Chongqing

1. Chongqing Hot Pot (重庆火锅)

Overview:

Chongqing hot pot is the city’s most iconic dish and a must-try for visitors. It’s a communal dining experience where diners cook raw ingredients in a bubbling pot of spicy, numbing broth.

Ingredients:

• Broth: A base made with beef tallow, chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, fermented bean paste, and other spices.
• Dipping Ingredients: Thinly sliced beef, lamb, pork, tripe, duck blood, tofu, mushrooms, vegetables, and noodles.
• Dipping Sauce: Sesame oil, garlic, cilantro, and optional vinegar or soy sauce to balance the heat.

Preparation:

The broth is prepared by simmering beef tallow with spices and aromatics for hours to develop a rich, spicy flavor. Diners select raw ingredients from a menu or buffet and cook them in the boiling broth at the table.

Cost:

• Per Person: 80–150 RMB ($11–$20), depending on the restaurant and ingredients chosen.

Where to Try:

• Haidilao Hot Pot (海底捞): A popular chain known for excellent service and customizable broths.
• Qiqi Hot Pot (奇奇火锅): A local favorite with authentic flavors.
• Ciqikou Ancient Town (磁器口古镇): A historic area with traditional hot pot restaurants.

Tips:

• Be prepared for intense heat and numbing sensations from the Sichuan peppercorns.
• Order a split pot (鸳鸯锅) if you want a milder broth alongside the spicy one.
• Use the sesame oil dipping sauce to cool your palate.

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2. Chongqing Xiao Mian (重庆小面)

Overview:

Chongqing Xiao Mian, or "small noodles," is a simple yet flavorful noodle dish that’s a staple breakfast or snack for locals.

Ingredients:

• Noodles: Fresh wheat noodles.
• Toppings: Minced pork, scallions, peanuts, pickled vegetables, and sesame seeds.
• Seasoning: Chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger.

Preparation:

The noodles are boiled and tossed in a spicy, aromatic sauce made from chili oil and seasonings. Toppings are added for texture and flavor.

Cost:

• Per Bowl: 8–15 RMB ($1–$2).

Where to Try:

• Zhou’s Xiao Mian (周小面): A well-known spot for authentic Chongqing noodles.
• Ciqikou Ancient Town: Many street vendors serve excellent Xiao Mian.
• Jiefangbei (解放碑): The city center has numerous noodle shops.

Tips:

• Specify your spice tolerance when ordering, as the default level can be very spicy.
• Pair the noodles with a side of pickled vegetables or a cold drink to balance the heat.

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3. Spicy Grilled Fish (烤鱼)

Overview:

Spicy grilled fish is a popular dish in Chongqing, combining smoky, grilled flavors with the city’s signature spicy and numbing sauce.

Ingredients:

• Fish: Carp, catfish, or tilapia.
• Sauce: Chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, fermented bean paste, and soy sauce.
• Vegetables: Potatoes, lotus root, bean sprouts, and tofu are often added to the dish.

Preparation:

The fish is marinated, grilled until crispy, and then simmered in a spicy sauce with vegetables. It’s served in a large, sizzling tray.

Cost:

• Per Dish (serves 2–4): 100–200 RMB ($14–$28).

Where to Try:

• Shancheng Grilled Fish (山城烤鱼): A famous chain specializing in this dish.
• Nanbin Road (南滨路): A scenic riverside area with many grilled fish restaurants.

Tips:

• Choose your spice level when ordering.
• Pair the dish with a cold beer or herbal tea to cool down.

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4. Suan La Fen (酸辣粉)

Overview:

Suan La Fen, or "sour and spicy noodles," is a popular street food made with chewy sweet potato noodles in a tangy, spicy broth.

Ingredients:

• Noodles: Sweet potato starch noodles.
• Broth: Vinegar, chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and soy sauce.
• Toppings: Peanuts, pickled vegetables, scallions, and cilantro.

Preparation:

The noodles are cooked and served in a hot, sour, and spicy broth, topped with crunchy peanuts and pickled vegetables.

Cost:

• Per Bowl: 10–20 RMB ($1.50–$3).

Where to Try:

• Street Vendors: Found in Ciqikou Ancient Town and Jiefangbei.
• Local Markets: Try Hongyadong (洪崖洞) for authentic street food.

Tips:

• This dish is often served very hot (temperature-wise), so eat slowly to avoid burning your mouth.
• Add extra vinegar if you prefer a tangier flavor.

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5. Chongqing Chicken with Chilies (辣子鸡)

Overview:

This dish features bite-sized pieces of chicken stir-fried with an overwhelming amount of dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns.

Ingredients:

• Chicken: Marinated and deep-fried.
• Spices: Dried chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, and ginger.
• Aromatics: Scallions and sesame seeds.

Preparation:

The chicken is deep-fried until crispy, then stir-fried with dried chilies and spices to create a fragrant, spicy dish.

Cost:

• Per Dish (serves 2–3): 60–120 RMB ($8–$16).

Where to Try:

• Jiefangbei (解放碑): Many restaurants in this area serve excellent versions of this dish.
• Ciqikou Ancient Town: A great place to find traditional Chongqing-style dishes.

Tips:

• The chilies are not meant to be eaten; they’re there to flavor the dish.
• Pair this dish with plain rice to balance the heat.

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Dining Etiquette in Chongqing:

1. Spice Tolerance: Always inform the server of your spice tolerance, as Chongqing cuisine is known for its intense heat.
2. Sharing Culture: Meals are often shared family-style, so expect to order multiple dishes for the table.
3. Chopstick Use: Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice, as it resembles incense used in funerals.
4. Tea Service: Tea is often served with meals. It’s polite to tap the table with your fingers as a gesture of thanks when someone pours tea for you.

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Additional Tips for Dining in Chongqing:

• Street Food: Don’t miss the vibrant street food scene in areas like Ciqikou Ancient Town and Hongyadong.
• Local Markets: Visit traditional markets for a glimpse of Chongqing’s food culture and to try fresh, affordable dishes.
• Language: Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases or use a translation app, as English is not widely spoken in smaller restaurants.
• Payment: Mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used, but cash is still accepted in most places.

By exploring these dishes and dining spots, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Chongqing’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant food culture. Enjoy your gastronomic adventure!