Chengdu Cuisine
Most of Chengdu's local food specialties started out as snacks or Xiaochi (small eats).They originated in little stands or stalls located on sides of the road.Being located in Sichuan Province,Chengdu's local specialties are famous for their delicious spiciness.Sichuan Province is one of the four famous local cuisines in China.There is a Chinese saying "All good foods are found in Chengdu".Chengdu's foods have become famous throughout China and their renown has recently been spreading into Western countries.
Chengdu Hotpot（成都火锅）:
Along with the smaller snack-like dishes,hotpot in Chengdu is not to be missed.Although originating in Chongqing,it has become extremely popular in Chengdu.There are many hotpot shops located in the older section of Chengdu near the Chunxi Lu Market,as well as along the river.Big pots filled with hot spicy oil invite passers by to sit down,order dishes of raw meats and vegetables,and cook them in the oil. The pieces of meat and vegetables are sliced very small so they will cook very quickly.In the summer,vegetables are normally eaten in hotpot,and in winter meats and heavier vegetables such as potatoes are used.This type of hotpot is extremely spicy, but wonderfully delicious.Most of the pots used in hotpot are divided into two sections.One half is filled with the spicy oil,and the other is filled with a delicious broth for those who are not a big fan of spicy foods.
Chinese Barbecue（中式烧烤）:
Cooked on the side of the road on homemade charcoal grills, Chinese Barbecue is a favorite of Chengdu residents. The stand's owner sets out a large variety of meats, seafood, vegetables, and tofu on wooden skewers. Customers simply pick up a tray or basket and place the desired skewers on them. Then the food is cooked and the customers have the choice to sit on small stools and eat the food there, or take it to go. The skewers cost very little, and are cooked very quickly. Normally pepper and spices are added to the skewers, but if the customer does not like spicy foods, it can be omitted.
Tie Ban Shao (Chengdu Stir-fry, tappasaki)铁板烧:
This is a Chengdu-style stir-fry. It originated in Japan, but has been altered to meet Chengdu people's taste. Customers first pick out skewers of meats and vegetables that they wish to eat, which are then deep fried in oil for a minute or two. After the ingredients are fried, they are removed from the skewers and finely diced. They are then stir fried in a wok and other ingredients chosen by the customer are added. Finally they are served. Rice can usually be added for a small extra charge. It is delicious, and spicy, but again if customers do not like spicy food, peppers will not be added during the cooking process.
Ma La Tang (Tongue Numbing Soup)麻辣烫:
This is an excellent way to test your spicy food eating capacity. These restaurants have large bowls of spicy chili peppers and other spices floating in boiling water over a flame. You pick out as many skewers of meat or vegetables as you would like and then cook them in the pot yourself. Normally there will be a bowl of sesame oil, oyster sauce, and diced garlic to dip the food in to deaden the spiciness.
Chao Shou (Chengdu Wonton)龙抄手:
This local specialty is similar to the Zhong Shui Jiao Dumplings. Chao Shou Wontons are also stuffed with pork and vegetables, the difference is that the dough is very thin and the dumplings are served in a soup. There are two kinds of soups available: spicy, or not spicy. Each one makes the dish taste completely different.
Huang Cheng Lao Ma
Built and run by artists, this amazing restaurant on Second Ring Road South is a must for visitors to Chengdu. Huang Cheng Lao Ma is a massive brick-and-stone building with sculpted pillars rising up either side with a stone facade depicting scenes from old Chengdu. The hotpot here comes in traditional spicy varieties and also wild mushroom, seafood, and "soft/clear soup" styles. Not only will you get an idea of the creativity in architecture and cuisine still visible in modern China, but there are often photo exhibitions from local artists. The top floor is a high-class teahouse.
Chuan Jiang Hao Zi
The most popular hotpot restaurant in Chengdu, spot this place by the line of people at the front door chewing sunflower seeds as they wait for a table. The hotpot here is classic Sichuan style, with plenty of fresh meat and vegetables from which to choose. Even if you call ahead for a reservation, the policy seems to be first-come, first-served.
Piaoxiang
This restaurant is renowned for its efforts to update Sichuanese dishes, transforming traditional into something wonderful. Simple fare like dou hua and hue guo rou is fresh and tasty, and includes much less oil than your average spot. The menu is mostly ribs, tofu, and chili sauce, but more fefined than the typical street stall.
Jin Gu Fish
This great seafood place sits right in the middle of Yulin, the restaurant district of Chengdu. If you are not sure which of the spicy fish dishes to order, ask the manager to put together a meal for you. If it's on the menu,try the spicy ya yu, a style of fish from the mountains of western Sichuan.
Tandoor
Just a couple of blocks from the American Consulate, this restaurant serves the city's best northern Indian fare. The decor, a sophisticated combination of wood and mirrors, makes a meal here seem like a special occasion. It's no surprise that the devoted Punjabi chef serves up delicious tandoori chicken, and there's also freshly baked breads.
