Chengdu restaurants – the 3 most popular

Chengdu, a vibrant city in China’s Sichuan province, is a hub of rich cultural history and stunning landscapes and a paradise for food enthusiasts. Renowned for its fiery and bold flavors, Chengdu’s culinary scene is a testament to the city’s deep-rooted love for gastronomy. As you walk through the bustling streets, the aroma of spices and the sight of bustling eateries invite you to indulge in a world-renowned culinary experience. Food is not merely sustenance but an art form, celebrated and honed for centuries.

You can’t say you visited Chengdu without eating in one of the most famous restaurants. Sichuan cuisine is one of the Eight Great Cuisines in China and is renowned worldwide for its sophistication and diversity. Sichuan cuisine carefully balances color, smell, flavor, shape, and nutrition. Its dishes not only look appealing but are also nutritious and tasty…

It originates from the Sichuan and Chongqing areas and has three main characteristics: great color, fantastic smell, and fabulous taste. The Sichuan food is represented by dishes such as fish-flavored fried pork slice 鱼香肉丝(yú xiāng ròu sī), twice-cooked pork 回锅肉(huí guō ròu), Mapo Tofu 麻婆豆腐(Má pó dòu fǔ), spicy boiled fish 水煮鱼(shuǐ zhǔ yú), etc. Chengdu, as the capital of Sichuan, has become one of the most popular destinations among travelers around the world. People come to Sichuan not only to see but also to eat!
There are so many delicious dishes that you are totally confused about what to eat in Chengdu. Here’s the list of recommended must-try restaurants in Chengdu. 

1. Long Chao Shou (龙抄手lóng chāo shǒu)  

This restaurant originated in the 40s of the 20th century at Chunxi Road. It’s one of the oldest restaurants in Chengdu and now it has many chain restaurants. Long Chao Shou is a Sichuan-style fast-food restaurant. You can find all the famous Sichuan snacks: wonton, sweet noodles, zhong dumplings, Pork Lungs in Chili Sauce(夫妻肺片 fū qī fèi piàn), etc. During holidays, there are a large number of people who come to eat in this restaurant, and you have to wait for a long time to find a place to sit. So, my suggestion is if you want to eat there and experience Sichuan eating culture, book a table in advance or just come to the restaurant earlier in the morning. Almost everyone who comes to Chengdu would eat something at Long Chao Shou. 

2. Shu Jiu Xiang Hot Pot (蜀九香火锅 shǔ jiǔ xiāng huǒ guō)  

What’s the difference between Chongqing hot pot and Chengdu hot pot? Some Chinese would say it’s because of different hotpot ingredients. That’s right, but you have to try it. Find your answer at Shu Jiu Xiang. It’s one of the most famous typical hot pot chains in Sichuan.

The decor inside the restaurant is beautiful, and the arrangement of tables makes you feel comfortable. Shu Jiu Xiang is famous for its nine-section pot, which means they divide the pot into nine sections because it’s convenient for people to find their favorite food. This hot pot restaurant serves very good ingredients, such as beef, fried pork, and potato noodles.
 

3. Old Mum’s Rabbit head (老妈兔头lǎo mā tù tóu) 

Have you ever tried eating a rabbit head? I am sure this is not only in Sichuan. Located near Chengdu Airport, Old Mum’s Rabbit Head attracts more and more people across China. The spicy, tasty rabbit head (it may sound a little ghastly, but it tastes really good.) was first made only for her son. It tasted so good that day after day, people in this area all knew about her delicious rabbit head, then she decided to open a restaurant. Their specialty food: spicy rabbit head, mao cai (冒菜mào cài ), dumplings, etc.

In conclusion, Chengdu offers a culinary journey like no other, perfectly embodying the rich flavors and unique traditions of Sichuan cuisine. From the historic charm of Long Chao Shou, where traditional snacks come alive, to the innovative and communal experience of Shu Jiu Xiang Hot Pot, and the unique, bold flavors of Old Mum’s Rabbit Head, each restaurant presents a distinct facet of Sichuan’s gastronomic heritage. These establishments don’t just serve food; they offer a gateway into the heart of Sichuan culture, making any visit to Chengdu incomplete without savoring their delights. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, the culinary landscape of Chengdu promises an unforgettable adventure for your taste buds, deeply enriching your travel experience.

Related Tours:

• World Heritages Sichuan 9 Day Tour
• Chengdu City 1 Day Tour
• Chengdu Panda Base and Mt. Emei 5 Day Tour