[2025 Chengdu Restaurant] Travel Guide for Chen Mapo Tofu (Updated Jun)

#chengdufood This is a restaurant in Chengdu that’s recommended by many locals and even chefs in China. The most famous dish, which is also a must-try to me, is the MaPo Tofu, which has blended the numbness of sichuan pepper with the complex umami from fermented bean paste in quite a perfect balance. It’s extremely characteristic of Sichuan flavors, yet very soft and easy on palate. Another item that kept me going for more was the fried cabbage. A very simple and ordinary Chinese dish, but done exceptionally well here with the natural sweetness of the cabbage, nice caramelization flavors from wokhey, and a dash of spiciness. It’s quite recommendable to order from the suggested menu, which is significantly cheaper from combined individual orders, if you don’t have a lot of specific items that you wanna eat. 📍Address: 陈麻婆豆腐 (There are a few branches, but I went to the one at Chun Xi Road) 🕰️Business Hours: 11am-230pm; 5pm-9pm

#chengdufood Chenmapo Tofu (陈麻婆豆腐) is a legendary spot in Chengdu, famous for its iconic mapo tofu. As the original location, it offers an authentic experience steeped in culinary history. The dish features silky tofu bathed in a spicy, fragrant sauce, perfectly balanced with numbing Sichuan peppercorns. The bustling atmosphere adds to the charm, with both locals and tourists eager to savor the flavors. The staff is friendly and efficient, ensuring a smooth dining experience. For anyone seeking a true taste of Sichuan cuisine, Chenmapo Tofu is an absolute must-visit, delivering both tradition and exceptional flavor in every bite.

Chengdu Jin Mapo Tofu When visiting Chengdu, Jin Mapo Tofu is a must-visit spot. As its name suggests, it is considered the original birthplace of Mapo Tofu. This restaurant, started by Mrs. Jin during the Qing Dynasty, is popular among both foreign tourists and locals. With multiple branches across the city, including one near the Sichuan Museum, it’s a great place to dine after sightseeing. The signature dish, Mapo Tofu, delivers a burst of Sichuan pepper’s unique numbing sensation with the first bite, dominating your taste buds. The creamy tofu, spicy minced meat sauce, and chili oil combine to create a rich and flavorful experience. While the taste is intensely stimulating, it has an addictive quality that keeps you coming back for more. If the spiciness feels overwhelming, pairing it with rice helps balance the flavors. The interior retains a traditional and elegant atmosphere, allowing you to soak in the authentic charm of a local restaurant. If you’re curious about the true taste of Mapo Tofu, this is the place to find the answer.

Here’s a well-structured 4-day Chengdu itinerary with must-visit attractions, food recommendations, and practical tips: --- ### **🗺️ Chengdu 4-Day Itinerary** **📍Theme:** Culture, Pandas & Sichuan Cuisine --- ### **👉Day 1: Arrival + City Highlights** **🧭Route:** Airport → Chengdu Downtown **✈️Transportation:** Taxi/Metro (Line 10) **🏖️Must-Visit Attractions:** 1. **Wide and Narrow Alleys (Kuanzhai Xiangzi)** – Historic Qing-era alleys with teahouses and souvenir shops. 2. **Jinli Ancient Street** – Night stroll for snacks and Sichuan opera vibes. 3. **Chunxi Road** – Shopping and modern Chengdu life. **🥘Food:** - Lunch: **Shu Nine Incense (蜀九香)** – Famous hotpot chain. - Dinner: **Yulin Chuanchuan Xiang (玉林串串香)** – Local skewer hotpot. **🏠Accommodation:** Minyoun Chengdu Dongda Hotel (Convenient downtown location). --- ### **👉Day 2: Panda Day + Cultural Gems** **🧭Route:** Downtown → Chengdu Research Base → Wuhou Shrine **✈️Transportation:** Taxi (30 mins to panda base). **🏖️Must-Visit Attractions:** 1. **Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding** – Arrive by 8 AM to see active pandas. 2. **Wuhou Shrine** – Temple honoring Zhuge Liang, surrounded by lush gardens. 3. **People’s Park** – Drink tea at **Heming Teahouse**, try ear cleaning. **🥘Food:** - Lunch: **Chen Mapo Tofu (陈麻婆豆腐)** – Legendary spicy tofu. - Dinner: **Local BBQ** at **Shaodaozi (少刀子)**. --- ### **👉Day 3: Day Trip – Dujiangyan or Leshan** **🧭Option 1: Dujiangyan Irrigation System** - **Why?** UNESCO-listed 2,000-year-old engineering marvel. - **Transport:** High-speed train (30 mins) + taxi. - **Food:** Try **Dujiangyan fish stew**. **🧭Option 2: Leshan Giant Buddha** - **Why?** 71-meter-tall Buddha carved into cliffs. - **Transport:** Bullet train (1 hour) + bus. - **Food:** **Leshan tianpiya (sweet skin duck)**. **🏠Accommodation:** Return to Minyoun Chengdu Dongda Hotel. --- ### **👉Day 4: Relax & Departure** **🧭Route:** Qingyang Palace → Airport **🏖️Must-Visit Attractions:** 1. **Qingyang Palace** – Taoist temple with serene vibes. 2. **Sichuan Museum** (if time permits). **🥘Food:** - Brunch: **Long Chao Shou (龙抄手)** – Chengdu-style wontons. - **Snack:** Grab **zhong dumplings (钟水饺)** or **dan dan noodles** before leaving. --- ### **💡Tips:** 1. **Pandas:** Book panda base tickets online to skip queues. 2. **Spice Level:** Ask for "微辣 (wēi là)" if you prefer mild spice. 3. **Transport:** Use Didi (Chinese Uber) or metro (Line 1/2/3 cover major spots). 4. **Cashless:** Alipay/WeChat Pay widely accepted. Enjoy Chengdu’s laid-back charm and fiery flavors! �🌶️

