Welcome to Chongqing, the culinary capital of southwestern China, where every street corner is adorned with the tantalizing aroma of spicy delights. Renowned for its fiery cuisine and vibrant street food culture, Chongqing beckons food enthusiasts from around the globe to explore its rich gastronomic offerings. From sizzling hot pots to savory skewers and aromatic noodles, the city’s diverse street foods promise an unforgettable culinary adventure. Join us as we delve into the vibrant flavors and bustling energy of Chongqing’s bustling food scene.
15 Street Foods to Eat in Chongqing
1. Hot Pot (火锅)
Chongqing is famous for its spicy hot pot, featuring a bubbling broth seasoned with Sichuan peppercorns, chili peppers, and various spices, accompanied by a variety of meats, vegetables, and tofu.
2. Xiao Mian (小面)
Enjoy a bowl of Chongqing-style noodles, characterized by thin noodles served in a spicy and flavorful broth, often topped with minced meat, green onions, and pickled mustard greens.
3. Chuan Chuan Xiang (串串香)
Experience the thrill of skewered and hot pot-cooked meats, vegetables, and tofu, dipped in spicy or non-spicy broth and enjoyed as a communal dining experience.
4. Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐)
Embrace the bold flavors of fermented tofu, deep-fried to crispy perfection and served with spicy chili sauce and pickled vegetables, a popular street snack in Chongqing.
5. Changfen (肠粉)
- Indulge in steamed rice noodle rolls filled with savory fillings like minced pork, shrimp, or vegetables, drizzled with a sweet and savory sauce.
6. Guokui (锅盔)
Delight in crispy and flaky Chinese flatbread filled with assorted savory ingredients like shredded pork, pickled vegetables, and chili paste, offering a satisfying and portable snack.
7. La Tiao (辣条)
Enjoy spicy and chewy gluten sticks seasoned with Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil, offering a fiery and addictive street food experience.
8. Maocai (冒菜)
Customize your own spicy hot pot dish by selecting a variety of ingredients like meat, vegetables, and tofu, cooked in a fiery broth and seasoned with aromatic spices.
9. Dan Dan Mian (担担面)
Savor a bowl of spicy and tangy noodles topped with minced pork, preserved vegetables, and chili oil, offering a flavorful and satisfying street food option.
10. Yangrouchuan (羊肉串)
Sink your teeth into tender skewers of grilled lamb seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and other spices, a popular street food choice in Chongqing.
11. Baozi (包子)
Enjoy steamed buns filled with savory or sweet fillings like minced pork, vegetables, or red bean paste, offering a comforting and filling street snack.
12. Hongyou Chaoshou (红油抄手)
Delight in spicy wontons served in a chili oil sauce, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, offering a flavorful and satisfying street food experience.
13. Jiuniang (酒酿)
Indulge in sweet fermented rice pudding served as a dessert or snack, often flavored with osmanthus flowers or ginger, offering a comforting and traditional treat.
14. Liangfen (凉粉)
Enjoy cold and chewy mung bean jelly noodles served with a spicy and tangy sauce, offering a refreshing and appetizing street food option.
15. Fried Dough Twists (油条)
Savor crispy and deep-fried dough twists seasoned with sesame seeds and sugar, offering a delightful and addictive street snack in Chongqing.
These flavorful street foods epitomize the bold and spicy flavors of Chongqing’s culinary tradition, inviting you to embark on a mouthwatering journey through its bustling streets and lively markets.
