As many people already know, the city of Chongqing in China is a “paradise” for lovers of spicy food. This city offers the strong, sharp, and appetizing flavors typical of Sichuan cuisine. With the use of dried chili, Sichuan peppercorns (hua jiao), and abundant spicy oil, it’s no wonder that Chongqing dishes successfully tantalize the taste buds.
So, what types of spicy food are popular and must-try in Chongqing? Read the explanation below.
Chongqing Hotpot (Huo Guo)
One of the most famous culinary icons from Chongqing is Chongqing hotpot. This dish is known for its extremely spicy and oily broth, using a mixture of Sichuan peppercorns (which give a numbing sensation on the tongue) and large quantities of dried chili.
Chongqing hotpot is served in a large pot that is kept heated, and guests can boil various side ingredients such as thinly sliced meat, meatballs, offal, vegetables, and tofu according to their preferences.
What makes Chongqing hotpot different from hotpot in other regions is its extreme level of spiciness, as well as the highly social dining culture. In Chongqing itself, hotpot restaurants can be found on almost every corner of the city, ranging from traditional spots to modern venues with diverse menu selections.
One of the most famous hotpot restaurants in Chongqing is Pipa Yuan Shiweixian Hotpot Restaurant, located in the Nan’an District. This restaurant holds a Guinness World Record as the largest hotpot restaurant in the world, with a seating capacity of up to 5,851 people and nearly 900 tables spread across a hillside area covering 3,300 square meters.
Also known as “Hot Pot Mountain,” Pipa Yuan offers a unique dining experience with views of Chongqing city from above. Despite its large size, the restaurant maintains the quality of its food.
Chongqing Xiaomian
Another signature dish of Chongqing that is equally popular is Xiaomian, which means “small noodles.” These noodles are usually served in a spicy broth rich in chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, minced garlic, vinegar, and various other seasonings that create a spicy, savory taste with a slightly numbing (tongue-numbing) sensation typical of Sichuan peppercorns.
Chongqing Xiaomian comes in various variations, from a plain version without toppings to those with toppings such as minced meat, vegetables, or offal.
Mala Tang
Another iconic spicy dish from Chongqing is Mala Tang, a signature spicy soup rich in aromatic spices and a biting taste. The name “mala” comes from two Mandarin characters; “ma” meaning numbing and “la” meaning spicy. This unique sensation originates from the combination of Sichuan peppercorns and dried chili, which form the base of the Mala Tang broth.
Mala Tang is usually served in buffet style, where guests can choose their own ingredients such as thinly sliced meat, meatballs, vegetables, tofu, noodles, or vermicelli. After being chosen, the ingredients are cooked in the hot mala broth and served in a large bowl.
The most famous and largest restaurant chain throughout China serving Mala Tang is Zhangliang. This restaurant is a favorite not only in Chongqing but also in various other cities in China, thanks to its consistent taste, fast service system, and affordable prices.
At Zhangliang Mala Tang, customers will find a display of various food ingredients such as fresh vegetables, mushrooms, noodles, meatballs, tofu, and slices of beef or chicken. Like most Mala Tang restaurants, guests simply take a tray and tongs and select the ingredients to be dipped into the soup according to their taste.
Liang Mian
One dish not to be missed when sampling Chongqing cuisine is Liang Mian, or spicy cold noodles. Although served cold, the flavor of this dish is highly appetizing thanks to the combination of chili, sesame oil, black vinegar, soy sauce, chopped garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns that give a numbing effect on the tongue.
The noodles used are usually chewy and thin, served with a topping of roasted peanuts, scallions, and sometimes fresh vegetables such as bean sprouts or grated cucumber.
Liang Mian is a popular choice, especially during the summer, as it provides a refreshing yet distinctly spicy sensation. This dish is also very commonly found at street food vendors to local restaurants in Chongqing, making it one of the locals’ favorite comfort foods.
For refreshing dishes like Liang Mian, many small stalls in Chongqing serve it. One recommended place is the local stalls around Jiefangbei or Shapingba District, offering authentic liang mian at affordable prices.
Hong You Chao Shou
One of the signature dishes of Chongqing that should not be missed is Hong You Chao Shou, which are boiled dumplings served with Chongqing’s signature red chili sauce. Unlike ordinary dumplings served in clear soup, Hong You Chao Shou is soaked in chili oil sauce (hong you) that is rich, spicy, slightly sour, and fragrant with spices.
The dumpling filling usually consists of a mixture of minced pork or chicken that is tender and juicy. What makes this dish special is the combination of the thin and smooth dumpling skin with the biting sensation of the sauce.
Not only tantalizing the taste buds, Hong You Chao Shou also reflects Chongqing’s culinary character, which is bold in flavor and aroma.
Lao Ma Chaoshou is one of the legendary restaurants in Chongqing widely known as a specialist in Hong You Chao Shou. Lao Ma Chaoshou is available as a standalone restaurant as well as small outlets in shopping centers and food courts around Chongqing.
Lao Ma Chaoshou not only offers authentic flavors but also forms part of Chongqing’s culinary history and culture. Its spiciness does not merely burn the tongue but conveys a complexity of flavors that blend with the tenderness of the dumplings.
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