#ChinaTravelMoment #2025OverseasTravelEvent #2024WishEvent #ChengduRestaurant #MapoTofuSacredPlace #ChineseLocalRestaurant #SpicyAddiction #ChineseHomeFood #ChengduTravel 📍Location: 陈麻婆豆腐(旗舰店) 🕐 Business Hours: 11:00~21:00 💰 Price: About 56 yuan per person 🌶️ Attention, spicy maniacs! If you come to Chengdu, you must visit the real Mapo Tofu original. The tingling Sichuan pepper flavor that spreads as soon as you put it in your mouth and the deep chili oil flavor are crazy. The spicy taste + rice + beer combination will blow away your stress! 🍠 The steamed pork and sweet potato that comes with it is light but sweet, so it goes perfectly with spicy Mapo Tofu! One bite and you'll be amazed at the combination. 🍺 If you add a cold beer, it's literally a perfect Chinese dinner set. A meal in Chengdu at a local restaurant full of local atmosphere, highly recommended. #ChengduMapoTofu #ChengduTravelCourse #ChineseSpicyFood #LocalRestaurant #EatingSoloMecca #ChengduDinnerRecommendation #ChineseDrinkSnacks #SpicyAddiction

#ChinaTravelMoment Good points about Chengdu Relatively cheap prices The food is really delicious In particular, Ma La is the best in Chengdu compared to other regions It seems to be a Chengdu specialty And you can see pandas I want to go again #ChengduTravel

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 Chen Mapo Tofu is a local specialty of Sichuan Province, belonging to Sichuan cuisine. The dish is named by a state-owned old brand restaurant as "China's Time-honored Brand". It was founded in the early Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty (1862) and opened at Wanfu Bridge in the northern suburbs of Chengdu. It was originally named Chen Xingsheng Restaurant, and the chef was Chen Chunfu’s wife. The tofu cooked by Chen is bright red in color, the beef cubes are crispy and fragrant, and it is spicy, fragrant, crispy, tender, hot and well-shaped, with a strong Sichuan flavor. Chen's tofu soon became famous, and people flocked to it, and literati and poets often gathered here. Some gossipers saw the pockmarks on Chen's face and jokingly called her "Chen Mapo Tofu". The word spread quickly and became a good story. In addition to Mapo Tofu, their other dishes are also very good, such as Kung Pao Chicken, Sichuan Cured Duck, Steamed Sea Bass, etc. The ingredients are fresh, the taste is moderately salty, and the taste is great. The restaurant's decoration is also antique, and it's great for taking photos. It's worth a try! ! Detailed address: No. 10-12, No. 10 Qinghua Road, Chengdu