Chengdu Famous Food: The Ultimate Guide to 10 Must-Try Street Foods

Welcome to Chengdu, the UNESCO-recognized Capital of Gastronomy! If you’re searching for an authentic taste of Sichuan as part of your Chengdu tourism adventure, exploring Chengdu famous food is an absolute must. The city’s vibrant street food scene is the heart of its culinary soul. This guide features the top 10 must-try street foods, offering a genuine local experience. For each dish, you’ll learn what it is, the best way to eat it, and where to find it, ensuring you can navigate the world of Chengdu cuisine with confidence. To make the most of your culinary journey, consider pairing this food guide with a detailed Chengdu travel itinerary.

1.Sichuan Wontons (Chao Shou)

What is it?

Chao Shou is the Sichuan version of wontons. They feature a thicker wrapper, a more substantial pork filling, and are typically served in a flavorful, often spicy, sauce.

How to Eat It:

Clear Soup: A light broth perfect for those who prefer non-spicy options.

Red Oil: The classic choice, featuring a spicy, numbing oil that defines Sichuan street food.

Dry Mix: Tossed in a rich blend of sesame paste, vinegar, and spices.

Where to Eat: Long Chao Shou (main branch near Chunxi Road).

2.Dan Dan Noodles

What is it?

Dan Dan Noodles are arguably the most iconic of all Chengdu famous foods. These thin noodles are served with a potent sauce containing minced pork, preserved vegetables, chili oil, and Sichuan peppercorns.

How to Eat:

Stir everything together thoroughly to coat each strand of noodle. The result is a powerful, addictive mix of spicy, savory, and numbing flavors.

Where to Eat: Look for specialized noodle shops or try the version at Chen Mapo Tofu restaurant.

3.Zhong Shui Jiao (Pork Dumplings)

What is it?

These are a classic Chengdu snack with over 130 years of history. They are small, delicate dumplings filled with pure, seasoned pork.

How to Eat:

They are always served with a signature sweet and spicy red oil sauce. The flavor experience is unique: sweet first, then spicy, and finally a hint of numbing sensation.

Where to Eat: Zhong Shui Jiao (main branch near Chunxi Road).

4.Bobo Chicken (Cold Pot Skewers)

What is it?

Bobo Chicken involves skewers of pre-cooked ingredients, like chicken and vegetables, soaked in a special, fragrant red oil broth and served cold.

How to Eat:

Pick your skewers from a display.

The staff will prepare them by soaking them in the broth.

Enjoy the cool, spicy, and incredibly fragrant skewers—perfect for a hot day.

Where to Eat: Leshan Xianzhiwei Bobo Chicken (near Du Fu Thatched Cottage).

5.Chengdu Rabbit Head

What is it?

A beloved local delicacy and a true testament to adventurous Chengdu cuisine. It’s a flavorful, often spicy, marinated rabbit head. If you’re wondering what is chengdu like in terms of its more unique eats, this is a prime example.

How to Eat:

This is a hands-on experience. Pry the head open to eat the cheek meat, suck out the brain, and enjoy the tongue. It’s often paired with a cold beer and is a popular choice for things to do in Chengdu at night.

Where to Eat: Deng’s Rabbit Head or Meiji Rabbit Head (Beidajie).

6.Sweet Water Noodles (Tian Shui Mian)

What is it?

A unique noodle dish characterized by its thick, chewy noodles and a complex sweet, spicy, and numbing sauce.

How to Eat:

Mix the noodles well to blend the sesame paste and sweet soy sauce with the chili. The sweetness hits first, followed by the spice.

Where to Eat: Zhang Laoer Liangfen or stalls near Wenshu Monastery.

7.Sugar-coated Fruit (Bing Tang Hulu)

What is it?

A traditional Chinese sweet often found on Chengdu streets. It consists of hawthorn berries coated in a hard, shiny sugar shell.

How to Eat:

Enjoy it as a sweet snack between spicy dishes. The crispy sugar shell contrasts with the soft, tart fruit inside.

8.Braised Pig’s Trotters

What is it?

Slow-cooked until incredibly tender, this is a comforting and collagen-rich Chengdu famous food.

How to Eat:

You can have it in the original milky broth or try spicy, sour, and spicy, or cold versions. It’s a popular late-night snack.

Where to Eat: Liao Laoma Pig’s Feet (near People’s Park).

9.Pig’s Intestine Rice Noodles (Fei Chang Fen)

What is it?

A popular Chengdu breakfast featuring soft, stewed pig’s intestines served with smooth sweet potato noodles in a spicy broth. For more on classic dishes, see our full guide on what is chengdu famous for food.

How to Eat:

For the full experience, pair it with a “Juntun Guokui” (Sichuan meat pie).

Where to Eat: Qingshiqiao Laowafang Pig’s Intestine Rice Noodles.

10.Egg Cake (Dan Hong Gao)

What is it?

A simple and popular Chengdu street crepe, crispy on the outside and soft inside, with various sweet or savory fillings.

How to Eat:

Choose your filling, from sweet red bean paste to savory pork floss. It’s a quick, cheap, and delicious snack.

Practical Tips for Exploring Chengdu’s Famous Food

Managing Spice: Don’t hesitate to ask for “wei la” (mild spicy) or “bu la” (no spicy).

Finding the Best Stalls: Look for places with a long line of locals—this is often a sign of quality and freshness.

Payment: While mobile pay is ubiquitous, carrying some small cash is wise for older street vendors.

Best Food Streets: Visit Kuanzhai Alley, Jinli, Jianshe Road, and Kuixinglou Street for a high density of options.

Planning Your Visit: To efficiently sample these delights, a well-structured plan like our chengdu 3 day itinerary or the best chengdu itinerary can be incredibly helpful. And after a day of eating, discover more things to do in Chengdu at night.

Exploring the diverse and thrilling Chengdu famous food scene is one of the best ways to experience the city’s culture. So, be adventurous, follow your nose, and enjoy your culinary journey through Chengdu. For those who truly love heat, don’t miss the city’s ultimate dish: Chengdu hot pot.