When we talk about Chengdu's cuisine in particular and Sichuan cuisine in general, we immediately think of the distinctive spicy flavor characteristic of the region. Join Vietjet as we explore the top 9 famous dishes you can't miss when visiting Chengdu!

1. An Overview of Chengdu's Culinary Culture

Chengdu - the first city to be recognized by UNESCO as a city of gastronomy, is famous for dishes that are not only visually appealing but also rich in a spicy flavor that stimulates all senses.

Chengdu dishes have the typical spicy flavor of Sichuan cuisine.

The most popular dishes include noodles, dumplings, pastries, sweet dumplings, salads, and soups. Diners will have the opportunity to savor the appealing flavors of Chengdu's cuisine, from street stalls to upscale restaurants.

2. Discover 9 famous dishes of Chengdu cuisine

2.1. Hot Sichuan Hotpot - Iconic dish

Sichuan hot pot in China is a harmonious combination of many ingredients such as star anise, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper and chili, creating a fragrant and spicy flavor. The spicy taste of this dish is unique, numbing the tip of the tongue, ensuring an unforgettable taste. Besides the tingling spicy feeling, the broth made from chicken bones and pork bones also brings a naturally sweet flavor that makes you unforgettable. When mixed with the crispy, fresh and sweet taste of seafood and different types of meat, it will enhance the delicious aroma of the famous Sichuan Hot Pot.

Sichuan hotpot is an iconic dish that you cannot miss when coming to Chengdu.

2.2. Enjoy chewy noodles mixed with spicy sauce in Dan Dan noodles

Dan Dan Noodles is a classic street food that vividly represents Chengdu's culinary culture. In Chinese, locals call this noodle dish 担担面 - giandànmiàn /dan-dan-myen/. The noodles are made from white flour, rolled thinly and cut into long strands, prepared fresh to eat the same day. Besides the typical vermicelli dish, Dan Dan is also served with a variety of toppings such as minced meat, chopped vegetables, chili oil,... mixed with rich spicy sauce to create an irresistible delicious flavor.

2.3. Enjoy meatballs seasoned with Kung Pao chicken

When talking about Chinese cuisine, we must mention Kung Pao chicken - an attractive Chengdu dish. Chicken is cut into bite-sized cubes. Then, this meat is stir-fried with dried chili, ginger, and peanuts until fragrant and golden and served with a little green onion. Original Kung Pao chicken will have a unique spicy taste. So, if you are not used to spicy food, ask the restaurant to reduce the chili to suit your taste.

Kung Pao chicken balls are also a specialty dish that you cannot miss when coming to Chengdu

2.4. Enjoy the unique dragon claw dumplings

Chengdu-style dumplings in Chinese are translated phonetically as /lóngchāoshǒu/ - meaning "dragon claw". The main characteristics of this dish are the thin dough made from wheat flour, the delicious filling and the gentle, sweet soup. The "dragon's claw" dumpling skin is described as "thin as paper, smooth as silk" thanks to the rubbing process that creates transparent patches. Inside the skin is minced pork mixed with cabbage and spices. Each dumpling becomes more delicious and rich when eaten with sweet broth simmered from the bones for many hours, rich and greasy, leaving an unforgettable impression on diners.

2.5. Mapo Tofu: Rich and creamy, blended with a thick sauce

This is a famous Chengdu dish known to many foreign tourists. So, when you visit Chengdu, you must try it at least once. Mapo Tofu is special because of the harmonious blend of tofu cream and rich sauce. To get authentic Mapo Tofu, the ingredients must include soft, fatty, melt-in-your-mouth white tofu. The essence of this dish lies in the sauce cooked with minced pork (or beef) stir-fried with tofu balls, onions, green beans, wood ear mushrooms, soy sauce, chili powder... Corn starch is also added to creates a delicious flavor. dish. more delicious. The sauce is smoother and more fragrant. richer.

Ma Ba tofu has a blend of soft, fragrant tofu and spicy sauce

2.6. Experience “Husband and Wife Lungs” Fuqi Feipian

This dish is usually made from pig lungs (can use cow lungs) cut into bite-sized pieces, mixed with many spices and vegetables such as green onions, roasted peanuts, and cilantro to add delicious flavor.

