A Taste of Chengdu: The Spicy Legend of Fuqi Feipian
If you’re visiting Chengdu, you probably have a checklist: see the pandas, stroll through the Wide and Narrow Alleys, and enjoy a fiery hotpot. But when it comes to must-try food in Chengdu, there’s one dish you absolutely shouldn’t miss—Fuqi Feipian, also known as “Couple’s Lung Slices.”
So, what is Fuqi Feipian?
It’s a famous Sichuan cold dish made from thinly sliced beef, beef tongue, tripe, and heart, tossed in chili oil, garlic, and numbing Sichuan peppercorns. Spicy, fragrant, and addictive, it’s a true icon of Chengdu street food.
This legendary dish dates back to the 1930s and has since conquered taste buds around the world. It even topped GQ Magazine’s list of “Appetizer of the Year” in the US. Today, let’s explore its story and where to find the best Fuqi Feipian in Chengdu.
I. From Street Stall to Global Star
The story of Fuqi Feipian is a classic rags-to-riches tale rooted in Chinese food culture. In the late Qing Dynasty, street vendors in Chengdu sold inexpensive snacks made from beef offal. Because beef lung was commonly used, locals originally called it “Chilled Lung Slices.”
In 1933, Guo Chaohua and his wife, Zhang Tianzheng, opened a small stall and reinvented the dish. They removed the tough lung and instead used high-quality beef, tongue, heart, and tripe. The meat was sliced paper-thin, served cold, and drenched in a deeply aromatic chili oil. The flavor quickly made it famous across Chengdu.
To honor their partnership, they named it Fuqi Feipian, literally “Couple’s Lung Slices.”
The dish gained global attention in 2017 when a Sichuan restaurant in Houston received a major GQ award, translating the name playfully as “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.”
II. Where to Eat the Best Fuqi Feipian in Chengdu
1. The Flagship: Couple’s Lung Slices (Zongfu Road)
- Location: No. 23 Zongfu Road, Jinjiang District (near Chunxi Road)
- Price: ¥40–¥50 per person
- Why go: The most traditional option and a protected heritage site. Tender beef, fragrant chili oil, and balanced heat.
- Pro Tip: Order it with beef noodles for the classic Chengdu combo.
2. The Local Favorite: Liao Ji (Qingbaijiang)
- Location: No. 36 Tongjin Street, Qingbaijiang District
- Price: ¥18–¥25 per person
- Why go: A true local spot with generous portions and great value.
- Pro Tip: Also famous for spicy rabbit and pickled chicken feet.
3. The Convenient Choice: Ziyan (Multiple Locations)
- Location: Many branches, including a 24-hour store near Chunxi Road
- Price: ¥25–¥35 per person
- Why go: Clean, consistent, and perfect for travelers on the go.
- Pro Tip: Buy vacuum-sealed packs as edible souvenirs.
4. The Michelin Experience: Ma Wang Zi (Taikoo Li)
- Location: Taikoo Li, No. 8 Middle Shamao Street
- Price: ¥80–¥100 per person
- Why go: A modern Michelin-starred take using M5 Wagyu, truffle, and caviar.
- Pro Tip: Book ahead—tables fill fast.
5. The Cultural Show: Shuyanfu (Immersive Dining)
- Location: 4F, WIFC Tower 2, Xiadongda Street
- Price: ¥200–¥300
- Why go: A full cultural experience with Han-style performances and dramatic presentation.
- Pro Tip: Great for photos—Hanfu welcome.
III.More Than Just Food
Fuqi Feipian is the soul of Chengdu. It reflects the city’s talent for turning simple ingredients into world-class cuisine. Whether you try it from a street-style shop or a Michelin-starred restaurant, every bite tells a story.
Skipping Fuqi Feipian in Chengdu is like skipping the Great Wall in Beijing—you’d miss something essential. 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.
Winter Tip: Chengdu winters are damp and chilly. Warm up with hot beef noodles, a plate of spicy Fuqi Feipian, and a cup of jasmine tea. A perfect Chengdu food experience.
