Chengdu is a city best measured in bites. Start your morning with a steaming bowl of beef noodles, have some spicy red oil wontons at lunch, nibble on rabbit heads or skewered snacks in the afternoon, and finish the day with a bowl of fragrant spicy hot pot or intestine noodles—only then have you truly tasted the soul of this city.
The charm of Chengdu’s street food isn’t found in skyscrapers but hidden under residential buildings, around street corners, or in unassuming alleyways. Every bite carries the authenticity, craftsmanship, and addictive flavors that define Chengdu.
This article will take you through ten must-try local snacks in Chengdu, letting you savor Sichuan’s rich street culture and taste a thousand years of culinary tradition—one dish at a time.
1.Zhong Dumplings — A Bowl of Tender Red-Oil Nostalgia
Unlike the thick-skinned dumplings in northern China, Zhong dumplings are delicate, juicy, and served with house-made chili oil and garlic water. Soft and slippery with a slightly sweet and spicy finish, they melt in your mouth.
Where to eat: Zhong Dumpling Flagship Store, No. 23 Zongfu Road, Jinjiang District
Price: CNY 12 per serving
Zhong Dumplings
2. Long Wontons — Spicy, Fragrant, and Satisfying
In Sichuan dialect, “chaoshou” means wontons. Long Chaoshou is famous for its thin skin, flavorful filling, and rich spicy broth. The red-oil version is especially renowned—aromatic and heady with peppercorn and chili.
Where to eat: Chunxi Road, Long Chaoshou Flagship Store
Price: CNY 18 per bowl
Long Wontons
3. Lai Tangyuan — Sweet, Gooey, and Heartwarming
A must-try for sweet lovers. These rice balls are soft on the outside and filled with peanut, black sesame, or red bean paste. Perfect for balancing the heat of spicy foods.
Where to eat: Lai Tangyuan Flagship Store at People’s Park
Price: CNY 8 per bowl
Lai Tangyuan
4. Spicy Rabbit Head — A Skillful, Bold Street Food Favorite
Rabbit head may surprise first-timers, but it’s a beloved local snack. Braised and then stir-fried with dry chili, it’s spicy, savory, and full of flavor. Best eaten with your hands—it’s all part of the experience.
Where to eat: “Sister Si Rabbit Head,” Shuangliu District, Shuanghua Road
Price: CNY 12–15 per head
Spicy Rabbit Head
5. Skewers in Hot Pot— The Social Snack of Chengdu
A cornerstone of Chengdu nightlife. Various ingredients like tripe, lotus root, and mushrooms are skewered and cooked in a bubbling beef tallow broth. Dip in chili powder or garlic oil for an irresistible taste.
Where to eat: “Gangguanchang Wuqiu Xiaojungan Chuan Chuan Xiang,” Cuqiao area
Price: Starting at CNY 0.5 per skewer
Skewers in Hot Pot
6. Egg Pancake Cake — A Childhood Favorite
Made in a small mold, these crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside cakes are filled with sweet or savory fillings like sesame paste, red bean, or pork floss. A nostalgic street snack.
Where to eat: Street stall outside Wenshu Monastery
Price: CNY 5–8 each
Egg Pancake Cake
7. Sugar-Fried Dough Balls — Sweet, Crispy, Chewy Perfection
These deep-fried sticky rice balls are coated in caramelized sugar and sesame. Crispy on the outside, chewy inside—deliciously simple and highly nostalgic.
Where to eat: Taisheng South Road Snack Street
Price: CNY 5 per portion
Sugar-Fried Dough Balls
8. Tofu Pudding Rice — Homestyle Flavor with a Punch
A humble combo of silky tofu pudding over rice, mixed with spicy chili oil, garlic sauce, soy sauce, and pickles. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and a local office lunch favorite.
Where to eat: “Zhou Ji Douhua Fan,” Xihua Avenue, Jinniu District
Price: CNY 10 per serving
Tofu Pudding Rice
9. Bo Bo Chicken — Cold Spicy Skewers
Unlike hot skewers, Bo Bo Chicken is served cold. Ingredients are cooked in advance and soaked in spicy red oil, allowing the flavors to fully develop. Usually paired with chilled jelly (bingfen) for balance.
Where to eat: “Li Ji Bo Bo Ji,” Yulin neighborhood
Price: CNY 0.8 per skewer
Bo Bo Chicken
10. Northern Sichuan Cold Noodles — Slippery, Spicy, and Refreshing
Made with sweet potato or pea starch, this slippery cold noodle dish is topped with red oil, vinegar, soy sauce, peanuts, and garlic. Perfect for cooling off in Chengdu’s summer heat.
Where to eat: “Chuanbei Liangfen” near Wenshu Monastery
Price: CNY 6–10 per bowl
Northern Sichuan Cold Noodles
More Than Food—Travel Should Be Effortless To Choose China Dragon Travel
Can’t get enough of Chengdu’s mouthwatering bites? Why not let China Dragon Travel plan a relaxing and delicious “food tour” for you?
As a seasoned tour operator specializing in Western China, China Dragon Travel not only knows where to find the most authentic Chengdu flavors but also offers fully customized itineraries that combine culinary adventures with cultural exploration. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or in a group, they’ll design a trip that suits your style—ensuring your journey is flavorful, stress-free, and unforgettable.
Recommended itineraries from China Dragon Travel:
7-Day 6-Night Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou & Mount Emei Tour – Giant Pandas, Leshan Buddha & More
