Must-Try Foods In Chaotianmen Square (Chongqing) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Chaotianmen Square, Chongqing, China

Chaotianmen Square in Chongqing is not only a landmark but also a culinary epitome of the region's spicy and bold flavors. Its food history is richly tied to the convergence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, which has been a major trade and transportation hub. This has allowed a fusion of flavors and techniques to converge in Chongqing from various regions of China. Sichuanese cuisine, known for its fiery spices and the use of the Sichuan peppercorn, dominates the local palate. The area's hot and humid climate also contributes to the local preference for spicy food, believed to help cool down the body.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Chaotianmen Square, Chongqing, China

• Chongqing Hot Pot (Non-Veg) - This is an intensely flavorful and spicy broth with a variety of meats and vegetables available for dipping. Pork, lamb, and fish slices are commonly used.
• Mapo Tofu (Either Veg or Non-Veg) - Soft tofu cooked in a spicy and bean-based sauce, this dish can be served with or without minced meat.
• Chongqing Noodles (Non-Veg) - A bowl of wheat noodles served with a spicy and numbing sauce, often topped with minced meat and peanuts.
• Suanla Fen (Non-Veg) - A tangy and spicy vermicelli noodle dish with pickled vegetables and often includes slices of meat or seafood.
• Qianzhang (Veg) - A dish made from soybean curd that has been dried into a chewy, textured sheet, often served stir-fried with vegetables.
• Shousi (Veg) - Vegetable rolls made with mustard greens or other greens wrapped around a flavorful filling, sometimes served with a side of soy sauce.
• Grilled Eggplant (Veg) - Served with a variety of seasonünings, such as garlic and chili, giving it a distinctly Sichuan flavor.
• Spicy Chicken (Non-Veg) - Chicken pieces seasoned with a plethora of Chongqing spices and cooked to perfection.
• Dandan Mian (Non-Veg) - A spicy and savory noodle dish topped with preserved vegetables, chili oil, Sichuan pepper, minced pork, and scallions.
• Spicy Bean Jelly (Veg) - A cold dish made from mung bean starch formed into a jelly and served with a spicy sauce typically including vinegar, chili oil, and spices.

Top Famous Restaurants in Chaotianmen Square, Chongqing, China

Cygnus Hotpot (Dayang Huoguo)

Address: Xinhua Road near Chaotianmen Square, Chongpusongdu, Chongqing

Recommended Dish: Chongqing Hot Pot (Non-Veg)

Wang's Grand Courtyard (Wang Jia Dayuan)

Address: Jiefangbei CBD near Chaotianmen Square, Chongqing

Recommended Dish: Mapo Tofu (Can be prepared as Veg or Non-Veg)

Lao Suanmiao Hotpot Restaurant (Lao Suanmiao Huoguo)

Address: Chaotianmen Market, Chongqing

Recommended Dish: Suanla Fen (Non-Veg)

Tiantian Fruits and Vegetables Hotpot (Tiantian Shucai Huoguo)

Address: Zhongxing Road, near Chaotianmen Square, Chongqing

Recommended Dish: Qianzhang (Veg)

Yuxin Sichuan Dish (Yuxin Chuancai)

Address: Linjiang Road, near Chaotianmen Square, Chongqing

Recommended Dish: Shousi (Veg)

These gastronomical delights and locations make Chaotianmen Square not just a visual feast but a culinary journey that nobody should miss when visiting Chongqing. The local food speaks volumes about the culture and atmosphere of this vibrant Chinese city.