The name of this dish sounds very romantic, originating from Legend of a couple. Although simple, this dish often surprises many foreign tourists because of its easy-to-eat and attractive flavor. Crispy chewy pieces of lung mixed with fragrant spices and the nutty taste of peanuts will definitely impress you right from the first bite.

2.7. Enjoy fragrant skewers on the streets of Chengdu

Referring to Sichuan and Chengdu cuisine without mentioning skewers is a big mistake. In Chinese culture, hot, fragrant meat skewers are a feature of street food. From popular eateries to high-end restaurants, you can easily find themd this traditional tasty dish everywhere, from grilled, fried to dipped in hotpot. The accompanying ingredients are also extremely diverse with a full range of vegetables. After enjoying the hot meat skewers, you can immediately refresh your palate with fruit skewers that are cooling and sweet.

Skewers are a popular street food in Chengdu that you cannot resist

2.8. Taste the flavors of Chengdu's "Sandwich" - Guokui Bread

Another unique street food that you should not miss when visiting Chengdu is Guokui. Its shape is quite similar to Western pastries but it is completely a dish with Chinese culinary style. Guokui is processed into two types: traditional and improved. The traditional type is a crustless grilled meat cake with the main spices being red chili and black pepper, creating the typical spicy flavor of Chengdu dishes. The second type is prepared like a Western-style sandwich but with more oil. With this type, diners can choose between savory or sweet dishes. Bread is made from dough with meat or sweet filling inside. After the dough shaping process, Guokui is pan-fried until the outer layer is golden and crispy.

2.9. Spicy dumplings - Unique dish in Chengdu

Unlike other places in China, in Chengdu, locals like to prepare dumplings with typical spicy seasoning. There are two options: regular dumplings and banh canh dumplings. The filling of spicy dumplings is made from ground pork mixed with traditional spices such as pepper, soy sauce, green onions, ginger, etc. The outer layer of dough is made from wheat flour. For regular dumplings, each serving comes with a spicy, aromatic red chili oil sauce. You can add a little sesame oil to add flavor to the dumplings. For noodle soup, the broth is sweet and not spicy, a favorite choice for those who cannot eat spicy food.

Spicy cranes are a typical dish in Chengdu, there are two types for you to choose from: dumplings and dumpling soup

3. Where to enjoy Chengdu cuisine?

3.1. Shaxixian Food Street

This is one of the most popular destinations for diners in Chengdu. This area offers a wide variety of Sichuan dishes from popular street food stalls to high-quality restaurants. If you're looking for snacks, try Dan Dan noodles, Guo Kui, and Chengdu-style spicy dumplings.

3.2. Vu Hau Food Street

Wuhou Pagoda Street is an attractive dining and health care complex in Chengdu. The dishes and remedies here not only have delicious flavors but also have high nutritional value, helping you detoxify your body after enjoying Chengdu's spicy specialties.

3.3. Jinli Ancient Town

Dubbed “the oldest commercial street in Sichuan province”, Jinli Old Street is conveniently located just 350 meters from Wuhou Pagoda, making it easy for visitors to visit. The appeal of old town cuisine lies in its diverse and delicious snacks, surrounded by ancient historical buildings. Some of Jinli Old Town's most iconic dishes include San Da Pao, rice balls, dumplings, and Three Kingdoms-themed dishes.

You can both take advantage of the hot atmosphere of Chengdu's nightlife and create a diverse and rich cuisine.

3.4. Manjushri District

Wenshuyuan is famous as a commercial district that blends the beauty of Sichuan folk culture with modern Western elements. However, this area still focuses on developing and preserving local traditional culture and history. Here, you can find long-standing restaurants that you should definitely visit such as Longchaoshou, Zhong tofu dumpling restaurant, Lai dumpling restaurant.

Are you ready to embark on your journey to Chengdu to enjoy all the delicious dishes the region has to offer? VietJet is currently offering many flights to Chengdu at extremely attractive prices, making it easy for you to see and experience the capital of Sichuan with your own eyes. What are you waiting for? Visit https://www.vietjetair.com/en/air-tickets/tickets-to-sichuan/ to book flight tickets to Chengdu now.

See more: Chengdu travel costs - The happiest city in China

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