How to Eat Like a Local in Chongqing | The Travelling Slacker

Chongqing is a mountain city built on steep hills and cliffs. It has long, humid summers and damp winters, which shapes locals’ preference for food. Chongqing people love spicy food. Many carry chili sauce in their bags. Local cooks add Sichuan peppercorns to almost every dish. These tiny husks aren’t just spicy—they cause a numbing effect called “mala.” It hits your tongue like a soft electric shock. Locals say mala wakes you up, especially on rainy days.

If you’re planning Chongqing tours, eating like a local should be high on your list. Local food is not just about taste. It is about heat, smell, and the way people gather. It tells the story of the city’s rhythm and spirit.

Start with the Iconic Chongqing Hotpot

Chongqing hotpot is the soul of the city’s food culture. The hotpot dates back to the late Ming Dynasty. It first appeared along the Yangtze River, where boatmen boiled offal in spicy broth to stay warm. Today, hotpot is everywhere in Chongqing. There are more than 30,000 hotpot restaurants across the city! Some are open 24 hours a day. Most places serve a red soup base filled with chili peppers, beef fat, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Chongqing hotpot is not for the faint-hearted. The spice level is intense. Locals say if you don’t sweat, it’s not real hotpot. Some places offer a split pot with both spicy and clear broth for first-timers. But even the mild side has a kick. Be ready for some serious heat—This is a must-do for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavors of the region.

Explore Street Food Like a Native

For those seeking the most immersive things to do in Chongqing, start with the night markets. These markets open around sunset and stay busy until midnight. They are loud, colorful, and full of life. The air smells like grilled meat and fried chili. Locals come here for a quick dinner or a late-night snack. Most dishes cost less than 20 yuan.

Skewers are the most popular. People choose beef, lamb, squid, or tofu and grill them over open flames. Another must-try is xiaomian. It means “small noodles” in Chinese. But the flavor is anything but small. The noodles are thin and springy. The sauce includes chili oil, soy sauce, vinegar, and Sichuan peppercorns. You’ll also find dishes like laziji, or spicy fried chicken. It’s made with deep-fried chicken chunks mixed with dried chili and garlic. People pick out the meat with chopsticks while avoiding the mountain of red pepper.

Eat with a View: Riverside Dining

Many local eateries are also ideal scenery places to visit in Chongqing. As Chongqing sits where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet, the city builds its life around water. Along both rivers, you’ll find restaurants with open-air balconies and panoramic views.

Many riverside eateries serve classic local dishes. One popular choice is Suanla Yu, or Sour and Spicy Fish. It uses freshwater fish from the river, pickled chili, and Chinese vinegar. The taste is bold but balanced. It pairs well with steamed rice and cold plum juice.

Perfect for Family Travelers

Many people choose Chongqing as their first stop on a China family tour. Don’t be scared by the spicy food! Most restaurants are willing to offer non-spicy versions of classic dishes. Kids can join dumpling-making classes and make their own sauce for hotpot, which is not only fun but also introduces them to regional Chinese cuisine in an interactive way.