Chongqing Jianghu Cuisine: What to Eat Beyond Hot Pot

Hot pot and Chongqing noodles might be the first things that come to mind when you think of Chongqing food. But there’s another local favorite that deserves a spot on your food list: Jianghu cuisine (江湖菜).

Picture friends gathering around a table piled high with spicy chicken, sizzling fish, and stir-fried dishes, sharing food and chatting over beers. That’s Jianghu cuisine!

And if you’ve already had hot pot twice and want something different, it’s a great alternative. You’ll still get Chongqing’s famous bold flavors, but with far more variety than you might expect.

Here are six dishes worth trying, where to find them, and a few things to know before ordering.

For more local dishes beyond Jianghu cuisine, see my guide to what to eat in Chongqing.

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What Is Chongqing Jianghu Cuisine?

Even Chongqing locals might struggle to give you an exact definition of Jianghu cuisine.

It’s often described by three Chinese characters: 土 (rustic), 粗 (rough), and 杂 (eclectic).

Think humble neighborhood restaurants, enormous plates, and cooks who aren’t afraid to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques.

Unlike traditional Sichuan cuisine, which follows more established cooking methods, Jianghu cuisine has a free-spirited approach. Many dishes originated in roadside restaurants, where cooks developed bold flavors without worrying too much about culinary rules.

Chilies and Sichuan peppercorns feature heavily, but not everything is fiery. You’ll also find sour, savory, and milder dishes.

And unlike Chongqing hot pot, where you cook everything yourself, Jianghu dishes arrive freshly prepared from the kitchen, ready to share.

6 Must-Try Jianghu Dishes in Chongqing

From crispy chicken buried in chilies to fish cooked with pickled ginger, these are six Jianghu dishes I’d put on the list for a first visit.

1. Laziji (Spicy Fried Chicken / 辣子鸡)

A huge plate of dried red chilies arrives at your table, and somewhere underneath is the chicken you ordered!

That’s laziji, one of Chongqing’s best-known dishes.

Small pieces of chicken are deep-fried until crispy, then tossed with dried chilies and Sichuan peppercorns. It’s crunchy, fragrant, and seriously addictive if you enjoy spicy food.

Half the fun is hunting for the chicken among all those chilies. And no, you’re not supposed to eat the entire pile of dried peppers!

Laziji would be one of my top picks for first-timers. Just remember that the chicken is often bone-in, and even with fewer chilies, the meat itself can still be spicy.

One plate is usually enough for two or three people to share.

2. Laifeng Fish (来凤鱼)

If you love spicy fish, Laifeng fish is worth seeking out.

Originating from Laifeng, an old trading stop along the historic Chengdu–Chongqing route, it’s often considered one of the early examples of Chongqing Jianghu cuisine.

The fish arrives in a large bowl of rich red chili oil, surrounded by chilies and Sichuan peppercorns. The meat is tender, while the broth packs a powerful, mouth-numbing kick.

Of the three fish dishes on this list, Laifeng fish is the one to try for a full-on málà (numbing and spicy) experience.

You can request wēi là (微辣), or mildly spicy, but don’t expect a completely mild dish.

Watch out for fish bones, and bring a few friends. Portions are often large enough for three or four people.

3. Spring Water Chicken (泉水鸡)

Spring water chicken is a Chongqing specialty from the Nanshan area, and its traditional serving style is what makes it particularly interesting.

It’s called yī jī sān chī (一鸡三吃), meaning “one chicken, three dishes.”

The chicken meat is braised with spices, the giblets are stir-fried, and the blood is used in a soup. Three different dishes from one chicken!

The braised chicken is tender but firm, with a rich, spicy flavor that’s generally less intense than laziji or Laifeng fish.

It’s a fun experience for adventurous eaters, especially when you’re sharing with a group.

Many spring water chicken restaurants are around Nanshan. Some prepare chickens to order, so expect a longer wait, and check whether reservations are needed.

4. Mao Xue Wang (Spicy Duck Blood Stew / 毛血旺)

Mao xue wang is probably the most adventurous dish on this list!

It’s a huge bowl of spicy red broth filled with duck blood, beef tripe, pork aorta, luncheon meat, bean sprouts, and other ingredients.

The duck blood has a soft, tofu-like texture, while the tripe is pleasantly chewy. Everything is coated in that rich, mouth-numbing broth.

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it as everyone’s first Jianghu dish, especially if you’re uncomfortable with blood or offal.

But for adventurous eaters, it’s definitely worth considering.

Order a bowl of steamed rice alongside it. You’ll appreciate something plain between bites of that spicy broth!

5. Shui Zhu Yu (Boiled Fish / 水煮鱼)

Don’t let the English name “boiled fish” fool you. There’s nothing bland about this dish!

Thin slices of fish are cooked in a spicy broth, then finished with sizzling chili oil, dried chilies, and Sichuan peppercorns.

The fish is wonderfully soft and tender, soaking up the fragrant seasoning without losing its delicate texture.

Unlike Laifeng fish, which typically comes in larger chunks, shui zhu yu uses thinner fish slices. It’s a better choice for anyone who prefers soft, tender fish without having to pick through bigger bone-in pieces.

