Discover the Flavors of Chongqing: Must-Try Dishes You Have to Taste

When traveling to Chongqing, you must eat a rich variety of food, each of which is full of strong regional characteristics and unique taste. Below are a few must-see Chongqing cuisines:

1. Chongqing Hot Pot

Characteristics: Chongqing hot pot is undoubtedly the representative of Chongqing cuisine, famous for its spicy and fresh hot pot base and a variety of fresh ingredients. Whether it's tripe, yellow throat, duck intestines or beef, they all show their freshest side in the hot pot.

Experience: Sitting in a circle with friends and family beside the steaming hot pot, enjoying the excitement and satisfaction brought by the spiciness is an indispensable experience for traveling in Chongqing.

2. Chongqing Xiaomian(Noodles)

Characteristics: Chongqing Xiaomian is the daily food of Chongqing people, known for its spicy and fresh flavor, strong and elastic noodles. A bowl of steaming hot noodles with fried fragrant soybean sprouts and cilantro is a perfect feast for the palate.

Recommendation: There are noodle stalls everywhere in Chongqing, so feel free to find one and enjoy the authentic Chongqing flavor.

3. Shuanlafen

Characteristics: Shuanlafen are a classic of Chongqing snacks, loved for its smooth and sinewy noodles and hot and sour soup. With the addition of cilantro, crushed peanuts and other ingredients, it is a great way to whet one's appetite.

Experience: In the cold winter or hot summer, a bowl of hot and sour noodles can bring endless satisfaction.

4. Ciqikou Mahua

Characteristics: Ciqikou Mahua is a traditional snack in Chongqing, which is loved for its crispy and crunchy texture with moderate sweetness. These twisted flowers are finely made and beautifully shaped, and you can taste their unique sweet flavor in every bite.

Purchase: You can buy authentic Mahua as a souvenir or snack at tourist attractions such as the Ciqikou Ancient Town.

5. Shancheng Xiaotangyuan

Characteristics: Shancheng Xiaotangyuan is a traditional dessert in Chongqing, famous for its small size, thin skin and large filling, sweet and sticky flavor. The outer skin of the dumplings is made of glutinous rice, which is soft and sticky; the inner filling is usually black sesame or peanuts, which is sweet and savory.

Taste: In the cold winter, a bowl of steaming hot Shancheng Soup Dumplings can not only drive away the cold and warm your body, but also satisfy your taste buds.

6. Maoxuewang

Characteristics: Chongqing Maoxuewang is a traditional dish with strong local characteristics, made with duck blood, tripe, yellow throat and other main ingredients, with spicy and fresh seasonings. Its soup is thick and rich, and the ingredients are tender and delicious, which is one of the favorite dishes of Chongqing people.

Recommendation: You can taste authentic Chongqing Maoxuewang at local restaurants or night markets.

7. Chaoshou

Characteristics: Chongqing Chaoshou is one of the traditional food of Chongqing people, belonging to the wonton snack. Its thin skin and tender meat, rich and varied fillings, and smooth and delicate flavor. Combined with the special red oil soup and green vegetables, the flavor is fresh and delicious.

Experience: At breakfast or dinner, order an order of Chongqing Chaoshou with a bowl of clear soup or red oil soup to enjoy the unique Chongqing flavor.

Each of these cuisines has its own characteristics, whether it is spicy and fresh or sweet and sour. During your Chongqing tour, you’ll definitely want to try a variety of local dishes to fully experience the city’s unique food culture. 

Explore our recommended itineraries and contact us to customize your ideal Chongqing adventure.

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