Where to Eat: 24 Top Restaurants in Chengdu

📍Address: 36 Xiaojiahe Middle St, Wuhou District

3. Fuqi Feipian – 夫妻肺片

Fuqi Feipian is a traditional Sichuan dish known for its unique flavors, made by braising a mix of beef cuts such as tongue, heart, and tripe, slicing them thinly, and tossing them with a blend of chili, soy sauce, red oil, peanuts, sesame, and Sichuan pepper. The dish is further enhanced with celery and cilantro for added aroma and flavor.

This dish has now become famous worldwide and serves as a culinary icon of Chengdu.

In Chengdu’s Chunxi Road, there’s a prominent Fuqi Feipian restaurant, often regarded as the “original” and most authentic place to try this dish.

Their Fuqi Feipian sticks to its roots, offering a traditional taste with no frills. The ingredients and seasonings have remained consistent: thin slices of beef, beef skin, tongue, and tripe, topped with peanuts and mixed with red chili oil. The meat is firm yet tender, delivering a spicy, savory taste with a touch of sweetness that isn’t overpowering. The glistening red oil alone is enough to make your mouth water.

📍Address: 23 Zongfu Rd, Luomashi, Jinjiang District

4. Zhong Shui Jiao – 钟水饺

Zhong Shui Jiao dumplings from Chengdu have been around since the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, surviving through three centuries.

What sets Zhong Shui Jiao apart is its signature red oil seasoning. Unlike the clear broths often used with northern dumplings, the heart of Zhong Shui Jiao is its vibrant, enticing red oil. This carefully crafted chili oil, mixed with an array of spices, delivers a spicy kick that’s not too overpowering and a rich aroma that isn’t too heavy. With each bite, the dumplings release a burst of flavorful juices, creating an incredibly savory experience. Paired with special condiments like minced garlic and soy sauce, every bite is a delight for the taste buds.

📍Address: 9 Citang Street, Qingyang District

5. Daijiang Caotang – 带江草堂

Opened in 1936, Daijiang Caotang is a renowned and historic Chinese restaurant, famous for its fresh fish dishes. The restaurant offers authentic Sichuan cuisine that aligns well with the local taste, and the prices are quite reasonable.

Specializing in fresh fish, their standout dish is the garlic-braised catfish. The catfish is tender and flavorful, with cooking enhancing its natural taste, making it even softer and more appetizing.

The restaurant’s fish are kept in baskets in the river beside the establishment. Customers can choose their fish, which is then freshly caught and cooked, highlighting the freshness and quality of the fish.

📍Address: 101 Xian N Street, Jinniu District

6. Pan Sun Shi – 盘飨市

Pan Sun Shi, a well-known marinated food shop in Chengdu, has been around since 1925. The shop specializes in marinated dishes, with its marinated meat guokui (a type of crispy flatbread) and other treats being favorites among customers. The marinated meat is deeply flavorful, and the guokui is perfectly crispy, making it a must-try for those looking to experience traditional Chengdu snacks.

With its long history, Pan Sun Shi has a unique charm. The bold sign outside, the historically themed interior, and the witty couplets at the entrance all add to the old Chengdu ambiance.

The secret to Pan Sun Shi’s lasting success lies in its marinade, a rich, aged broth that has been carefully preserved and passed down through generations. The blend of spices used in the marinade is a closely guarded secret, contributing to the shop’s enduring popularity.

In the afternoons, the shop also offers freshly made meat buns, drawing in crowds of eager customers who line up to get their hands on them!

📍Address: 64 Huaxing Street

7. Chenshi Liangfen – 洞子口陈氏凉粉

Located in a lively part of Chengdu, Chenshi Liangfen is a small, humble eatery that might be basic in appearance, but it’s always bustling with diners from morning to night. Customers find their own spots along the riverbank and pick their dishes based on personal preference. When the owner brings out a dish, it’s best to grab it quickly, as they can run out fast.

A standout dish here is the cold chicken in red oil, a signature item that’s highly sought after. The red oil is aromatic and deeply flavorful, with a sweet and spicy balance that isn’t greasy, making it incredibly tempting—almost anything would taste great with it.

The starch jelly noodles are another popular choice. These translucent noodles, cut into long strips, are mixed with red oil that clings to them perfectly. They dissolve in your mouth, offering a spicy kick with a subtle sweetness from the sugar.

The braised pork elbow is another must-try. The large pork elbow is braised to perfection—so tender that with just a slight pull, the skin and meat fall apart, melting in your mouth.