Many restaurants use grass carp or snakehead fish, often with most of the bones removed, though you should still eat carefully.

Like most Jianghu dishes, it’s best shared rather than ordered for one.

6. Bishan Rabbit (璧山兔)

Bishan rabbit is a Chongqing specialty from Bishan, where it’s considered one of the area’s two signature dishes alongside Laifeng fish.

Small pieces of rabbit are stir-fried over high heat with fresh green and red chilies and Sichuan peppercorns. The meat is tender and flavorful, with a fragrant, numbing kick that’s less heavy than laziji.

It’s a great choice for first-timers curious about trying rabbit meat. Rabbit has a relatively mild flavor, making it easier to approach than dishes made with blood or offal. The spice level can usually be adjusted, too.

The classic version is Jianjiao Rabbit (尖椒兔), and portions are generous. One whole rabbit is often enough for two or three people to share.

For something less spicy, look for Baikan Rabbit (白砍兔) instead.

Best Jianghu Cuisine Restaurants in Chongqing

Now that you know what to order, where should you eat?

These six restaurants are good starting points, whether you’re after a classic Jianghu meal, a nostalgic neighborhood setting, or somewhere convenient after sightseeing.

Restaurant	Best for
Yangji Longfu	First-time visitors
Mafangwan No. 66	Nostalgic atmosphere
Chunyang Old Tavern	Casual local dining
Lao Gan Jia	Dinner near Hongya Cave
Fanshi Jianghu Cuisine	Good value near Jiefangbei
Tiantuxiang Old Restaurant	Budget meals near the cableway

For more dining options across the city, check out my Chongqing restaurant guide.

1. Yangji Longfu (杨记隆府) – Best for First-Timers

Yangji Longfu is one of Chongqing’s best-known Jianghu restaurants, especially popular with first-time visitors.

The restaurant has a nostalgic Republican-era interior, with wooden furnishings and old-fashioned decorations. It’s a little more polished than a typical neighborhood Jianghu restaurant, but the food is still the main attraction.

The Republican-style Spicy Chicken (民国辣子鸡) and Yangji Signature Fish (杨记招牌鱼) are two classics. Don’t overlook the Giant Sesame Rice Ball (大麻圆), either. It’s enormous and so photogenic that I spent about five minutes taking pictures before eating it!

This would be my first choice for a classic Jianghu meal in central Chongqing. It’s within walking distance of Jiefangbei and Hongya Cave. Try arriving around 5 p.m. for an early dinner to get ahead of the busiest queues.

• Address: No. 32-7 Linjiang Branch Road, Yuzhong District, about five minutes from Linjiangmen Station (Line 2).
• Average cost: ¥80–100 per person.

2. Mafangwan No. 66 Jianghu Cuisine (马房湾66号江湖菜) – Best for a Nostalgic Atmosphere

Mafangwan No. 66 sits in an older residential neighborhood in Shapingba, with 1980s-style decorations that make the restaurant feel like a little trip back in time.

The cooking is hearty and full of wok hei, that smoky aroma you get from stir-frying over high heat. The Geleshan Spicy Diced Chicken (歌乐山辣子鸡) and Signature Mao Xue Wang (招牌毛血旺) are good starting points. There’s also Pickled Chili Pork Kidneys (泡椒腰花) and Brown Sugar Sticky Rice Cakes (红糖粑粑).

I think it’s a good restaurant, but not one I’d travel across Chongqing just to visit. It makes more sense to stop here when you’re already exploring Ciqikou or nearby Shapingba. Mafangwan Colorful Alley is next door, so you can walk around and take photos after eating.

• Address: Yangli Road, Shapingba District, around 200 meters west of Yanggongqiao Station Exit 1B.
• Average cost: ¥70–80 per person.

3. Chunyang Old Tavern (纯阳老酒馆) – Best for a Local Tavern Experience

Chunyang is quite different from the big-plate Jianghu restaurants above. This decades-old neighborhood tavern is small, casual, and the sort of place where people gather over a few dishes and drinks.

Tables spill onto the sidewalk, and there’s more seating tucked away through the passage beside the restaurant. It’s the kind of unpretentious local spot that’s easy to walk past without realizing what’s inside.

Instead of ordering one enormous dish, share several smaller plates. Try Sliced Pork with Garlic Sauce (蒜泥白肉), Spicy Crispy Lettuce Salad (活捉莴笋), and Fresh Chili Pork Trotters (鲜椒蹄花), along with a glass of Plum Rice Wine (梅子酒).

Come here for a relaxed neighborhood dining experience rather than another busy tourist restaurant. The smaller plates also make it a different experience from the large, shared dishes at many Jianghu restaurants.

• Address: No. 50 Zhongyi Branch Road, Yuzhong District, near Qixinggang Station Exit 2 (Line 1).
• Average cost: ¥60–70 per person.

4. Lao Gan Jia Crayfish & Jianghu Cuisine (老甘家小龙虾江湖菜) – Best Near Hongya Cave

After an evening exploring Hongya Cave, one of the city’s most popular nighttime attractions, Lao Gan Jia is a convenient place to stop for dinner.

