot pot (火锅) is perhaps the most iconic representation. The sight of fresh ingredients bubbling in a pot of chili oil, accompanied by the enticing sound of “gudu gudu,” is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, tempting diners to roll up their sleeves and dive in.
However, hot pot is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Chengdu’s culinary scene. The city offers a wide array of dishes, including mala tang (麻辣烫, spicy hot pot), liang gao (凉糕, cold rice cakes), ci ba (糍粑, glutinous rice cakes), bo bo chicken (钵钵鸡, skewered chicken), and bing fen (冰粉, cold jelly). With so many options, food lovers can enjoy a different meal every day of the week, making Chengdu a true paradise for food enthusiasts.
In Chengdu, you can discover hidden gems tucked away in narrow alleys where time-honored flavors have remained unchanged for decades. The chefs at these local eateries, often referred to as “fly restaurants” (苍蝇馆子), know their customers so well that they don’t even need to ask what you want. During off-peak hours, these places can be quiet, but come mealtime, they fill up quickly, with patrons willing to stand in line for a taste of their favorite dishes, often far beyond what you might expect.
Chengdu locals enjoy dining in these informal settings, often opting for “da ping huo” (打平伙, splitting the bill). The ambiance is casual and lively, where the joy of eating and chatting doesn’t require any formalities. This relaxed approach fosters camaraderie and strengthens bonds among friends and family.
When in Chengdu, you must try “lu chuan” (撸串, skewers). For Chengdu residents, there’s no problem that can’t be solved over skewers—if there is, just order thirty more! One of the city’s most popular skewered food spots, “Ma Lu Bian Bian Ma La Tang” (马路边边麻辣烫), often sees long lines of eager customers waiting for hours. The nostalgic decor of the restaurant enhances the experience, allowing diners to savor their favorite dishes while reminiscing about their childhood.