10 must-try foods in Chongqing for your next trip

Planning a visit to Chongqing? This mountain city in southwest China is often called the hotpot capital of the world — but its food scene goes far beyond bubbling mala broths. With a deep love for bold flavours, spicy oils, and numbing peppercorns, Chongqing cuisine is an adventure for the senses. Every street, market, and corner stall offers something delicious, from simple noodle bowls to snacks with centuries of history.
Here are ten foods you must not miss when eating your way through Chongqing.

Chongqing hot pot (重庆火锅)

Hot pot is the beating heart of Chongqing’s food culture. This communal dish, famous for its fiery red broth, is prepared with beef tallow, dried chillies, and generous amounts of sichuan peppercorns. The result is the city’s signature mala flavour — spicy, numbing, and addictive. Locals dip everything from paper-thin beef slices to tofu, lotus root, mushrooms, and leafy greens into the bubbling soup, then balance the heat with a dipping sauce of sesame oil and garlic.

Hot pot is not just about the food; it is a social ritual. Families, friends, and colleagues gather around the steaming pot for hours, sharing laughter, stories, and endless refills of ingredients. For travellers new to spice, the “double-flavour” hot pot (鸳鸯锅) is the best choice, offering one spicy broth and one mild. To complete the experience, order crispy fried pork strips, a beloved side dish that perfectly contrasts the richness of the broth.

Chongqing noodles (Xiao mian 重庆小面)

For locals, xiao mian is the breakfast of choice — quick, affordable, and bursting with flavour. At first glance, the dish seems simple: a bowl of thin alkaline noodles tossed in a sauce made of chilli oil, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, peanuts, and pickled mustard greens. Yet every stall has its own secret recipe, adjusting the ratio of spice, salt, and umami, so no two bowls are ever the same.

Historically, xiao mian was a working-class meal, giving labourers an inexpensive but filling start to the day. Today, it remains an everyday comfort food, with queues forming at small neighbourhood shops each morning. For visitors, it is the perfect way to experience the rhythm of local life — join the line, slurp your noodles quickly, and be on your way.

Wanza noodles (豌杂面)

Wanza noodles are another Chongqing classic, known for their hearty topping of braised peas mixed with minced meat. The peas, slow-cooked until soft, lend a creamy sweetness that balances the spice in the sauce, while the minced meat adds a savoury depth. The chewy noodles soak up the flavours, making each bite both comforting and satisfying.

This dish dates to the Ming dynasty and was considered an upgraded version of everyday noodles, making it a treat for special occasions. Today, locals still regard wanza noodles as a more indulgent choice compared to the simpler xiao mian. It is ideal for travellers who want the authentic Chongqing taste but with slightly less heat.

Chongqing style boiled blood curd (Mao xue wang 毛血旺)

Not for the faint-hearted, mao xue wang is one of the boldest dishes you will find in Chongqing. It is a large, fiery pot brimming with duck blood, tripe, tofu, bean sprouts, and fish fillets, all simmered in a broth heavy with chilli oil and peppercorns. Every bite offers a different texture — chewy tripe, silky blood curd, tender fish — making the dish a surprise with each spoonful.

This dish has its roots in traditional riverbank cooking, when locals would throw leftover cuts and inexpensive ingredients into a hot, spicy broth to create something filling. Over time, it became a symbol of Chongqing’s fearless food culture, where no flavour is too strong and no spice is too much. It is best enjoyed with a group, served steaming in the centre of the table.

Chongqing grilled fish (Kaoyu 烤鱼)

Chongqing’s grilled fish is a dish that perfectly captures smoky and spicy flavours. The fish, usually carp or catfish, is first grilled over charcoal until the skin crisps, then simmered in a bubbling broth filled with garlic, spices, and chillies. Diners can choose the flavour profile, from extra spicy to garlic-heavy or slightly sweet.

Kaoyu is especially popular at night, when groups of friends gather at open-air restaurants, ordering side dishes of vegetables, tofu, or potato slices to simmer in the same pot. The combination of smoky char and rich sauce makes it one of the most addictive meals in the city.

