Chengdu Street Food: Laoma Rabbit Head & Egg Pancakes

Chengdu, known for pandas, historic alleys, and spicy hotpot, also offers a rich street food culture. Two iconic treats stand out: Laoma Rabbit Head and Danhonggao (Egg Pancakes). Both are widely available year-round and reflect the city’s culinary traditions.

1. Laoma Rabbit Head: Spicy and Aromatic

Overview
Rabbit heads are slow-braised with more than 20 spices. The flavor penetrates every part, and the marrow offers a rich, spicy-sweet experience. Eating a rabbit head involves cracking the cheeks, sucking the marrow, and enjoying the tender meat.

Recommended Shops

• Shuangliu Laoma Rabbit Head (Qingtai Road Main Branch)
  • Address: No. 41-47, Section 1, Qingtai Road, Shuangliu District
  • Price: 12 RMB per head; ~40–60 RMB per person
  • Transport: Metro Line 3 to Dongsheng Station (Exit D), then walk 800m
  • Notes: Heritage brand since 1991. Vacuum packaging available.
• Shuangliu Laoma Rabbit Head (Jinsi Street Branch)
  • Address: No. 22 Jinsi Street, Qingyang District
  • Price: ~30–50 RMB per person
  • Transport: Metro Line 1 to Wenshu Monastery Station (Exit K), walk 300m
  • Notes: Close to Wenshu Monastery, same recipe as main branch.

2. Danhonggao (Egg Pancakes): Crispy and Sweet

Overview
These small pancakes have a crispy exterior and a soft interior. Fillings range from cream, chocolate, meat floss, to spicy strips. They are a staple of Chengdu street food, balancing sweet and savory.

Recommended Shops

• Peng Ji Danhonggao (Wenjiang Branch)
  • Address: Near Wenjiang No.2 Middle School, Heping Road
  • Price: 3–4 RMB
  • Transport: Metro Line 4 to Yangliuhe Station + short taxi or bus
  • Notes: Charcoal-baked, traditional fillings, open until sold out
• Chen Ji Grandpa & Grandma Danhonggao (Yulin East Road)
  • Address: No. 9 Yulin East Road, Wuhou District
  • Price: 3–4 RMB each
  • Transport: Metro Line 1 to Nijiaqiao Station (Exit B), walk 800m
  • Notes: Closed Mondays; sweet and savory fillings

Street Tips

• Try unusual combos like Cream + Meat Floss or Chocolate + Spicy Strips.
• Eat while standing or walking for the authentic street experience.

3. Pairing Food with Sights

• Rabbit Head + Wenshu Monastery: Enjoy spice next to the temple’s calm atmosphere.
• Egg Pancake + Kuanzhai Alley: Finish a walk through historic alleys with a sweet snack.
• One-Day Highlights: Morning at Wenshu Monastery → Rabbit Head lunch → Afternoon in Kuanzhai Alley → Danhonggao at Yulin Road → Optional folk music at a local tavern.

4. Summary

Chengdu street food mixes spice and sweetness, heritage and street culture. Laoma Rabbit Head and Danhonggao Egg Pancakes are essential bites for understanding local flavors. Taste them alongside the city’s historic streets for a complete experience.  For a deeper taste of the city, visit our Chengdu Local Food Trails guide to explore traditional snacks, street food, and the everyday dishes locals truly love.

Tip: Use gloves for Rabbit Head and your bare hands for Egg Pancakes—the crumbs are part of the experience.