1. Hot Pot (火锅)

  • Flavor: Numbing-spicy (málà) with beef tallow base.
  • Must-try: Beef tripe, duck blood, and huanghou (bamboo pith).
  • Avg. Cost: ¥80-150/person.

2. Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐)

  • Traits: Silky tofu with minced beef in chili-bean sauce.
  • Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (adjustable).
  • Price: ¥25-50.

3. Dandan Noodles (担担面)

  • Key Taste: Peanut-sesame sauce with minced pork.
  • Texture: Springy wheat noodles.
  • Cost: ¥10-20/bowl.

4. Fuqi Feipian (夫妻肺片)

  • What’s in it: Sliced beef/tongue in chili oil.
  • Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (cooling with peanuts).
  • Price: ¥30-60.

5. Chuan Chuan Xiang (串串香)

  • Style: Skewered meats/veggies in spicy broth.
  • DIY Fun: Pick your own skewers (¥0.5-3/stick).

6. Rabbit Head (麻辣兔头)

  • Adventure: Spicy braised rabbit heads.
  • Local Tip: Suck meat from cheeks.
  • Price: ¥12-15 each.

7. Long Chao Shou (龙抄手)

  • Dumpling: Wontons in chicken/pork broth.
  • Mild Option: Clear soup for kids.

8. Guokui (锅盔)

  • Street Snack: Crispy pancake with beef/peanut fillings.
  • Portable: ¥6-12.

9. Spicy Crab (香辣蟹)

  • Seafood: Stir-fried crab with dried chilies.
  • Best Paired: Cold beer.

10. Sweet Water Noodles (甜水面)

  • Contrast: Thick noodles with sweet-spicy sauce.
  • Unique: Chewy texture like udon.

Comparison Chart

Food Spice Level Price (¥) Best Time to Eat Veg Option
Hot Pot 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 80-150 Dinner (social meal) Mushrooms/tofu
Mapo Tofu 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 25-50 Lunch with rice Yes (tofu)
Dandan Noodles 🌶️🌶️ 10-20 Breakfast/lunch Yes (no meat)
Fuqi Feipian 🌶️🌶️ 30-60 Appetizer No
Chuan Chuan 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 30-80 Late-night snack Yes (veggies)

Pro Tips:

  • Spice Warning: Ask for wei la (微辣, mild spice) if sensitive.
  • Where to Go:
    • Hot pot: Chuanchuan Xiang (¥50/person).
    • Dumplings: Long Chao Shou chain.

Enjoy Chengdu’s fiery and flavorful food scene! 🐼🔥