Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, is a paradise for food lovers. Known for its bold flavors, fiery spices, and diverse culinary traditions, this city offers an unforgettable gastronomic adventure. Whether you're craving the numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns or the comforting warmth of a steaming bowl of dan dan noodles, Chengdu has it all. Here’s a meticulously crafted 3-day foodie itinerary to help you savor the best of Chengdu’s legendary cuisine.
Start your day with a bowl of long chao shou, Chengdu’s famous wontons. These delicate dumplings are served in a savory broth or drenched in a spicy chili oil sauce. Head to Long Chao Shou Restaurant near Chunxi Road for an authentic experience. Pair them with zhong shui jiao (钟水饺), another local favorite—plump pork dumplings glazed in a sweet and spicy sauce.
No trip to Chengdu is complete without tasting mapo tofu, the iconic dish that combines silky tofu with minced pork in a fiery, numbing sauce. Chen Mapo Tofu Restaurant, the birthplace of this dish, serves the most authentic version. The la zi ji (spicy fried chicken) is another must-try here—crispy, fragrant, and loaded with dried chilies.
Stroll through Jinli Ancient Street, a bustling alley lined with food stalls. Try san da pao (三大炮), glutinous rice balls tossed in sweet soybean flour, or chuan chuan xiang (串串香), skewers of meat and veggies dipped in spicy broth. Don’t miss the bing fen (冰粉), a refreshing jelly dessert topped with fruit and brown sugar syrup.
For a refined take on Sichuan cuisine, book a table at Yu’s Family Kitchen. Their shui zhu yu (水煮鱼), tender fish fillets swimming in chili oil, is legendary. The gan bian si ji dou (干煸四季豆), dry-fried green beans with minced pork, offers a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Kick off your second day with tian shui mian (甜水面), thick wheat noodles coated in a sweet, spicy, and nutty sauce. Zhang Lao Er Liang Fen near Wenshu Monastery is a top spot for this dish. Their liang fen (凉粉), cold mung bean jelly in chili sauce, is equally addictive.
Explore Chengdu’s noodle scene with a visit to a hole-in-the-wall joint like Gan Li Zi Dan Dan Mian (干李子担担面). Their dan dan mian (担担面), noodles topped with minced pork and chili oil, is a masterpiece of simplicity. For something milder, try jiao yan guo kui (椒盐锅盔), a flaky, savory pancake stuffed with spiced meat.
Wander through Kuanzhai Alley, where food stalls serve up zhang cha ya (樟茶鸭), tea-smoked duck with a smoky aroma, and lai tang yuan (赖汤圆), soft glutinous rice balls filled with black sesame paste. Grab a cup of pao pao cha (泡泡茶), a frothy tea drink unique to Chengdu.
End the day with Chengdu’s ultimate culinary experience: Sichuan hot pot. Shu Daxia is a local favorite, offering a bubbling cauldron of spicy broth loaded with Sichuan peppercorns. Order thinly sliced beef, mao du (毛肚, tripe), and huang hou (黄喉, pork aorta) for the full experience. Cool your palate with bing tang xue li (冰糖雪梨), a sweet pear dessert.
Try dou hua (豆花), silken tofu pudding, at a local breakfast spot like Xiao Tan Dou Hua. Served savory with chili oil or sweet with syrup, it’s a versatile dish. Pair it with shao bing (烧饼), a crispy sesame flatbread.
Dive into Chengdu’s cang ying guan zi (苍蝇馆子, "fly restaurants")—no-frills eateries with incredible food. Ming Ting Fan Dian is famous for yu xiang qie zi (鱼香茄子), eggplant in garlicky fish-fragrant sauce, and hong shao rou (红烧肉), braised pork belly.
Unwind at Heming Teahouse in People’s Park, where locals sip meng ding gan lu (蒙顶甘露) tea. Order a bowl of zhong shui jiao (钟水饺) or lai tang yuan (赖汤圆) from nearby vendors while enjoying a traditional ear-cleaning service.
For a grand finale, dine at Song Xian Qiao, where chefs elevate Sichuan classics. Their gong bao ji ding (宫保鸡丁), kung pao chicken with peanuts, is flawless, and the jia chang dou fu (家常豆腐), homestyle tofu, is comfort food at its best.
This 3-day itinerary barely scratches the surface of Chengdu’s food scene, but it guarantees an unforgettable journey through the city’s most iconic flavors. From fiery street snacks to elegant banquets, Chengdu is a food lover’s dream—one delicious bite at a time.
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Author: Chengdu Travel
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Source: Chengdu Travel
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