Zhao Er Hotpot Main Store
Hotpot, originating from Chongqing, has become a representative of Chongqing cuisine and a city icon. It is a must-try delicacy for tourists. Nowadays, hotpot restaurants are opening all over the country, but the most cost-effective ones are still in Chongqing. Authentic Chongqing hotpot is divided into 9 sections, commonly known as 'Jiugongge', allowing guests to eat different dishes in separate sections. The broth of Chongqing hotpot is made by frying ingredients such as chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, along with other seasonings, resulting in a delicious and flavorful soup. When a pot of red meat is served, the numbing sensation immediately hits you.
Huashi Wanzamian (Huashi Main Store)
For Chongqing people, the status of Xiaomian is no less than that of hot pot. Not only has it been rated among the top 50 Xiaomian, but CCTV also made a documentary called 'Hey, Xiaomian' about it. Even the famous host Meng Fei opened a Xiaomian restaurant downstream of the Yangtze River to satisfy his 'Xiaomian complex.' 'Chongqing Noodles' is a general term, narrowly referring to noodles without minced meat, while true 'Chongqing Noodles' can use 15 kinds of seasonings. The most charming aspect of Xiaomian lies in its 'fragrant but not greasy' quality. A bowl is entirely flavored by the seasonings, which is simply amazing!
Haoyoulai Suanlafen
Suanlafen, known as a Chongqing snack, is deeply loved by the locals. In the summer, locals flock to the food street, where they can enjoy local delicacies to their heart's content. The suanlafen noodles are chewy and smooth, topped with plenty of minced meat. The sour and spicy aroma is very appetizing! The price is also affordable, usually 5-6 yuan per bowl.
Lao Ma Chaoshou
Chaoshou is a term used in the Sichuan and Chongqing regions, similar to wontons but larger in size, thicker skin, and more filling. A bowl costs around ten to fifteen yuan. The most distinctive chaoshou in Chongqing is Lao Ma's Chaoshou. The term 'Lao Ma' refers to a stronger numbing sensation compared to regular numbing spices. Whether it's red oil chaoshou or clear soup chaoshou, you can add numbing oil. For those not accustomed to the numbing sensation, there's no need to worry; even without it, the chaoshou is worth trying for its sweet filling and rich broth.
Maozhuang Ancient Town Chicken Giblets
Chicken giblets are a popular dish among Chongqing locals. However, tourists visiting Ciqikou rarely try it. The dish is prepared by adding red chili peppers, chicken hearts, chicken livers, chicken intestines, and other ingredients into a pot. The pot is kept heated, making the dish spicier the longer it cooks, which is very appetizing. Adding a bowl of rice makes it even better. Most chicken giblet restaurants are concentrated in the riverside area of Ciqikou, and it's common for shop owners to attract customers. The chicken giblet dish is usually served in small, medium, or large pots (with an option to exclude chicken liver), priced between 45-70 yuan per serving. A pot is enough for two to three people.
Mountain City Small Tangyuan
After trying various kinds of spicy hot pot, having a bowl of sweet and spicy-relieving Mountain City Tangyuan is just perfect. A bowl costs 5-10 yuan, approximately 10 yuan per bowl. The small and exquisite Mountain City Tangyuan can be eaten in one bite. The black sesame inside is the classic black sesame, sweet but not greasy. The glutinous rice skin is thin and cooked to a translucent shine, tasting sweet and soft. Some shops put osmanthus in the tangyuan, and the fragrance of osmanthus perfectly balances the aroma of sesame.
