Best Restaurants in Chengdu: An Insider’s Guide to Authentic Local Eateries

Discovering the best restaurants in Chengdu is an adventure that often leads away from shiny shopping malls and into decades-old, unassuming establishments. These hidden gems are the true soul of the city’s food scene, and exploring them should be a key part of any Chengdu itinerary. Locals fondly call some “fly restaurants” due to their simple settings, but they serve incredibly authentic flavors at affordable prices. This guide will take you deep into the neighborhoods to experience the unforgettable meals that define local life.

1.Huali Restaurant: A Staple Among the Best Restaurants in Chengdu for Sichuan Classics

Operating Time: Since 1995 (approx. 30 years)

Address: Huali Restaurant (Jinli West Road Branch) (Google Maps Link)

Finding one of the best restaurants in Chengdu for classic dishes often leads here. Their sweat-drenched pork kidneys (¥28 / ~$4) are a masterpiece. Sizzling oil is poured over chili flakes at your table, releasing an incredible aroma. The kidneys are tender and juicy with no unpleasant taste. This is a prime example of what is Chengdu famous for food beyond the well-known hot pot.

Another must-try is the crispy rice crust with pork slices. It’s a family-friendly dish with tender meat, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. The rice crust at the bottom softens in the broth, so eat it quickly for the best texture.

Tip: The place looks very simple, but the flavors are authentic and the prices are very reasonable.

2.Zubaizi Lung Slices: A Time-Honored Spot for Cold Dishes

Operating Time: Since 1982 (approx. 40 years)

Address: Zubaizi Lung Slices (Wangfu Street Branch) (Google Maps Link)

For over 40 years, this shop has been serving some of the best food in Chengdu. Their signature Lung Slices are a local favorite. The first bite is fragrant and spicy, with a strong numbing sensation that builds. Crunchy peanuts and fresh celery add great texture.

Their mixed bamboo shoots are also highly recommended. They are crisp, fragrant, and coated in a delicious, addictive spicy sauce. After enjoying these Chengdu famous food spots, you might wonder about what to do in Chengdu to walk it all off.

Tip: If you’re taking it to go, ask for the sauce and ingredients to be packed separately to prevent it from getting too salty.

3.Big Bowl Noodles: Home of Famous Vegetarian Noodles

Operating Time: Approx. 20 years

Address: Green Vegetable and Cowpea Big Bowl Noodles (Google Maps Link)

This spot is legendary for its Vegetarian Spicy Minced Meat Noodles. They use traditional chewy noodles and a classic minced meat sauce with a strong chili oil aroma. The key is the mix of fresh and pickled cowpeas, adding a tangy and fresh flavor.

The braised pork rib noodles are another solid choice. Figuring out where to stay in Chengdu can help you be close to gems like this.

Tip: Don’t forget to ask for an extra serving of cowpeas! They still use a traditional number system for orders, adding to the nostalgic feel.

4.Hailin Snacks & Wontons: The Legendary Rib Noodles

Operating Time: Approx. 30 years

Address: Hailin Snacks & Wontons, Dumplings & Noodles (Google Maps Link)

Many argue this shop serves some of the best pork rib noodles in Chengdu. The ribs are braised until tender and flavorful, and the noodles are springy. The broth is fresh, spicy, and aromatic.

Tip: It’s hidden inside a wet market. The old sign shows its history. After your meal, explore the market to feel the vibrant local life. This is a great activity to include in your Chengdu travel itinerary.

5.Xiong Ji Mixed Vegetables: A 30-Year Neighborhood Favorite

Operating Time: Approx. 30 years

Address: Xiong Ji Cold Vegetables (Google Maps Link)

This is a classic Chengdu local restaurant. The black bean rabbit is a taste of childhood for many. A rich black bean sauce coats every piece of tender rabbit, perfect with rice. The sesame oil peanuts are also delicious.

The mixed beef tripe is another winner, with a crisp and refreshing texture.

Tip: The staff can help you select items for your mixed vegetable box. Prices are uniform, with beef and tripe starting around ¥25 (~$3.5).

