best-places-to-eat-in-Chengdu, China

Chengdu: A Foodie Paradise

Chengdu is renowned for its spicy and flavorful cuisine, with a vibrant street food scene offering countless delicious options. Here are some of the best places to satisfy your cravings:

Street Food Delights:

• Jinli Street (锦里): This pedestrianized ancient street brims with tea houses, shops, and food stalls selling traditional Sichuan snacks like:

  • Dan Dan Noodles (担担面): Spicy noodles topped with minced pork, peanuts, and chili oil.
  • Grilled skewers (串串): Choose from a variety of meats, vegetables, and tofu, grilled to perfection and served with spicy dipping sauce.
  • Zhong Shui Jiao (钟水饺): Steamed dumplings filled with pork, shrimp, or vegetables.

• Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street (春熙路步行街): A bustling shopping street with numerous food stalls offering:

  • Hot Pot (火锅): Cook your own meat and vegetables in a bubbling spicy broth.
  • Maocai (钵仔饭): Rice topped with a variety of ingredients, simmered in a spicy sauce.
  • Douhua (豆花): Silken tofu pudding served with sweet syrup or savory toppings.

• Wenshu Monastery Market (文殊院市场): A lively market near the Wenshu Monastery, renowned for:

  • Sweet and Spicy Tofu (糖油果子): Crispy fried tofu coated in a sweet and spicy glaze.
  • Guokui (锅盔): Flatbread baked on a hot griddle, crispy on the outside and soft inside.

Restaurant Recommendations:

• Chen Mapo Tofu (陈麻婆豆腐): A legendary restaurant serving the best Mapo Tofu in Chengdu.
• Yu’s Family Kitchen (余氏私厨): Known for its authentic Sichuan dishes and intimate setting.
• Shufeng Yayuan (树风雅苑): A traditional teahouse serving delicious dim sum and Sichuan specialties.

Tips:

• Be prepared for spicy food! Sichuan cuisine is known for its chili peppers, so order dishes with varying spice levels if you are sensitive to heat.
• Try local street food stalls for an authentic experience and budget-friendly meals.
• Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases like “delicious” (好吃) and “thank you” (谢谢).

Enjoy your culinary adventure in Chengdu!