Chongqing Foodie Trip Idea

Chongqing is a food lover’s paradise, especially if you’re into bold, spicy, and numbing flavors! Known as the birthplace of hotpot, the city is packed with street food, fiery dishes, and comforting noodle bowls that will keep your taste buds dancing. Some of the iconic food options include Chongqing hot pot, Chongqing Noodles (Xiao Mian), Mala Tang, Chongqing Dumplings, Spicy Grilled Skewers, etc.

Traditionally, rice is not served with hot pot in most parts of China, including Chongqing and Sichuan, where the spicy, numbing hot pot culture is strongest.

Absolutely — Chongqing hot pot is even better than it looks. It’s not just a meal; it’s a full-on sensory experience that locals are proud of and food lovers travel for. It had a bold and addictive flavour which is customisable and fun as you get to cook your own chosen ingredients at the table. It is also not just eating meat, there are tons of veggie options too. A key part of the experience is creating your own dipping sauce with sesame oil, garlic, cilantro, oyster sauce, chopped chilies, and more. Everyone has their own "secret formula." Also, locals often sip plum juice or soy milk alongside to cool the heat — and yes, they sweat while eating. It’s part of the joy.

Yes! While Chongqing is world-famous for its fiery cuisine, there are definitely non-spicy dishes available — especially for those who aren’t chili lovers. Locals call these “清淡” (qīngdàn) foods, meaning light or mild in flavour. Some options available are the non-spicy version of Xiao Mian, steamed fish with ginger & scallion, clay pot rice, stir-fried seasonal veggie and many more.

Tips for Finding Non-Spicy Food:

• Look for menu items marked with “清淡” (light) or “不辣” (not spicy)
• Ask: “这个辣吗？可以不辣吗？” (Is this spicy? Can it be non-spicy?
• Buffets, hotel restaurants, and larger restaurants often have broader menus with milder options.

Sichuan people’s love — and tolerance — for spicy food is legendary, and it’s not just about taste. 

• It’s in their DNA, not genetic but culinary.
• The Sichuan Pepper Effect: Sichuan cuisine uses both chili peppers (for heat) and Sichuan peppercorns (花椒) — which create a numbing sensation called "má là" (麻辣). This unique combo makes the spice feel more tingly and addictive rather than just painful. Locals even describe it as euphoric!
• Spice = Comfort Food: For many Sichuan locals, spicy food isn’t just a choice — it’s comfort food. It’s tied to home, family, and identity.
• Adapted Gut & Palate Over Time: Long-term spice consumption can actually lead to physical adaptation — including:
  • Desensitized nerve endings in the mouth.
  • A stronger gut that digests spice better.
  • Increased levels of endorphins (yes, spicy food can literally make you happy!).