6.Yu Jia Tiantang Pig Brain: A Reopened Legend

Operating Time: Approx. 10 years (previously 15)

Address: Yu Jia Tiantang Pig Brain (Google Maps Link)

This reopened shop is a unique find among Chengdu’s best restaurants. Their “Pickled Pepper Paradise” uses pig palate cartilage (one per pig), which is incredibly crisp and tender. It’s stir-fried with various peppers for a fresh, spicy kick.

The tofu pig brain is like an advanced Mapo Tofu. Tender tofu and creamy pig brain sit in a fiery broth, creating a numbing and fragrant dish. For a different kind of heat, you must also try the city’s famous Chengdu hot pot.

Tip: The new location is much cleaner than the original roadside stall.

7.Longhu Renjia: A Long-Established Skewer Spot

Operating Time: Approx. 20 years

Address: Longhu Renjia Skewers (Wuhou Avenue Branch) (Google Maps Link)

For great skewers, this is one of the best places to eat in Chengdu. The coriander beef and beef tripe are excellent. The broth is rich and gets spicier as you eat. Their unique dipping sauce with pickled cowpeas is a must-try. This is one of the great things to do in Chengdu at night.

Tip: While they have branches, the original Waishuangnan location is still the most popular.

8.Xu Niang Bobo Chicken: A Student Favorite

Operating Time: Approx. 10 years (operating for 19)

Address: No. 2 Courtyard, Beijie (Google Maps Link)

Hidden in a residential courtyard, this spot is a favorite for its Bobo Chicken. The chicken skin is a standout—smooth with a numbing Sichuan pepper flavor. All skewers are ¥0.7 (~$0.10) each. Just grab what you want.

Tip: Pair your meal with a bowl of cool soy milk porridge for the perfect combination. If you’re planning a longer trip, consider a trip from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou to see stunning natural scenery.

9.Zhai Daye Wonton: A Community Staple Since 1996

Operating Time: Since 1996 (approx. 20 years)

Address: Zhai Daye Wonton (Shubei Lane Branch) (Google Maps Link)

With 21 flavors, this shop offers some of the best wontons in Chengdu. The matsutake, shrimp, and crab roe are all great. The soup base, made daily with ingredients like cordyceps flowers and bamboo fungus, is rich and nourishing. They are a fantastic example of what are Chengdu dumplings and their delicious variations.

Tip: The wontons are large and generously filled. The shop is in a quiet residential alley with a very local atmosphere.

10.Xinyuelai Restaurant: A Farmhouse Feast

Operating Time: Approx. 15 years

Address: Xinyuelai Restaurant (Longdengshan Branch) (Google Maps Link)

For a true farmhouse experience, this is one of the best restaurants in Chengdu outside the city center. The stir-fried liver and kidney is a test of skill—crisp liver and tender kidney with no fishy taste. The sour pepper rabbit is sour, spicy, and perfect with rice. The spicy crispy intestines are full of “wok hei” (breath of the wok).

Tip: It’s very busy during peak hours. Call ahead to order so your food is ready when you arrive.

11.Li Daye’s Local Barbecue: From a Tricycle to a Legend

Operating Time: Approx. 20 years

Address: Li Daye’s Local Barbecue (Google Maps Link)

This legendary spot started from a tricycle. The beef fat is a star—crispy on the outside and juicy inside. The shredded beef tenderloin is pure lean meat, grilled to juicy perfection. The spare ribs are meaty and fall-off-the-bone tender.

Tip: Don’t skip the vegetables! The grilled eggplant, chives, and potatoes are fantastic.

Experience the True Taste of Chengdu

The real best restaurants in Chengdu are these time-honored eateries. They have defined the city’s culinary landscape for decades with their consistent, authentic flavors. We hope this guide helps you explore beyond the tourist trails and taste the most vibrant and authentic side of Chengdu. If you’re still asking yourself is Chengdu worth visiting, this food scene alone is a resounding yes! For a well-rounded trip, pair your meals with visits to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China or the peaceful Wenshu Monastery Chengdu.

Note on Prices: USD conversions are approximate and based on an exchange rate of ~1 USD = 7.2 CNY. Prices are subject to change.

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