Sichuan Hot Pot

Chengdu is known for its spicy food, and Sichuan Hotpot is one of the best examples of this style. However, if you prefer less spicy food, just order the clear or mushroom broth versions, which give you all of the flavor and less fire. If you're eating as a mixed group, you can order your food "yuanyangguo style," or with several types of broths.

Next, fresh ingredients like dumplings, beef, chicken, and noodles are cooked in the flavorful broth and seasoned to taste with sesame oil, peanuts, or soy sauce. You can find Sichuan Hotpot all around the city in spots like ShuJiuXiang Hot Pot and BaShu DaZhaiMen, which generally costs between 50 and 100 RMB per serving.

Chengdu Skewers

Chuan Chuan Skewers are one of the most economical dishes in Chengdu cuisine, with an average price of 1 to 3 RMB per skewer. They're a popular street food, and you can find them anywhere there's Chengdu nightlife. These skewers are a mix of beef and flour covered in a fantastic, spicy, peanut-based sauce with plenty of garlic and sesame mixed in. The combination is absolutely irresistible and a must-try when visiting Chengdu.

Mapo Tofu

This combination of silky tofu, meat, and Chengdu's special spicy numbing sauce has been a regional favorite since it was first created during the Qing Dynasty. At 10 RMB per portion, Mapo Tofu is a reasonably priced, filling meal you can find at various restaurants around the city. Plus, you can customize your Mapo Tofu with vegetables like mushrooms or water chestnuts for a satisfying crunch. If you want a sit-down experience, try Chen Mapo Toufu Restaurant.

Wontons in red oil

Chengdu-Style Wontons, also known as Longchaoshou, are another economical and delicious dish, starting at 15 to 20 RMB per serving, and you can get them in a light broth or enjoy them plain, either spicy or not spicy. What makes these wontons really special is the thin dough, which lets the vegetables and meat inside shine. You can find plenty of street vendors selling Chengdu-style wontons or enjoy them at Long Chao Shou Restaurant, on Chunxi Road, a famous destination that sells delicious wonton soup.

Zhong Dumpling in Chengdu

If you love meat, you'll want to try Chengdu Dumplings. While many other places in China mix meat and vegetables into their dumplings, the dumplings in Chengdu are meat and ginger only, giving them a unique taste that pairs perfectly with a salty and sweet sauce. You'll find excellent dumplings at Zhong Dumpling in People's Park for 15 to 20 RMB for a dish and get to do some people-watching too.

Sichuan Dan Dan noodles

Dan Dan Noodles are one of the most famous dishes in Chengdu. They vary in cost, but you can usually find them for about 12 to 15 RMB. Made of homemade noodles, pork, and a fiery sauce, Dan Dan Noodles are an excellent type of street food, but you can also find them in various Chengdu restaurants like Dan Dan Mian.

Spend 25 to 35 RMB, and you can enjoy a hearty beef dish covered in Sichuan spice, vinegar, and garlic. Fuqi Feipian is one of the most popular appetizers in the region, but it's also one of the spiciest dishes in the area. If you're sensitive to spice, order it from a restaurant, like Fuqi Feipian Snack Center, where the staff can adjust the spice. Street vendors might not be able to do so. Pair your Fuqi Feipian with a cup of tea or a side of rice to tame the spice.

Spicy Rabbit Head in Chengdu

If you're feeling adventurous and want to try a truly one-of-a-kind Chengdu food, Spicy Rabbit Head should be on the menu. It's a combination of fresh rabbit heads, chili, and oil, and you can find it in restaurants like Shuangliu Laoma and Meiji Rabbit Head starting at 8 RMB per head. Try something new, and you might just find a new favorite food.

Sweet Douhua in Chengdu

If you're looking for something to perk you up after a long day, San Zi Douhua can do the trick. This tofu and fermented rice dish is slightly sweet and refreshing. It pairs perfectly with spicy chili oil and fried noodles. Street vendors sell it, but if you want to enjoy your San Zi Douhua experience, check out Bingzui Douhua. This dish is also an excellent choice for those who want a more subdued spice in their meal.

Thick pig trotter soup

Pig Trotter Soup is an excellent option for those who can't handle spicy food, and it's one of Chengdu's best comfort food dishes. Full of rich star anise-flavored broth and fall-off-the-bone meat, this soup is just the thing to warm you up on a cool day. You can generally find it for around 23 RMB per bowlful.

If you're looking for the full street food experience and want to try several different types of Chengdu cuisine, head to these streets. You can pair your meal with some great shopping and sightseeing too.

Visit Yulin Road if you're looking for an authentic, local, artistic vibe. You'll find lots of authentic eateries where you can enjoy dishes like Dan Dan Noodles and Sichuan Hot Pot, boutique restaurants, and friendly pubs to enjoy a pint of beer.

Try snacks in Kuanzhai Alley

Kuanzhai Alley combines history with street food, giving you a good taste of old Chengdu and plenty of local cuisine. This spot is full of historic courtyards and beautiful Sichuan tea houses, ideal for resting and people-watching.

If you want to pair your culinary adventures with high-end shopping, head to Chunxi Road. You'll find a combination of designer and boutique stores and great dumpling restaurants throughout this popular district.

This street is known as the "most beautiful neighborhood" of old Chengdu and certainly lives up to this nickname. It's a charming street full of tea and coffee shops and street vendors. You can sample unique dishes, like spicy cold noodles and Sichuan Hot Pot here.

Jinli Ancient Street

Jinli Ancient Street is an excellent area to enjoy an evening stroll, as it's especially beautiful when the lanterns are lit. You'll also find plenty of unique souvenirs and food stalls all up and down the street, including San Da Pao, a dessert made of beans and brown sugar.

Rice cake with brown sugar sauce

It's impossible to come to Chengdu without indulging in the food culture, but there are a few key tips that you can keep in mind to make your experience as good as possible. Much of Chengdu cuisine features the Sichuan pepper, which is ultra-spicy and flavors some of the top dishes, like Mapo Tofu and Sichuan Hot Pot.

If you're sensitive to spicy food or simply want to enjoy a milder dish, ask for less pepper. Many restaurants and vendors will be happy to accommodate you. Additionally, don't be afraid to think outside the box. Some dishes, like Pig Trotter Soup or Spicy Rabbit Head, might be intimidating at first, but after one try, you'll realize why they're local favorites.

Finally, enjoy all of the street food. Street cuisine is one of the highlights of the Chengdu dining experience, and it will give you a chance to eat as the locals do while saving money and enjoying exciting new dishes.