Must-Try Foods In Ciqikou Ancient Town (Chongqing) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Ciqikou Ancient Town, Chongqing, China

Ciqikou Ancient Town has a rich culinary history that dates back over a thousand years. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it was a bustling commercial port and an important stop along the Jialing River, which facilitated the spread of diverse cultures and cuisines. Known for its street food and local Sichuan specialties, Ciqikou has become a destination for food lovers. The town's traditional snacks and dishes draw from the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine, famous for its use of Sichuan peppercorns and the ma la (numbing and spicy) taste profile.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Ciqikou Ancient Town

1. Chongqing Noodles (非肉类) - Non-Veg: A bowl of spicy and savory noodles topped with ingredients such as spring onions, peanuts, and minced pork.
2. Spicy Tofu (豆腐) - Vegetarian: Often served in a ma la (numbing and spicy) sauce, it is a flavorful vegetarian option.
3. Qianzhang (千张) - Vegetarian: Translates to "thousand layers," this is a bean curd product that can be served crispy or soft with various toppings and sauces.
4. Sweet Potato Noodles (红薯粉条) - Vegetarian: Gluten-free noodles made from sweet potatoes, served in a tangy and spicy sauce.
5. Jiangtuan Fish (姜糖鲫鱼) - Non-Veg: A local river fish delicacy served in a ginger sugar sauce.
6. Mahua (麻花) - Vegetarian: Twisted fried dough snacks that are crunchy and can be either sweet or savory.
7. Sweet Skewers (甜串串) - Vegetarian: Various fruits and snacks skewered and coated in hardened sugar, similar to candied apples.
8. Pea Flour Cakes (豌豆粉糕) - Vegetarian: Soft cakes made from pea flour, a traditional snack often flavored with rose.
9. Steamed Chicken with Bamboo Shoots (笋子蒸鸡) - Non-Veg: Chicken steamed with bamboo shoots, highlighting the pure flavors of the ingredients.
10. Bean Curd Jelly (凉粉) - Vegetarian: A cold and refreshing jelly-like dish served with a spicy and nutty sauce, perfect for cooling down in warm weather.

Top Famous Restaurants in Ciqikou Ancient Town

• Lao Zhacai Sichuan Restaurant (老栅菜)
  Address: No.33, East Ciqikou Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing
  Famous Food: Spicy Diced Rabbit (辣子兔丁) - Non-Veg
• Lin's Yuxiang Kitchen (林记渝乡厨房)
  Address: Lianxin Road, Ciqikou, Shapingba District, Chongqing
  Famous Food: Yuxiang Shredded Pork (鱼香肉丝) - Non-Veg
• Chen's Mapo Tofu (陈麻婆豆腐)
  Address: Ciqikou Main Street, Shapingba District, Chongqing
  Famous Food: Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐) - Vegetarian
• Ba Man Ba Se Hotpot (巴蠻八色火锅)
  Address: Near the entrance of Ciqikou, Shapingba District, Chongqing
  Famous Food: Various Hotpot Ingredients - Non-Veg & Vegetarian Options
• MeiMei Café (妹妹土火锅)
  Address: Middle Section of Ciqikou, Shapingba District, Chongqing
  Famous Food: Traditional Chongqing Hotpot - Non-Veg & Vegetarian Options