What's so attractive about Chengdu cuisine? Top 10+ famous dishes typical of Sichuan

Chengdu, the Sichuan culinary paradise, is famous on the world culinary map for its rich, spicy and colorful dishes. This is a place where rich culinary culture converges, harmoniously combining sour - spicy - salty - sweet flavors in each dish, sure to make any food lover fall in love. Famous for its bold and spicy flavors, Chengdu cuisine offers an attractive experience that truly stimulates the palate.

1. Sichuan Spicy Hot Pot

Sichuan spicy hotpot (Photo source: Collected)

If you are a fan of Chengdu cuisine , you definitely cannot ignore Sichuan hot pot - the fiery symbol of the cuisine here. Standing out with its spicy, rich broth and the characteristic numbing feeling from Sichuan pepper, this hot pot also impresses diners with its eye-catching red color mixed with cinnamon, ginger, garlic and fermented beans.

The special thing about Sichuan hotpot lies in the flexibility in choosing ingredients. Diners can freely enjoy a variety of dipping dishes such as beef, fresh seafood, small intestine, green vegetables or seasonal mushrooms - all creating a rich and attractive symphony of flavors. Not only a dish, Sichuan hotpot is also a catalyst for intimate conversations and cozy gatherings between friends and family.

When in Chengdu, you can visit famous hot pot restaurants such as Lao Ma Tou Hot Pot or Shu Jiu Xiang to fully experience the local culinary spirit. Prices range from 80 to 150 yuan per person, depending on the type of hot pot and ingredients you choose – a completely reasonable price for an experience rich in Sichuan culture.

2. Mapo Tofu: Spicy Tofu

Mapo Tofu (Image source: Collected)

Mapo Tofu, also known as Sichuan Tofu, is a signature dish that cannot be missed when mentioning Chengdu cuisine. Legend has it that this dish was created in 1862 at a small restaurant called Chen Xingsheng, located right in the heart of Chengdu. The name “Mapo” comes from the female chef with a face covered with freckles – a symbol associated with the folk origin of the dish.

The main ingredients of Mapo Tofu include soft tofu, minced meat and a rich spicy sauce made from chili, Sichuan pepper and other typical spices. The combination of the spicy, slightly numbing taste on the tip of the tongue and the smooth, fatty texture of the tofu creates a unique culinary experience, allowing the diner to wander through each level of flavor. Mapo Tofu is usually served with white rice, but is also attractive enough to enjoy on its own as a standalone dish.

3. Dan Dan Noodles

Dan Dan Noodles (Image source: Collected)

One of the culinary quintessence of Chengdu that cannot be missed is Dan Dan noodles (Dan Dan Mian) - a symbol of street food culture here. First appearing in 1841 by Tran Bao Bao - a street vendor, the name "Dan Dan" actually originated from the carrying pole that street vendors often use, so this dish is also known by the popular name "shoulder noodles". Dan Dan noodles make a strong impression on diners with the spicy sauce typical of Sichuan cuisine, combined with chewy egg noodles, fragrant minced meat, fresh garlic, coriander, crispy roasted peanuts and indispensable Yacai pickled mustard seeds and Sichuan chili - two ingredients that make up the "soul" of the dish. Pickled mustard seeds are not only a familiar spice but also a part of the daily culinary life of the people here, when each family has a large jar available for use all year round.

4. Kung Pao Chili Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is one of the typical dishes of Sichuan, famous not only in China but also widely loved in the world . According to some historical documents about Chinese culinary culture, this dish was created during the Qing Dynasty, when an official with a special interest in chicken dishes tried adding Sichuan pepper to the familiar stir-fried chicken dish. The unexpected blend of spicy flavor and characteristic aroma made the dish different, spreading quickly among gourmets and gradually becoming a symbol of Chengdu cuisine - the place known as the cradle of Sichuan cuisine.

The chicken is lightly fried to just the right degree, combined with crispy roasted peanuts, vegetables and dried chili, all soaked in a smooth layer of Kung Pao sauce, creating a unique symphony of flavors: spicy, salty, sweet, and fragrant in harmony. This is a dish that anyone who loves Sichuan specialties, or is learning about traditional Chinese cuisine, should definitely not miss.

5. Red Chili Jelly Noodles

Liangfen (literally “jelly noodles”) is a popular street snack that adds to the diversity of Chengdu cuisine. It is usually served in a red chili oil sauce mixed with fragrant sesame oil. For added flavor, herbs such as coriander are often added to balance the characteristic spicy taste.

