Chengdu is a UNESCO World City of Gastronomy and is globally renowned for its rich, flavorful cuisine. With tens of thousands of restaurants and mouth-watering food on nearly every corner, the city offers an overwhelming number of choices. But here’s the big question: Are expats and visitors truly tapping into the best local Chengdu restaurants, or are we too often sticking to what’s familiar?
To find out, we put together a list of five of the most frequented and talked-about local Chengdu restaurants—ones that come up in English-language conversations again and again. Then, we sent Jordan Porter, local food expert and founder of Chengdu Food Tours, to try them and share his thoughts. His mission? To tell us whether these spots really represent the best local cuisine, or just the most accessible options for foreigners.
Chen Mapo Tofu 陈麻婆豆腐
Chen Mapo Tofu reigns supreme in guidebooks, on TripAdvisor, and is on the list of things to try for most tourists to the city. It’s easily one of Chengdu’s most iconic dishes and the restaurant of the same name is often where visitors head first. But is it still worth the visit?
First things first, there is no longer an “original” Chen Mapo Tofu restaurant. The brand is now a China Time-Honored Brand, meaning it’s government-owned and operated. While this might sound off-putting, it doesn’t necessarily mean the food is bad.
The Chen Mapo Tofu restaurant offers a clean, comfy, and very “Chinesey” setting. It’s a convenient choice if you’re new to town and want to try several Sichuan staples in one meal.
They serve small portions, allowing you to sample a wide range of dishes without overordering. This makes it a great option for your first night in Chengdu or even for hosting parents or visiting friends. It has a pretty good Mapo Tofu to use as a measuring stick, but do be sure to try some others.
Addresses:
No. 15, Donghuamen Street, Qingyang District
青羊区东华门街51号
No.10, Qinghua Road, Qingyang District
青羊区青华路10号
No.63, Chengshou Street, Jinjiang District
锦江区城守街63号
And several other locations in Chengdu
Da Dong Bei 大东北
The restaurant’s location near the Southwest University for Nationalities (Minorities University) and its English-language menu have helped it become a staple for the expat community. To be completely honest, I’m not sure how Da Dong Bei would compare to similar restaurants in northeastern China. However, I’m genuinely glad it exists in Chengdu.
When exploring local Chengdu restaurants, don’t miss the fiery Sichuan staples, but also know where to turn when you need a flavorful break. Da Dong Bei isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a reprieve for anyone seeking something familiar yet still authentically Chinese.
Address:
2F, No.2, No.12 Wuhouci Crossstreet, Shuhan East Street, Wuhou District
武侯区蜀汉东街武侯祠横街12号附2号2楼
Hai Di Lao Hotpot 海底捞火锅
Want to discover the best hotpot in town? Don’t miss our guide to hotpot restaurants in Chengdu!
Addresses:
Floor L04009, Wangfujing Shopping Center, 2nd Floor, Kehua Middle Road, Wuhou District
武侯区科华中路2楼王府井购物中心层L04009
6-7F, Sunshine New Industry Center, No.87, East 5th Section, 1st Ring Road, Jinjiang District
锦江区一环路东五段87号阳光新业中心6-7F
3F, Longhu 3000 Set, No. 2, Section 3, Jianshe North Road, Chenghua District
成华区建设北路三段2号龙湖三千集3层
and a bunch of other locations in Chengdu
Zhuan Zhuan Mo aka The Rabbit Place 转转磨
And yes, let’s not forget: they serve mashed potatoes.
As its nickname suggests, the rabbit is the main draw here. But here’s the truth: the hand-shredded roast rabbit is a toned-down version of the spicy Sichuan classic. It’s crispy and somewhat flavorful, but it lacks the signature boldness and heat that define real Chengdu-style rabbit dishes. While some may appreciate the milder take, possibly why it’s so popular with expats, others will find it underwhelming. In a city known for rich, fiery flavors, this version is, quite frankly, average (一般般).
If you’re looking for something special, order the roast duck on crispy rice. It’s savory, perfectly cooked, and has that satisfying crackle that makes the dish unforgettable. In my opinion, this is one of the best things on the menu and definitely worth going back for.
Zhuan Zhuan Mo is a solid entry in the world of local Chengdu restaurants, especially if you’re new to Sichuan cuisine or dining with a group. However, if you’re after the authentic, fiery rabbit dish that Chengdu is famous for, make your way west a couple blocks into Yulin and check out Wang Ma Shou Si Tu. That’s the real deal Rabbit Restaurant.
Address:
F5, 34 Jinxiu Road, Wuhou District [up The Beer Nest – take the glass elevator on the corner]
武侯区锦绣路34号五楼
MaoJiaoHuoLa 冒椒火辣
Looking for famous local Chengdu restaurants? MaoJiaoHuoLa is a name that always comes up, and not just for the food.
Addresses:
No. 33, Kuixing Lou Street, Qingyang District (near Jixiang Street)
青羊区奎星楼街33号(近吉祥街)
No. 1 Yujie Lane, Wuhou District
武侯区玉洁巷1号
No.4 Xizugong South Street, Jinjiang District
锦江区惜字宫南街4号
and several other locations in Chengdu
Chengdu is full of amazing food in every corner of the city. Everyone’s entitled to like what they like but we highly recommend changing up your routine, finding new places and pushing your limits. Don’t just go where you know! Look for anywhere that’s consistently busy with locals of a variety of ages and you should be good to go.
This updated article is from the archives from our favourite Sichuan food writer (no, not you Dunlop) Jordan Porter – who unfortunately isn’t in the city anymore.