📍Address: 42 Fude Road, Jinniu District

8. Lai Tang Yuan – 赖汤圆

Founded in 1894 during the Qing Dynasty, Lai Tang Yuan has become a standout among Chengdu’s many tangyuan (glutinous rice ball) shops. Traditionally, tangyuan is eaten with a spoon, but at Lai Tang Yuan, it’s picked up with chopsticks and dipped in sesame paste. The tangyuan doesn’t stick to the chopsticks or teeth and has a smooth, sweet, and soft texture that isn’t too greasy, making it one of Chengdu’s most renowned snacks.

Lai Tang Yuan now comes in a variety of flavors, such as rose, jujube paste, sweet bean paste, sesame, peanut, and brown sugar. However, the classic favorite is still the black sesame and lard filling. The tangyuan has a smooth and soft skin with a sweet and fragrant filling. When dipped in sesame paste, it’s perfectly sweet without being overpowering, leaving a delightful aftertaste.

📍Address: 23 Zongfu Road, Jinjiang District

9. XiaoTan DouHua – 小谭豆花

XiaoTan DouHua, a legendary spot in Chengdu, has been around for over 60 years and has been passed down through four generations. It’s particularly famous for its tofu pudding.

San Zi Douhua is a savory version of tofu pudding served with a spicy chili oil base and crispy fried noodle sticks. The fried noodles add a crunchy texture and aren’t greasy, making the dish flavorful and rich. It’s a dish even those new to savory tofu pudding will find enjoyable, although it might leave a slight numbing sensation in your mouth.

Bingzui Douhua pairs tofu pudding with fermented rice, a combination that’s rarely seen. It’s cool, smooth, and has a light sweetness from the rice wine, making it a perfect refreshment on a hot day.

The restaurant also provides free pickles, noodle soup, and soy milk, with a reputation for friendly service.

📍Address: 86 Xidajie

10. Han BaoZi – 韩包子

Established in 1914, Han BaoZi has become a beloved spot. The takeout window sees long lines every day, with customers often purchasing in bulk, ten or twenty buns at a time. The shop itself is spacious and well-maintained, and it’s common to see elderly patrons eagerly lining up early to buy these popular buns.

Han BaoZi is famous for its thick, doughy exterior and substantial filling. The meat filling is finely minced, with a perfect mix of fat and lean meat. Steamed to perfection, the buns are juicy, bursting with flavor, and not greasy. Interestingly, each bun has a hint of sausage flavor, with a texture that is both chewy and tender.

📍Address: 7 Gaoshengqiao East Road

11. HaoZiDong Zhang YaZi – 耗子洞张鸭子

Founded in the 1930s, HaoZiDong Zhang YaZi has expanded with several branches across Chengdu.

True to its name, this restaurant focuses on duck dishes, featuring a diverse selection. The menu includes the famous salted duck from Nanjing and other Sichuan duck specialties, such as their signature Zhangcha duck and sweet skin duck.

The Zhangcha duck is especially noteworthy, offering a unique flavor from the camphor wood and tea leaves. The duck is evenly colored, juicy, and has a firm texture.

📍Address: 16 Gulou S Street, Qingyang District

12. HuaXing JianDan Mian – 华兴街煎蛋面

HuaXing JianDan Mian is renowned for its tomato egg noodles, a classic dish with a history stretching back to 1901.

Their signature tomato egg noodles come with a strong tomato aroma. The tomatoes are sliced into strips and garnished with a touch of chopped scallions. The tomato flavor is robust, and the broth is light and appetizing, making the dish both refreshing and satisfying.

The noodles are thin and similar to Zhejiang-style fine dried noodles, providing a soft and chewy texture when immersed in the broth. While the presentation might not be as intricate as in Zhejiang or Jiangsu cuisines, the taste is exceptional.

It’s best to avoid peak hours due to the limited seating of about ten tables.

📍Address: 45 Zitong Brg Main St, Luomashi, Jinjiang District

13. Piaoxiang Hot Pot – 飘香火锅

Located on Yulin West Road in Chengdu, Piaoxiang Hot Pot is a top spot that you must try when visiting Chengdu, highly recommended by the locals. The place is always bustling, and people even start queuing in the afternoon.

Sichuan hot pot here is known for its great value, featuring a flavorful and spicy red oil base. The pot is served with an array of fresh ingredients like tender beef, fresh tripe, duck blood, cow stomach and throat, and green vegetables

While the setting is quite ordinary, the service can vary depending on the mood of the staff.

