Hotpot Heaven: How to Enjoy Chengdu’s Most Famous Meal
No visit to Chengdu is complete without diving into a bubbling pot of spicy, numbing Sichuan hotpot. Known for its intense flavors and communal spirit, Chengdu’s hotpot isn’t just a meal — it’s a full-blown culinary experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to enjoy hotpot like a local.
What Makes Chengdu Hotpot Unique?
Chengdu hotpot stands out for its signature mala flavor — a fiery blend of Sichuan chili peppers and numbing peppercorns that create a spicy, tingling sensation. The broth is usually a deep red color, simmering with garlic, ginger, star anise, bay leaves, and fermented bean paste. It’s bold, aromatic, and addictive.
For those who can’t handle extreme heat, most restaurants offer a “yuan yang pot” (鸳鸯锅) — a split pot with spicy broth on one side and a mild or mushroom-based broth on the other.
What to Order: Popular Hotpot Ingredients
The fun part of hotpot is choosing your ingredients and cooking them yourself. Here are some must-try items:
Beef slices – Thinly sliced beef cooks in seconds and soaks up the broth’s flavor.
Duck blood tofu – A Chengdu specialty, rich and silky in texture.
Mushrooms – King oyster, enoki, shiitake – they add depth to the broth.
Lotus root – Crunchy and refreshing, a perfect contrast to the heat.
Handmade noodles – Drop them in at the end to absorb all the flavor.
Fresh vegetables – Spinach, Chinese cabbage, and winter melon help balance the meal.
For the adventurous: try pig brain, tripe, or rabbit kidney – delicacies locals love.
The Magic of the Dipping Sauce Bar
A key part of hotpot in Chengdu is the dipping sauce bar. You’re usually given a bowl and a huge selection of ingredients like:
Sesame oil (to cool down the spice)
Minced garlic
Chopped cilantro
Fermented bean curd
Chili flakes
Vinegar
Soy sauce
Pro tip: locals love mixing lots of sesame oil + garlic + a pinch of salt for a classic Chengdu-style sauce.
Hotpot Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts
✅ Do wait for the broth to boil before cooking your food.
✅ Do use communal chopsticks (usually provided) to put raw food into the pot.
❌ Don’t double-dip your own chopsticks into the pot.
✅ Do take your time – hotpot is about chatting and savoring.
❌ Don’t overcook delicate ingredients like beef or tofu skin.
Where to Eat Hotpot in Chengdu
Looking for the best hotpot spots? Try these local favorites:
Huangcheng Laoma (皇城老妈) – Elegant setting and great service.
Shujiuxiang (蜀九香) – A must-visit for authentic flavors.
Da Miao (大妙火锅) – Combines traditional hotpot with Sichuan opera performances.
Xiao Long Kan (小龙坎) – A wildly popular chain with an old-school vibe.
Final Tips for Tourists
Go with a group – Hotpot is best shared with friends or fellow travelers.
Start mild, go spicy – You can adjust the broth or mix your own spice level.
Embrace the sweat – It’s normal to sweat from the spice. It’s part of the fun!
Ask locals for help – They’ll gladly show you the best combos and techniques.
Chengdu’s hotpot is more than food — it’s fire, flavor, and friendship in one big bubbling pot. Whether you’re a spice lover or a curious foodie, hotpot is the heart of Chengdu’s food culture. So grab your chopsticks, bring your appetite, and dive into hotpot heaven.
