12 Best Restaurants in Sichuan and Chongqing, China
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We’ve compiled the best of the best in Sichuan and Chongqing - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Deng Qiang
This always-packed family-run restaurant near the river is only a five-minute walk from the Giant Buddha. Local Sichuan dishes, including Leshan's famous cold chicken in a spicy sauce can be sampled here. Consistently delicious food, a friendly staff, and a laid-back atmosphere make Deng Qiang by far the best choice in the town.
Emei Kaoyu
Set among several other decent restaurants on "Good Eats Street," Emei Kaoyu lays out a variety of fresh dishes every day, including fiddlehead ferns fried with local bacon. Simply choose your vegetable and protein of choice, and the cooks will turn them into delicious stir-fries.
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Emma's Kitchen
On the main drag not far from the bus station, Emma's Kitchen serves both Western and Chinese fare. The prices are reasonable, and the very friendly staff speaks English. The proprietor is a great source of information about the area. With no actual address, simply go about 30 meters from the bus station, then turn left onto the main road.
Hong Xing
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.
Huang Cheng Lao Ma
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.
Jujube Tree (Zao Zi Shu)
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.
Little Swan Hot Pot
Some of Chongqing's most authentic Sichuanese dishes are served in this restaurant on the bank of the Yangtze. An after-dinner stroll along the banks of the river is a great cap to the meal. A house specialty is water-boiled fish slices: the "water" actually has liberal amounts of oil, dried chilies, whole Sichuan peppercorns, and other spices that create an explosion of flavor. Other good choices are cold rice noodles, tofu-stuffed dumplings, and spicy fried chicken. If you want a seat overlooking the river, try to beat the dinner rush and arrive by 6 pm.
Mao Jiao Huo La
Tandoor Indian Restaurant
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.