📍Address: 34 Yulin West Road

14. Taolin Restaurant – 饕林餐厅

A visit to Taolin Restaurant is a must for anyone touring Chengdu, as this renowned Sichuan eatery is a favorite among both locals and tourists. Nestled in a small alley near Chunxi Road, it’s a hidden gem.

Top dishes to try include the Cold Pot Fish (Bass), Spicy Chicken, Twice-Cooked Pork, and Kung Pao Chicken. The servings are large, the flavors are superb, and the prices are very reasonable, making it a haven for Sichuan food enthusiasts.

The restaurant has a clean and modern atmosphere, complemented by friendly and attentive service.

📍Address: 69 Dongsheng St, Jinjiang District

15. Quanjiafu Rice Noodles – 全家福米线

Quanjiafu Rice Noodles is a beloved and long-standing eatery in Chengdu, known for its popularity among the local community. Their signature dish, a bowl of rice noodles, is filled with chicken, beef, tripe, and a braised egg. Customers can choose between a rich, spicy red broth or a lighter clear broth, with options for large or small portions.

For spice lovers, the red broth version is a standout, especially when enhanced with extra chili peppers for an intense kick.

The clear broth option offers a lighter, yet flavorful experience, featuring a clear, fragrant soup, smooth noodles, and the savory taste of pickled vegetables.

📍Address: 31 Guangming Ln, Luomashi, Qingyang District

16. WUMING MAOCAI – 无名冒菜

This popular spot is only open for a few hours around midday, and once they’ve sold out, they close for the day. The restaurant has no sign or name, but you can easily find it by spotting the long line of locals who frequent this hidden gem in Chengdu.

Maocai is a straightforward dish: you select your favorite raw ingredients, which are then boiled in a spicy broth, drenched in more spicy broth, and finished off with a sprinkle of green onions.

The beef is a standout item, tender, juicy, and bursting with natural flavor without the need for heavy seasoning. Other must-tries include the thousand-layer tripe, shrimp dumplings, quail eggs, and a variety of vegetables. Topped with savory fermented black beans, this maocai is well worth the hour-long wait.

📍Address: No.19 Xierdao Street

17. Hongshe Chongqing Hot Pot – 鸿社重庆老火锅

In Chengdu, hot pot restaurants are everywhere, and while most tourists flock to the big chains, locals swear by Hongshe Hot Pot. This hidden gem, known for its aromatic red broth that fills the air, draws large crowds, especially during meal times. Tucked away next to a vegetable market, it can be tricky to find, but the semi-open-air setting allows the enticing scent of sizzling hot pot to permeate the surrounding streets, leaving those in line eagerly anticipating their meal.

The hot pot base here is an authentic Chongqing-style, with a touch of rice wine for added flavor. It starts off mildly spicy, but as it simmers, the heat gradually builds without turning bitter, even after extended cooking. The menu offers affordable options served in simple clay bowls. The spicy beef is robust and satisfying, the kidney slices are crisp yet tender, and no matter how often you indulge, it never gets old. To beat the crowds, aim to arrive before 5 PM.

📍Address: Shuxiangli 1 Ln, Jianshe Road, Chenghua District

18. SanGe TianLuo – 三哥田螺

At first glance, newcomers might be taken aback by the restaurant’s modest and simple exterior. But once you’ve wiped down the slightly greasy tables and chairs, the arrival of the chef’s signature spicy stir-fried snails will redefine your idea of deliciousness.

These generously sized snails burst with intense, numbing spice, offering a level of deliciousness that exceeds all expectations. The fiery stir-fried pork aorta is both crunchy and deeply flavorful, packing a heat that will have you tapping your feet. To round off the meal, the stir-fried crayfish tails arrive, filling the air with their fresh and alluring aroma, accompanied by a rich sauce that’s perfect with rice.

Immersed in these delightful flavors, you’ll soon forget about the tight dining space and simply savor every bite.

📍Address: 5 North Shuyuan Street

19. GANHAIJAO CHAOSHOU – 干海椒抄手

Nestled in an old residential neighborhood, this distinctive restaurant, known as Ganhaijiao Chaoshou, is easily recognized by the array of signs draped over its railings. It’s so popular that the line often stretches from the doorway to the nearby flower beds, with customers happily waiting over an hour for a bowl of these wontons.

