Chongqing Cuisine: An Endless Culinary Adventure

Foodies, Chongqing is literally the center of the food universe! As a seasoned foodie who just returned from a food spree in Chongqing, I have to share this ultimate food guide with you all✨ 🥘【Hot Pot Edition】 Chongqing hot pot holds a status like the magic wand in Harry Potter—without it, the trip just lacks soul! 🍲 Peijie Old Hot Pot: A super popular internet-famous hot pot, with a rich and mellow broth, spicy but not overwhelming. The tripe is crispy and tender, duck intestines smooth and delightful—one bite is pure satisfaction. The only downside is the long wait, so it’s best to get a number in advance~ 🍲 Brother Zhou’s Big Knife Kidney Slice Hot Pot: The kidney slices are as thin as cicada wings, with no trace of any gamey taste. Paired with a special dry dipping sauce, it’s a must-try! The big knife kidney slices are a must-order, and their black tofu is also very distinctive, soaking up the broth and bursting with flavor. 🍲 Tikan Tofu Pudding Hot Pot: A hidden gem tucked inside a residential building, affordable and super generous portions! The signature tofu pudding is a must-try, cooked in the hot pot for a unique flavor that really captures the old Chongqing vibe. 🍜【Noodles Edition】 Chongqing noodles are the soul of Chongqing people’s breakfast, the key to starting a vibrant day! 🍜 Huashi Pea and Minced Meat Noodles: The dry stewed pea and minced meat noodles are the signature dish, with soft peas and rich meat sauce—every bite is super satisfying. The peas are cooked until meltingly soft, and when mixed, every noodle strand is coated with the flavorful sauce, absolutely intoxicating! 🍜 Qin Yun Old Lady’s Hand-Pulled Noodles: The noodles are chewy and springy, with a spicy, fresh, and fragrant sauce that’s the soul of the dish. A bowl early in the morning clears you out completely. If you can handle spice, definitely challenge the extra spicy version—it’s super powerful! 🍢【Snacks Edition】 Jiefangbei Bayi Road Food Street and Guanyinqiao Food Street are absolute paradises for snack lovers! 🍢 Dragon Claw Feet: Melts in your mouth, the bones come off with a single bite. Multiple flavors available, with original and spicy recommended. You won’t be able to stop eating! 🍢 Mountain City Small Glutinous Rice Balls: Tiny, soft, and sweet without being greasy. After eating so much spicy food, a bowl of these little rice balls is perfect to cool down the heat~ 🍢 Grilled Brain: The brain is grilled tenderly with no strange smell, topped with plenty of seasonings, scallions, and cilantro, giving off an irresistible aroma. Brain lovers, don’t miss this! 🍖【Jianghu Cuisine Edition】 Jianghu cuisine is bold and hearty, with huge portions and incredible flavors! 🍖 Yang Ji Long Fu: Their signature Mao Xue Wang (spicy hot pot with tripe and duck blood) is loaded with ingredients—tripe, duck blood, luncheon meat, eel, and more—all in one big bowl. It’s spicy, numbing, and fresh, absolutely thrilling to eat! Also, their signature spicy chicken has crispy skin and tender meat, with fragrant chili and numbing peppercorns. You have to dig through the chili pile to find the chicken pieces—super fun~ 🍖 No. 66 Mafangwan Jianghu Cuisine: Gele Mountain Spicy Chicken is a must-order, served in a huge bamboo basket with an astonishing portion size. The chicken is fried golden and crispy, with a full spicy and numbing flavor. Every bite is super satisfying! The restaurant’s decor is nostalgic Hong Kong style, perfect for photos—very photogenic~ 🚗【Travel Guide】 Chongqing’s transportation is very convenient, with the subway reaching almost all attractions and food streets. Just download the “Yuchangxing” app and scan to ride. However, the mountainous terrain can sometimes confuse navigation, so ask the friendly locals for directions—they’re super reliable! 💡【Helpful Tips】 1. Most Chongqing food is very spicy. If you can’t handle spice well, remember to tell the restaurant in advance. What’s mild for Chongqing locals might be medium spicy for others~ 2. When eating hot pot, pair it with iced jelly, cold shrimp, or Weiyi soy milk to relieve the spiciness and greasiness, doubling the joy! 3. Be cautious with food near tourist spots to avoid disappointments. Some hidden small shops inside residential buildings are often more authentic and affordable~ Foodies, quickly save this guide and get ready for a tongue-tingling feast in Chongqing🎉