Regional Cuisine Overview: Chengdu is known for its spicy and flavorful Sichuan cuisine. The region is famous for dishes such as Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, and Hot Pot. Sichuan peppercorns are a key ingredient in many dishes, giving them a unique numbing and spicy flavor. Baijiu, a strong distilled liquor, is a popular drink in Chengdu.
Top-10 Restaurants:
1. Fuqi Feipian (💰): This restaurant specializes in Fuqi Feipian, a traditional Sichuan dish made with thinly sliced beef or offal in a spicy sauce. The flavors are bold and the portions are generous.
2. Da Miao Hotpot (💰💰): Known for its authentic Sichuan Hot Pot, Da Miao offers a wide selection of meats, vegetables, and dipping sauces. The spicy broth is a must-try.
3. Yu’s Family Kitchen (💰💰💰): This upscale restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional Sichuan cuisine. The dishes are beautifully presented and the flavors are well-balanced.
4. Chen Mapo Tofu (💰): As the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in Mapo Tofu. The dish is prepared with silky tofu, minced meat, and a spicy sauce. It’s a true Sichuan classic.
5. Grandma’s Kitchen (💰💰): This restaurant serves homestyle Sichuan dishes that will remind you of your grandmother’s cooking. The atmosphere is cozy and the prices are reasonable.
6. Peter’s Tex-Mex Grill (💰💰): For those craving a break from Chinese cuisine, Peter’s Tex-Mex Grill offers a taste of Texas in Chengdu. The menu features delicious Tex-Mex favorites like fajitas and tacos.
7. Dongzikou Yulin Roast Duck (💰💰💰): This restaurant specializes in Peking Duck, a famous dish from Beijing. The duck is roasted to perfection, with crispy skin and tender meat.
8. Guo Kui King (💰): Guo Kui is a popular street food in Chengdu. This restaurant serves a variety of Guo Kui filled with different meats and vegetables. It’s a great option for a quick and tasty meal.
9. Shu Nine Incense Pot (💰💰): This restaurant offers a unique dining experience with their signature Incense Pot. It’s a hot pot style dish with a variety of ingredients cooked in a fragrant broth.
10. Lao Ma Tou Hotpot (💰💰): Lao Ma Tou is a popular hot pot chain in Chengdu. The restaurant offers a wide range of fresh ingredients and flavorful broths to choose from.
Budget Places:
1. Xiaolongbao Snack Bar (💰): This snack bar serves delicious Xiaolongbao, a type of steamed dumpling filled with meat or vegetables. It’s a great option for a quick and cheap meal.
2. Lao Huang Liang Pi (💰): This small eatery serves Liang Pi, a cold noodle dish made from wheat or rice flour. It’s refreshing and perfect for hot summer days.
3. Chengdu Tea House (💰): This tea house not only offers a wide selection of teas but also serves affordable snacks like dumplings, spring rolls, and tea eggs.
Vegetarian and Vegan Establishments:
1. Veggie House (💰💰): This vegetarian restaurant offers a variety of dishes made with plant-based ingredients. The flavors are delicious and the portions are generous.
2. Vegetarian Lifestyle (💰💰): This vegan restaurant focuses on healthy and nutritious plant-based cuisine. They offer a range of dishes from salads to stir-fries.
3. Green Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant (💰💰): This vegetarian restaurant serves a mix of Chinese and Western dishes. The menu includes mock meats and creative vegetable dishes.
Cafes with National Desserts:
1. Chuan Chuan Xiang (💰): This popular dessert cafe offers a variety of traditional Chengdu sweets and desserts. Try the Sweet Sticky Rice Balls or the Osmanthus Jelly for a taste of local flavors.
2. Xibei Youmian Cun (💰): This cafe specializes in Northwestern Chinese desserts. Their signature dish is Youmian, a sweet and crispy pastry filled with various fillings.
Bars and Pubs:
1. Jellyfish Bar (💰💰💰): Located in the city center, this bar offers a wide selection of craft beers and creative cocktails. The atmosphere is trendy and the live music adds to the vibe.
2. The Beer Nest (💰💰): This popular bar is known for its extensive selection of craft beers from around the world. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it a great place to relax and socialize.
Live Music Venues:
1. Morning House (💰💰): This cafe hosts live music performances on a regular basis. Enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to local musicians and bands.
2. Little Bar (💰💰💰): Little Bar is a legendary live music venue in Chengdu. It has been a platform for local and international bands for over 20 years. The atmosphere is electric and the music is top-notch.
Themed Restaurants:
1. Lan Kwai Fong (💰💰💰): This restaurant recreates the vibrant atmosphere of Hong Kong’s Lan Kwai Fong district. The decor is funky and the menu offers a mix of Cantonese and Western dishes.
2. The Bookworm (💰💰): This bookstore and cafe is a haven for book lovers. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while browsing through their extensive collection of books.
Local Markets:
1. Jinli Street (💰): This bustling street is a popular tourist destination in Chengdu. It offers a variety of local snacks, street food, and handicrafts.
2. Wuhou Temple Market (💰): Located near Wuhou Temple, this market is known for its wide range of street food stalls. Try the famous Shuangliu Tofu Pudding or the Chuan Chuan Skewers.
Culinary Workshops:
1. Sichuan Cuisine Museum (💰💰): This museum offers cooking classes where tourists can learn to cook traditional Sichuan dishes. The classes are led by experienced chefs and include hands-on preparation.
Seasonal Food Festivals:
1. Chengdu Food and Culture Festival (💰): Held annually, this festival showcases the diversity of Chengdu’s culinary scene. Visitors can sample a wide range of dishes and participate in cooking competitions.
Ethical and Eco-friendly Establishments:
1. Fangsuo Commune (💰💰): This bookstore and cafe promotes sustainable agriculture and offers organic food options. The interior is designed with recycled materials, creating a unique and eco-friendly atmosphere.
Cafes with a View:
1. The Temple House (💰💰💰): This luxury hotel has a rooftop cafe with stunning views of the city skyline. Enjoy a cup of coffee or a cocktail while taking in the panoramic views.
2. Moka Bros (💰💰): This trendy cafe has a terrace overlooking the bustling streets of Chengdu. It’s a great spot to relax and people-watch.
Family Restaurants:
1. Grandma’s Kitchen (💰💰): As mentioned earlier, Grandma’s Kitchen offers homestyle Sichuan dishes that are suitable for the whole family. The restaurant has a kids’ menu and a welcoming atmosphere.
Visiting Tips:
– Chengdu is known for its spicy cuisine, so be prepared for some heat in your dishes.
– It’s advisable to make a reservation at popular restaurants, especially during peak hours.
– Many local establishments only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to carry some with you.
– If you’re planning to visit the local markets, try to go early in the day to avoid crowds.
– Don’t forget to try the famous Sichuan hot pot, but be aware that it can be extremely spicy.
