Must-Try Foods in Chengdu

Here’s a list of our favorite foods from our Chengdu trip, including savory dishes, snacks, and drinks. Don’t miss out on these! ⭐️ Sausages: We found these while visiting the national parks like Dagu Glacier, Huanglong, and Jiuzhaigou. At the park exits, there are food stalls selling quick bites and drinks. We’re not sure if they’re available elsewhere, but they’re incredibly delicious! The sausages are packed with meat, have a crispy casing, and sometimes remind us of Chinese-style cured sausages, but without the sweetness. Eating them in the chilly weather gives you a boost of energy, especially after a long day of exploring. ⭐️ Yak Beef Tartare: We nicknamed this dish “Yak Tartare” because it can be eaten raw. We discovered it at a late-night mala restaurant in Songpan’s old town while staying nearby during our trips to Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou. The yak meat can be enjoyed in various ways. On the first day, we cooked it thoroughly, but it turned out a bit tough (probably overcooked). The next day, we tried it raw, sashimi-style, dipping it in a soy sauce-like condiment that tasted similar to sushi soy sauce. Eating it rare, we noticed a hint of alcohol flavor, though we’re unsure if it came from the meat or the sauce. Another method we loved was dipping the meat in hot soup for just 5 seconds, creating a medium-rare texture before dipping it in the sauce. This was our favorite way to enjoy it. ⭐️ Handbell Cafe: A cozy cafe in Chengdu that you can locate using Baidu Maps. The menu is coffee-focused, but since we don’t drink coffee, we tried their baked goods instead. Most of their offerings are bread-based rather than cakes. We ordered a bagel and a berry Danish, both generously sized and packed with toppings. The cost averaged less than 100 RMB per piece. ⭐️ Mala Rabbit Meat: Found at Kuan Zhai Alley, this dish was too spicy for us, but our friends who love mala flavors enjoyed it immensely. The rabbit meat is tender, not tough or gamey. You can ask the staff for a sample, and they offer various spicy flavors. The packaging is eye-catching and unique, making it a great souvenir or a tasty addition to a meal. ⭐️ Holiland: A famous Chinese bakery chain with branches nationwide. Their packaging is adorable, often featuring collaborations with cartoons or games. Prices are reasonable, especially considering the creative packaging. ⭐️ Instant Hot Pot Meals: Available at mini-marts or local grocery stores in China, these ready-to-eat hot pot meals are a must-try. If you’re unsure which flavor to pick, we recommend two options: curry rice and stir-fried pork with cabbage. Both are flavorful, not overly spicy, and perfect for a warm meal at the hotel or a late-night snack. ⭐️ Hey Tea: Don’t miss their grape tea when in China! We ordered it without cheese topping, as we felt it didn’t pair well. The large cup is packed with fresh grapes and costs around 80 RMB. ⭐️ Local Restaurant on Chuxo Road: This unnamed gem had us waiting in line for 30 minutes. We ordered two dishes after noticing the large portions at neighboring tables. The first dish resembled shrimp vermicelli casserole, featuring clear, bouncy shrimp—over 10 large pieces! The second dish, initially thought to be fish soup, turned out to include dumplings, which made it incredibly filling. The soup was flavorful, and the fish dumplings came in a massive pot. The restaurant also offers free refills of tea and rice, with attentive staff providing excellent service. The total bill for this meal was under 500 RMB, making it a fantastic value.