Despite the high demand, the owner meticulously prepares the seasoning for each bowl, ensuring the dry chili wontons always have the same authentic flavor. These wontons have a subtle sweetness that balances the spiciness, combined with the aroma of green onions and garlic, offering a truly satisfying taste.

The restaurant also features a special non-spicy dish: Chicken, Shrimp, Crab Egg, and Bamboo Wonton. Each wonton is packed with a whole shrimp, and the broth, made from free-range chicken and bamboo fungus, is incredibly flavorful.

📍Address: 71 Jianshe Road

20. Gan Ji Fei Chang Fen – 甘记肥肠粉

In Sichuan, where spicy food reigns supreme, pork intestines are prepared with remarkable skill. Gan Ji’s spicy sweet potato noodles with stewed pig intestines are a prime example, featuring sweet potato noodles cooked in a rich broth made from pork intestines. The savory flavors of the intestines permeate the noodles, while the red chili oil broth is spicy, and the intestines themselves are tender and free from greasiness.

Gan Ji Fei Chang Fen has become a standard for this dish in Chengdu, retaining the nostalgic taste that locals have cherished for decades.

The magic of this dish lies in its seasoning. The aromatic and numbing red chili oil mixes beautifully with the sweet potato noodles, delivering a flavor that’s both spicy and addictive. Fresh celery and pickled mustard greens serve as the base, enhancing the overall fragrance of the dish.

📍Address: 18 Ma’an N Street

21. Longchaoshou Shifu – 龙抄手食府

Established in 1979, this long-standing eatery immediately draws you in with its classic, old-fashioned exterior, evoking the charm of historical Chengdu with its gray bricks and blue tiles. Longchaoshou Shifu is renowned for its Longchaoshou dumplings, which feature delicate, thin wrappers and tender, flavorful fillings.

The clear broth dumplings are prepared with a savory stock made from chicken and pork bones, resulting in a rich, aromatic white broth. The red oil dumplings, on the other hand, are enhanced with chili oil, delivering a delightful mix of numbing spice. Besides dumplings, the restaurant also offers a range of popular Sichuan street foods.

📍Address: 9 Huanhua N Street, Qingyang District

22. Xieji Tian Shui Mian – 谢记甜水面

Chengdu is famous for its sweet water noodles (tianshuimian), and Xieji is the top choice for many. Despite its modest appearance, the shop is always crowded, with the owner preparing noodles and sauces right in front of you. The key to their deliciousness is the special sauce.

Xieji’s sauce is made in-house, combining sweet bean paste and sesame paste into a thick, jelly-like mixture. Garlic water and red oil are then added, creating a sweet and spicy flavor profile. The chewy, handmade noodles paired with this flavorful sauce offer a truly authentic Chengdu street food experience.

📍Address: Fuqin St North 2 Ln, Fuqin, Jinniu District

23. Yunji Luma Chuanchuan – 云记卢妈串串

In Chengdu, chuan chuan is a staple of everyday cuisine. It’s a variant of hot pot where vegetables and meats are cut into skewer-friendly pieces, threaded onto bamboo sticks, and cooked in a special broth. Diners can customize their experience with various dipping sauces, such as oil or vinegar.

Cold pot chuan chuan, which is especially popular in the summer, is well-represented by Yunji Luma Chuanchuan. The term “cold pot” refers to the pot’s exterior, not the temperature of the dish, which is served hot.

A must-try dish at Yunji Luma is the rabbit head, which is richly flavored in spicy red oil. While there isn’t much meat, the pleasure of eating it comes from the process of gnawing on the flavorful morsels.

The restaurant is known for its innovation, offering popular snacks like kidney and duck feet as part of its menu.

📍Address: 102 Zhongdao St, Jinjiang District

24. Gong Ting Gao Dian – 宫廷糕点

Gong Ting Gao Dian is a must-visit spot in Chengdu, especially before the New Year, where lines are a common sight. The pastries here are budget-friendly and hold a special place in the hearts of Chengdu locals. The Napoleon pastry is a standout favorite!

Served cold from the fridge, the Napoleon offers a refreshing, almost ice-cream-like creaminess, complemented by raisins and walnuts that blend beautifully. The filling is plentiful, with a crisp outer layer and a soft, creamy interior.

The peach crisps come in both sweet and savory varieties and are so delightfully crisp that they almost melt in your mouth. They can be slightly oily, so pairing them with tea might enhance the experience.

📍Address: 33 Dacisi Road, Jinjiang District