Must-Try Foods In Dazu Rock Carvings (Chongqing) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Dazu Rock Carvings, Chongqing, China

The Dazu Rock Carvings, located in Chongqing, China, are a magnificent series of Chinese religious sculptures and carvings, dating back as far as the 7th century AD. Food has always played an integral role in the lives of Chinese people, and over the years, it has been deeply intertwined with Buddhism, which is prominently depicted in the Dazu Rock Carvings. Traditional Chinese Buddhist cuisine avoids garlic, onion, scallions, leeks, and chives, and is "Su" (素) meaning plain or vegetarian. Chongqing's food is also known for its fiery Sichuan peppercorns and bold flavors which add to its unique culinary history.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes at Dazu Rock Carvings

1. Chongqing Hot Pot - Known for its numbing and hot flavor, it often comes with a variety of meat and vegetable slices to cook in the spicy broth (Non-Veg).
2. Yuxiang Shredded Pork - A savory dish with sweet, sour, and spicy flavors (Non-Veg).
3. Szechuan Dan Dan Noodles - A spicy and savory dish with preserved vegetables, chili oil, Sichuan pepper, minced pork, and scallions served over noodles (Non-Veg).
4. Mapo Tofu - A combination of tofu set in a spicy sauce, typically a thin, oily, and bright red suspension, based on Douban (fermented broadbean and chili paste) and Douchi (fermented black beans) with minced meat, traditionally beef (Non-Veg).
5. Braised Fish with Chili and Fermented Black Bean Sauce - Fish braised in a sauce that is piquant and fragrant (Non-Veg).
6. Zhutang Rice - A sweet rice dish often made with red dates and lotus seeds (Veg).
7. Kung Pao Chicken - A classic Sichuan dish that combines chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers (Non-Veg).
8. Vegetarian Sichuan Style - Involves a use of tofu and other non-meat products cooked in a variety of spicy sauces and seasonings (Veg).
9. Kung Pao Potatoes - A vegetarian version of Kung Pao Chicken using potatoes (Veg).
10. Wontons in Spicy Sauce - These are commonly filled with minced pork, shrimp, and seasoned with plenty of Sichuan pepper (Non-Veg).

Top Famous Restaurants in Dazu Rock Carvings, Chongqing, China

Ciyun Vegetarian Restaurant

Address: Near the entrance of the Dazu Rock Carvings.

Famous for: Offering a diverse menu of Buddhist vegetarian dishes such as Zhutang Rice (Veg).

Hongyuan Sichuan Restaurant

Address: 102 Renmin Road, Dazu District, Chongqing.

Famous for: Spicy Sichuan dishes such as Braised Fish with Chili and Fermented Black Bean Sauce (Non-Veg).

Laojun Zhong Shizhu Hotpot

Address: 56 Zunyi Road, Dazu District, Chongqing.

Famous for: Chongqing-style hotpot, boasting a variety of broth bases and dipping ingredients (Veg/Non-Veg choices available).

Dazu Noodle Restaurant

Address: Main street of Dazu town.

Famous for: Local noodle dishes, including vegetarian options such as Kung Pao Potatoes (Veg).

Longmen Ancient Town Restaurant

Address: Longmen Ancient Town near Dazu, Chongqing.

Famous for: Regional dishes and its historical ambiance, offering both non-vegetarian and vegetarian choices.