7 Best Restaurants in Chengdu, Sichuan and Chongqing

Chen Mapo Tofu

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This is the original mapo tofu shop, first invented by a lady whose surname was Chen. Mapo tofu is a classic Sichuanese dish, which features cubes of silken tofu topped with spicy ground pork and fermented fava bean paste.
179 Yulong Rd., Chengdu, Sichuan, China
028-8675--4512
Known For
  • history
  • family-style dishes
  • fast casual vibes

Hong Xing

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Eat like a local at Hong Xing, where Sichuan cuisine is done consistently well. Favorites on offer include eggplant with garlic and ginger, pork with peanuts and peppers, or the house signature dish called Hong Xing Ji, which is tender bits of chicken floating in a sea of sesame oil topped with peanuts and mouth-numbing pebbles of Sichuan peppercorns. There are lots of unique vegetarian options, including shredded white bamboo.

137 Ziwei Dong Lu, Chengdu, Sichuan, 61001, China
028-8517–5388
Known For
  • spicy cuisine
  • lots of veggies
  • poultry dishes
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No credit cards

Huang Cheng Lao Ma

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Run by artists, this amazing restaurant occupies a massive brick-and-stone building with sculpted pillars flanking either side and a facade depicting scenes from old Chengdu. The hotpot comes in the traditional spicy varieties, as well as a qing tang, or "soft soup," style without the spices. You can also opt for those prepared with wild mushrooms or seafood. There are often photo exhibitions from local artists. The top floor is a high-end teahouse and a performance space.

20 3rd Section, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
028-8513–9999
Known For
  • tongue-numbing spice
  • decor
  • artsy vibes
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No credit cards

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Jujube Tree (Zao Zi Shu)

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All famous Chinese dishes can be found on this restaurant's user-friendly picture menu, from Peking duck to Sichuan numbing peppercorns and chicken. Well, mock chicken, but it tastes so close to real chicken, and sometimes better, even the biggest carnivore would enjoy dining here. Ultraclean and friendly service can be expected. Very creative veggie dishes include a mushroom hotpot and mango mushrooms! It is more of a lunch spot as the atmosphere is simple and no alcohol is served.

27 Qinglong St., Chengdu, Sichuan, 610016, China
028-8628–2848
Known For
  • diverse dishes
  • spicy cuisine
  • impeccable interior
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No credit cards

Mao Jiao Huo La

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This is a chuan chuan restaurant, which is meat on skewers cooked in a hotpot. It's a family-style affair with everyone boiling their food tableside in a cauldron of spicy chili oil.

Tandoor Indian Restaurant

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Just a couple of blocks southwest from the American Consulate and across the street from the Bookworm Cafe, this northern Indian restaurant serves Chengdu's best Indian fare. The decor, a sophisticated combination of wood and mirrors, makes a meal here seem like a special occasion. Tandoor is named after the traditional clay oven used in India, so it's no surprise the grilled meats and chicken are consistently tender and delicious.

34 S. Renmin Rd., 4th Section, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
028-8555–1958
Known For
  • great roti
  • meat platters
  • unique interior
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted

Zhang Lao Er

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Located next to the Wenshu Monastery, Chengshi Liangfen has been doling out street snacks since 1944. Their claim to fame is the tian shui mian, or sweet water noodles. It's cold rectangular cut noodles dressed with a vinaigrette of sesame paste, garlic, sweet soy sauce, chili oil, and crushed Sichuan peppercorn.
39 Wenshuyuan St., Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Known For
  • historical vibes
  • noodles
  • quick service