Chongqing's Home Cooking: Sichuan Cuisine
Chongqing's home-style cuisine has close ties with Sichuan cuisine, but it has also developed its own unique style and characteristics. Historically, Chongqing cuisine is a branch of Sichuan cuisine, but over time, it has gradually formed its own set of culinary philosophies and flavor profiles.
Douhua Rice
豆
花
饭
dòu huā fàn
Douhua Rice
TypeMeal
IngredientsSoybean
FlavorAdjustable Spiciness
Price¥6.0(additional charges for ordering)>
VegetarianYes
RecommendationStrongly Recommended
Dining DurationMinutes
Dining MethodDine-in
CommonnessCommon
Douhua rice is beloved by locals for its affordability and simplicity. Douhua, rice, and braised pork (shaobai) are the classic combination of douhua rice. The white douhua is fresh, tender, and satisfying, while the red oil dipping sauce and green sticky rice dipping sauce give it its essence. A mouthful of douhua with a bowl of rice is especially appetizing. Paired with a bowl of braised pork, it becomes exquisite. With just these two items, locals can easily go through several bowls of rice.
Chinese Street Food Tour in Chongqing, China | BEST Alleyway Food in China
I made my way to Chongqing, in search of the best Chinese street food and unique Chinese Sichuan food. I found a ton of street food and specialty Chongqing snacks. There was a lot of Chinese street food on every corner.
Fish-Flavored Shredded Pork
鱼
香
肉
丝
yú xiāng ròu sī
Fish-Flavored Shredded Pork
Fish-Flavored Shredded Pork is a classic Sichuan dish. This dish came into being during the Second World War. Its characteristic "fish-like" flavor is created using seasonings that do not include fish, making it unique. The finished dish has a lustrous red color, an aromatic nose, and when eaten, it offers a harmonious blend of salty, fragrant, sour, and spicy flavors. The pork shreds are tender and smooth.
In the Chongqing region, it is made without bamboo shoots or wood ear mushrooms; instead, it uses diced scallions as the garnish. Prepared this way, the dish is particularly delicious when mixed with rice.
Kung Pao Chicken
宫
保
鸡
丁
gōng bǎo jī dīng
Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is likewise a renowned dish both within China and abroad. The ingredients include chicken, peanuts, chili peppers, and more. It is characterized by its tender and smooth chicken pieces, with a flavor profile that is both sweet and sour, complemented by a spicy kick from the chilies.
Twice-Cooked Pork
回
锅
肉
huí guō ròu
Twice-Cooked Pork
Twice-Cooked Pork is the premier dish of Sichuan cuisine and represents the very soul of it. The ingredients include pork from the hind leg, green peppers, and garlic sprouts, supplemented with broad bean sauce and fermented black beans. The meat, when stir-fried this way, exudes an irresistible aroma.
Mapo Tofu
麻
婆
豆
腐
má pó dòu fǔ
Mapo Tofu
Mapo Tofu is also a classic Sichuan dish. The tofu is smooth and tender, with a bright red sheen, and it is deeply loved by people for its distinctive flavor.