Must-Try Chongqing Noddles: Xiaomian

Xiaomian

xiǎo miàn /ʃəʊ miːn/
Small Noddles
TypeMeal
IngredientsWheat Flour
FlavorAdjustable Spiciness
Price¥8.0 to ¥15.0
VegetarianCan Be Made
NoteMay Contain Pork
RecommendationStrongly Recommended
Dining DurationMinutes
Dining MethodDine-in
CommonnessVery Common

Xiaomian is the most famous noodles in Chongqing, known for its spicy and numbing flavor. The noodles are typically made from high-gluten flour, and its main characteristics are its spicy condiments and simple garnishes such as crushed peanuts, scallions, Sichuan pepper powder, and chili oil.

My Italian Family Tried Chongqing Noodles for the First Time
My Italian Family Tried Chongqing Noodles for the First Time@Luca&Rachele
My Italian family's first visit to the mountain city of Chongqing, marveling at its beauty! Chongqing noodles really suit Italian palates.

Mashed Pea and Minced Pork Xiaomian

wǎn zá xiǎo miàn /ʃəʊ miːn/
Mashed Pea and Minced Pork Xiaomian
TypeMeal
IngredientsWheat Flour, Pork
FlavorAdjustable Spiciness
Price¥16.0 to ¥20.0
VegetarianCan Be Made
NoteContain Pork
RecommendationRecommended
Dining DurationMinutes
Dining MethodDine-in
CommonnessVery Common

A combination of mashed peas and minced pork sauce creates a noodle dish with distinct layers of sweetness and savory flavors.

I found heaven in Chongqing and I'M NEVER LEAVING!
I found heaven in Chongqing and I'M NEVER LEAVING!@Blondie in China
I'm taking on the challenge of seeing how much delicious food I can get for 50 RMB. Sitting on the curb next to the surreal 3D cityscape, eating Chongqing noodles, is truly a fantastic experience.

Rice Noodles

线
mǐ xiàn
Rice Noddles
TypeMeal
IngredientsRice
FlavorAdjustable Spiciness
Price¥8.0 to ¥15.0
VegetarianCan Be Made
NoteMay Contain Pork
RecommendationRecommended
Dining DurationMinutes
Dining MethodDine-in
CommonnessVery Common

In Chongqing, rice noodles are just as popular as xiaomian, and their preparation is largely similar to that of small noodles, with variations such as beef rice noodles and chicken offal rice noodles being common options.

Chaoshou

chāo shǒu
Wonton
TypeMeal
IngredientsWheat Flour, Pork
FlavorAdjustable Spiciness
Price¥16.0 to ¥25.0
VegetarianNo
NoteContain Pork
RecommendationNormal
Dining DurationMinutes
Dining MethodDine-in
CommonnessVery Common

In Chinese culinary culture, Chao Shou, Dumplings, and Wontons are all popular traditional foods. Although they share some similarities in appearance, there are distinct differences in their preparation methods, shapes, and ways of eating.

It usually have pork as the main ingredient, and sometimes other meats such as shrimp or chicken are added, along with seasonings like scallions and ginger. The wrapper is thin and soft, typically using specialized Chao Shou wrappers that are smaller and more delicate than dumpling wrappers. Chongqing-style Chao Shou generally has a richer and spicier flavor.

Exploring Ancient Town in Chongqing, China
Exploring Ancient Town in Chongqing, China@Two Mad Explorers
We're exploring an ancient town on the outskirts of Chongqing and successfully found our way into a Chongqing restaurant where traditional noodles and chicken soup chaoshou made a lasting impression.

Sour and Spicy Noddles

suān là fěn
Sour and Spicy Noddles
TypeMeal, Snack
IngredientsSweet Potato Flour
FlavorAdjustable Spiciness
Price¥6.0 to ¥10.0
VegetarianCan Be Made
Note-
RecommendationNormal
Dining DurationMinutes
Dining MethodDine-in, Take-away
CommonnessCommon

It can be considered a main meal or a street food; you can find it in noodle shops, but more often it's available at snack bars.

People love sour and spicy sweet potato noddles for several reasons. Its tangy and spicy flavor provides a delightful taste experience that is both refreshing and invigorating. The chewy texture of the sweet potato noodles adds an interesting mouthfeel. It's also versatile, serving as both a satisfying main dish or a quick, tasty snack. Additionally, it’s often affordable and widely available, making it a popular choice for many, especially at snack bars and street food stalls.

Cold Noodles

liáng miàn
Cold Noodles
TypeMeal
IngredientsWheat Flour
FlavorAdjustable Spiciness
Price¥8.0 to ¥15.0
VegetarianYes
Note-
RecommendationRecommended
Dining DurationMinutes
Dining MethodDine-in
CommonnessVery Common

They are quite similar to other types of noodles, but what sets them apart is that they can be eaten as a snack. That's why you often see them being sold on the roadside in scenic areas. cold noodles typically garnished with crushed peanuts, cucumber strips, soy sauce, and vinegar.

In the summer, when the weather is particularly hot, locals might even have congee and cold noodles as their main meal due to their refreshing combination.

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