Yongle Restaurant (永乐饭店) in Chengdu is truly a top-tier destination for Sichuan cuisine. Known for offering a Michelin-worthy experience at a remarkably affordable price—about ¥50 per person—it stands out for its excellent meaty dishes, though its vegetarian options are a bit lacking. With fast service that will leave you impressed, the restaurant delivers a delicious, balanced experience of salty and sweet flavors, with minimal spiciness. However, the wait can sometimes stretch over an hour, so if you’re in a rush, consider visiting another spot.
Must-Try Dishes (5 Stars) 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Guoba Shrimp (锅巴虾仁)
The ultimate crowd-pleaser, this dish features crispy rice crust topped with a hot, flavorful mix of shrimp, bamboo shoots, and black fungus. The crispy “guoba” (crust) is infused with a deep, savory flavor that makes this a standout. It’s the best dish of the meal! - Stir-fried Pork Liver and Kidney (肝腰合炒)
This dish offers the best stir-fried pork liver and kidney I’ve had in Chengdu. It’s incredibly tender and perfectly cooked, without any off-putting odor or taste. - Sticky Rice Spare Ribs (糯米排骨)
If you’re visiting Yongle, this dish is a must-try! The sticky rice is packed with flavor, and the ribs are tender, falling off the bone in the most satisfying way. It’s a true indulgence. - Mini Longyan Braised Pork (迷你龙眼烧白)
This dish features delicious “夹沙肉” (sandwich pork), stuffed with glutinous rice, which is incredibly flavorful and irresistibly delicious. The combination of textures is amazing! - Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐)
This classic Sichuan dish is done well here with a rich tofu flavor and the perfect seasoning. It’s excellent when paired with rice.
Highly Recommended (4 Stars) 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Kung Pao Chicken (宫保鸡丁)
A tasty rendition of this famous dish, with crispy peanuts and tender chicken. The balance of salty and sweet flavors is spot-on, though I personally prefer the Beijing version. - Grandmother’s Twice-cooked Pork (外婆回锅肉)
The pork has the perfect ratio of fat to lean meat, and while there’s a bit of oiliness, it’s just right. The thick slices of pork have a great texture. - Stir-fried Oil Crumbs with Cabbage (油渣炒莲白)
The crispy oil crumbs add a crunchy, savory bite to the cabbage, creating a delightful contrast of textures. - Garlic Pork (蒜泥白肉)
A refreshing cold dish with a sweet-salty sauce. The noodles are surprisingly more delicious than the pork itself! - Teng Jiao Pickled Fish (藤椒酸菜乌鱼片)
A zesty, appetizing sour soup with fish slices that are wonderfully tender and chewy, making for a perfect starter. - Water-boiled Pork Slices (水煮肉片)
Slightly spicy and comforting, this dish features tender pork that’s been well-cooked, and you can taste the quality of the meat.
Worth Trying (3 Stars) 🌟🌟🌟
- Meatball Soup (丸子汤)
This is an average dish with a delicious tomato and bean sprout soup base. The meatballs themselves are nothing extraordinary but serve as a nice accompaniment. - Fish-flavored Eggplant (鱼香茄饼)
The first bite of this dish is impressive, but the flavor quickly becomes overwhelming and greasy on the second bite. - Sweet and Sour Crispy Fish (糖醋脆皮鱼)
While it’s a limited-time offering, this dish’s sweet and sour taste is just as expected. Some people love it, but it’s not for everyone.
Avoid at All Costs ❌
- Steamed Old Pumpkin (清蒸老南瓜)
The pumpkin is too watery and lacks texture, though it does have a pleasant sweetness. - Chili Pepper Pickled Eggplant (烧椒拌茄子)
Unfortunately, this dish lacks flavor and is rather bland. - Salty Braised Pork (咸烧白)
Don’t waste your money on this one. It tastes underwhelming and doesn’t justify the ¥26 price tag. Even fast food would be a better choice than this.