The restaurant specializes in crayfish alongside a wide selection of Jianghu dishes.

The Garlic Crayfish (蒜蓉小龙虾) and Tender Braised Chicken Feet (耙凤爪) are two highlights. You can also order Geleshan Spicy Diced Chicken (歌乐山辣子鸡) or Spicy Crab Pot (香辣盆盆蟹) when sharing with friends.

There are enough options for a group with different tastes, especially when not everyone wants another intensely spicy dish.

Some cliffside seats offer river views, but I wouldn’t count on getting a particular table. The convenient location is reason enough to consider it.

• Address: No. 16 Daijia Alley, Yuzhong District, less than ten minutes on foot from Hongya Cave.
• Average cost: ¥80–120 per person, depending on your crayfish order.

5. Fanshi Jianghu Cuisine (樊氏江湖菜) – Best for Value Near Jiefangbei

Fanshi is hidden at the bottom of a residential building in a small lane near Jiefangbei. It’s not particularly easy to find, but that’s part of what makes it different from the more polished restaurants around the tourist streets.

It’s a long-running neighborhood restaurant known for generous portions, lively service, and prices that are surprisingly reasonable for such a central location.

One of the more interesting choices is Shredded Rabbit with Ginger (大汉姜丝兔). Other dishes include Fish-flavored Eggplant Rolls (鱼香茄龙), Oil-splashed Spicy Fish (油泼麻辣鱼), and Homestyle Pork Trotter Soup (老妈蹄花汤).

For ¥50–70 per person, Fanshi is a good place to try straightforward local cooking beyond the usual spicy chicken, especially if you’re curious about dishes like ginger rabbit.

• Address: No. 34 Jiuchikan, Yuzhong District, around 250 meters from Xiaoshizi Station Exit 9 (Line 1).
• Average cost: ¥50–70 per person.

6. Tiantuxiang Old Restaurant (田土香老菜坊) – Best Near the Yangtze River Cableway

Just a few minutes from the Xinhua Road station of the Yangtze River Cableway, Tiantuxiang is a practical choice when you want a proper meal without spending much.

This long-running neighborhood restaurant serves generous, home-style Jianghu dishes at clearly listed prices. Staff can also help you choose portions based on your group size, which is especially useful for families.

Try the Sour and Spicy Fish (非遗酸菜鱼), Geleshan Spicy Diced Chicken (歌乐山辣子鸡), or Dual-flavor Mao Xue Wang (鸳鸯毛血旺). The Rongchang Braised Goose (荣昌卤鹅) is another option worth looking for.

One unusual extra is that guests may be able to play mahjong after eating, a fun little glimpse of the local dining culture.

There’s no need to make a separate cross-city trip just for this restaurant, but its location and reasonable prices make it a convenient choice after riding the cableway.

• Address: Wanji Plaza, Xinhua Road, Yuzhong District, about three minutes from the Yangtze River Cableway’s Xinhua Road Station.
• Average cost: ¥35–60 per person.

How to Order Jianghu Cuisine in Chongqing

One thing worth knowing before ordering: Jianghu dishes are usually BIG!

For two people, two main dishes plus a cold appetizer or soup are generally enough. Three people can share three hot dishes and a smaller side.

Don’t get carried away by the photos on the menu, or you’ll end up with more food than you can finish!

What About the Spice Level?

Most Jianghu restaurants can adjust the heat. Ask for wēi là (微辣), meaning mildly spicy, or shǎo fàng làjiāo (少放辣椒), meaning fewer chilies.

Just remember that Chongqing’s “mild” can still be quite spicy.

For less spicy options, look for Steamed Pork with Rice Flour (粉蒸肉), Scallion Mashed Potatoes (葱香土豆泥), or Sliced Pork with Garlic Sauce (蒜泥白肉).

For more mild dishes and places to eat, see my guide to non-spicy restaurants in Chongqing.

Menus can also include unfamiliar ingredients such as pork intestines, kidneys, tripe, duck blood, eel, and bullfrog. Ask about the ingredients before ordering when you’re unsure.

Useful Chinese Phrases for Ordering

Chinese	Pronunciation	Meaning
微辣	wēi là	Mildly spicy
不要辣	bù yào là	No chili
少放花椒	shǎo fàng huā jiāo	Less Sichuan pepper
推荐什么？	tuī jiàn shén me?	What do you recommend?
两个人吃，点几个菜合适？	liǎng gè rén chī, diǎn jǐ gè cài hé shì?	How many dishes for two?
米饭	mǐ fàn	Steamed rice
打包	dǎ bāo	Pack up leftovers
买单	mǎi dān	The bill, please

I’d also recommend ordering steamed rice. It helps balance the rich, spicy dishes.

And don’t worry about not speaking Chinese. A translation app and a few photos on the menu can go a long way.

Is Jianghu Cuisine Worth Trying?

Absolutely! Chongqing is much more than hot pot. A table of laziji, fish, and a few shared dishes gives you a completely different taste of the city.

For a first trip to Chongqing, I’d make room for both hot pot and Jianghu cuisine. They’re two very different ways to experience the city’s food culture.

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