Chongqing hot and sour glass noodles (Suan la fen 酸辣粉)

Suited for a quick snack on the go, suan la fen is made with chewy sweet potato starch noodles soaked in a hot and sour broth. The vinegar gives it a tangy kick, while the chilli oil and pickled vegetables bring depth and spice. Crushed peanuts add crunch, making every bowl a balanced mix of textures.

This dish is a favourite street food, often sold in small plastic bowls by vendors near schools, markets, and bus stations. Its origins trace back to rural Sichuan, but Chongqing made it famous with its extra-sour, extra-spicy style. It is the perfect snack when you want something fast, cheap, and unforgettable.

Tofu pudding with rice (Douhua fan 豆花饭)

Douhua fan is proof that even the simplest ingredients can become iconic. It pairs soft tofu pudding with plain white rice, but the magic lies in the sauce: chilli oil, soy sauce, garlic, and peppercorns. The silky tofu absorbs the flavours, while the rice adds substance, making it a quick and satisfying meal.

This dish is beloved for its homely, everyday feel. Many locals see it as the ultimate comfort food — affordable, easy to prepare, and endlessly adaptable. Travellers who want to experience the city’s more casual dining should not miss it.

Chen mahua (陈麻花)

If you’re looking for a snack to take home, chen mahua is a classic. These twisted dough sticks are deep-fried until golden and crunchy, then coated with flavours such as sesame, honey, pepper, or black sugar. The result is sweet, savoury, and incredibly scrumptious.

Chen mahua has been sold in Chongqing for over a century, with some family shops perfecting their recipes across generations. Today, it is one of the most popular souvenirs, with locals buying them in bulk to gift to relatives and friends.

Grilled sweet potato skin (Shao pi 烤苕皮)

Unlike ordinary roasted sweet potatoes, this snack focuses only on the skins. Vendors carefully grill the caramelised skins until chewy and slightly crisp, resulting in a smoky, sweet treat with a unique texture.

For many Chongqing locals, shao pi is a nostalgic food tied to childhood memories of after-school snacks. You’ll often find it sold near busy street markets, making it a cheap and satisfying bite while exploring the city.

Mountain City glutinous rice balls (Shancheng tang yuan)

Shancheng tang yuan are glutinous rice dumplings with thin skins and generous fillings. Traditionally made with black sesame mixed with pork fat for a rich, sweet filling, they now also come in varieties such as peanut, walnut, red bean, and date paste.

With a history spanning more than 800 years, these dumplings are tied to local festivals and family celebrations. Soft and chewy, they melt in the mouth, offering a sweet and delicate finish to balance Chongqing’s spicy meals.

Travel tip: paying with TNG eWallet in Chongqing

Exploring Chongqing’s food scene is even easier for Malaysian travellers with TNG eWallet . Many restaurants, cafés, and shops accept Alipay+ QR payments, so you can pay like a local without carrying cash or worrying about exchange rates.

• Tap “scan” in your app, scan the merchant’s qr code, enter the amount, and pay instantly
• Or tap “pay”, select your destination country, and show your qr code to the merchant

You’ll also spot Alipay+ QR codes at convenience stores like Meiyijia, Walmart, and Yonghui, as well as drink chains such as Mixue, Heytea, and Chapanda. Even metro stations across Chongqing, Beijing, and Chengdu accept TNG eWallet , making it simple to get around.

Beyond Overseas QR, TNG eWallet also offers travel-friendly features:

• Visa card: shop and withdraw cash worldwide, with full control in your app
• Travel eSim: stay connected in China and other destinations without hunting for a local sim card
• SafeTrip travel insurance: get peace of mind with coverage for flight delays, medical needs, and more

On top of that, with A+ rewards, you can claim vouchers every time you pay with Overseas QR, stretching your travel budget further.

Eat, explore, and travel with ease with TNG eWallet

Chongqing’s food culture is as fiery and vibrant as the city itself. From the heat of mala hot pot to the sweetness of tang yuan, every dish tells a story of tradition, community, and flavour. For Malaysian travellers, enjoying this culinary adventure is easier than ever with TNG eWallet.

With cashless payments, seamless connectivity, reliable travel insurance, and a card you can use worldwide, TNG eWallet is more than just an app — it’s your travel companion. So grab your chopsticks, follow the scent of spices, and taste everything Chongqing has to offer. With TNG eWallet in your pocket, all you need to focus on is the food.