In Chengdu, jelly noodles are made from a variety of starches such as mung beans, peas, or sweet potatoes, creating three signature variations worth trying when visiting the city.

Interestingly, each restaurant or street vendor has its own unique sauce recipe. In addition to the spicy chili oil and chili powder, the sauce is often accompanied by minced garlic, salt, and other local spices. Some places even allow diners to choose their own herbs and spices to adjust the flavor to their liking.

The spicy flavor of liangfen is often paired with the sweet wheat noodles, creating an interesting contrast between the two dishes. You can easily find both at the same restaurant or adjacent kiosks.

In addition to the traditional red chili sauce version, liangfen also comes in a variation served with a rich bean sauce. According to locals, this cool dish is especially popular in the summer as a way to “cool off” in the typical Chengdu heat.

6. Dumplings

Dumplings are one of the most popular traditional dishes in Chengdu cuisine. Although popular throughout China, dumplings here have a distinct flavor thanks to the combination of soft meat filling and spicy Sichuan-style sauce.

Visitors can easily find many different types of dumplings sold at street carts or on the menus of local restaurants. The most popular type is the red chili oil dumpling, which stands out with a layer of sauce made from ground chili, sesame oil and spicy spices – typical of spicy Chinese cuisine. The spicy and salty taste of this dish is unforgettable.

In addition, soup dumplings are also very popular thanks to the light soup layer, making the dish easy to digest and suitable for people who can eat spicy food. With a variety of processing methods, Chinese spicy dumplings have become one of the famous Chengdu dishes that many tourists love when exploring Sichuan specialties.

7. Wonton

Wonton (Image source: Collected)

In the journey to discover Chengdu cuisine, wonton (Longchaoshou) is a dish that tourists cannot miss. This is how Sichuan people name a familiar dish but has a unique, rich local flavor.

The highlight of Chengdu wontons is the thin, almost transparent skin, handmade from whole wheat flour. The wonton filling is usually a delicate combination of minced pork and special spices, creating an unforgettable delicious flavor. The accompanying soup is simmered from chicken, duck or pork bone broth, bringing a sweet, rich and warm taste.

Wonton is not only a traditional dish but also a culinary symbol associated with Chengdu culture. This is an ideal choice for those who want to learn about Chengdu specialties, experience authentic Sichuan cuisine, or simply enjoy a bowl of delicious soup during their China tour.

8. Guokui (Meat Pie/Sandwich)

Guokui (/gwor-kway/ – meaning “excellent wok”) is a famous Chengdu snack, loved by many foreign tourists for its unique flavor and shape reminiscent of Asian crepes, pancakes or sandwiches.

There are two popular variations of this dish. One is the baked guokui, filled with a rich meat filling, often seasoned with red chillies and black pepper – the signature ingredients that give Sichuan cuisine its unforgettable spicy flavour. The other is shaped like a pita – filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings – and is sometimes served as a lighter, less greasy dessert that is easier for first-time visitors to eat.

In Chengdu, you will find traditional guokui at many street stalls or bustling night markets. In addition to the meat version, many places also serve vegetarian guokui – a combination of vegetables or Chinese salads sandwiched in a crispy golden pastry.

9. Chuan Chuan Skewers

Chuan Chuan is a signature dish that cannot be missed when mentioning Chengdu cuisine, standing out with its unique preparation method: all ingredients are skewered on bamboo sticks, bringing a delicious and interesting experience.

There are two popular forms of this dish. The first is like a mini hot pot – diners choose their favorite food sticks and dip them into the boiling broth at the table. The second type is prepared by the chef and brought to the table, then cut into small pieces to enjoy immediately.

What makes Chuan Chuan so appealing is the variety of ingredients – from tender meats, fresh seafood to sweet and crunchy vegetables, all of which can be chosen at will. Each skewer usually has just the right amount of food, allowing diners to easily enjoy many different types without worrying about going over budget – very suitable for those who want to fully explore Chengdu street food.

10. Zhangcha Smoked Duck

Zhangcha Smoked Duck (Photo source: Collected)

Zhangcha smoked duck is a traditional dish typical of Chengdu cuisine, characterized by its rich flavor thanks to being smoked with tea and camphor. This dish requires an elaborate preparation process consisting of 5 stages: carefully marinating, lightly boiling, naturally drying, smoking to create a characteristic aroma and finally deep-frying to create a golden, crispy skin. This is one of the dishes that bears the mark of Sichuan cuisine, not only attracting diners with its seductive aroma but also with the delicate flavor in each piece of duck meat.

Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/am-thuc-thanh-do-v17284.aspx