4 Must-Eat Chengdu Street Foods: A Heritage Snack Guide

Chengdu is famous for more than just giant pandas. It’s also one of China’s best cities for street food.
This Chengdu street food guide introduces four traditional snacks that are officially recognized as part of China’s intangible cultural heritage—each deeply loved by locals and easy for travelers to find.

If you want to taste authentic Chengdu local food, start here.

1. Zhong Dumplings (Zhong Shui Jiao): Sweet, Spicy, and Iconic

The Story:
Zhong Dumplings are known for their unique sweet-spicy flavor. Instead of soup, the dumplings are served in a rich red chili oil sauce made with local chilies, handmade soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sugar. The wrappers are thin, and the pork filling is tender and juicy.

Where to try them:

Zhong Dumplings (People’s Park Flagship)

• Price: ~25 RMB
• Transport: Metro Line 2, People’s Park Station, Exit D (3-minute walk)
• Why go: A 100-year-old brand inside a historic park—it feels like eating a piece of Chengdu’s history.

Box 82 Secret Dumplings (82 Xin Xiang)

• Price: ~20 RMB
• Transport: Metro Line 6, Jianshe Bei Lu Station, Exit C (10-minute walk)
• Why go: A true hidden gem inside a residential building. Everything is handmade. Cash only.

2. Lai Tangyuan: Soft Rice Balls Full of Sweet Comfort

The Story:
Founded in 1894, Lai Tangyuan has long symbolized sweetness and reunion in Chengdu. These glutinous rice balls have thin, delicate skins and are filled with black sesame or peanut paste. Soft, chewy, and gently sweet, they’re perfect as a light dessert.

Where to try them:

Lai Tangyuan (Zongfu Road)

• Price: ~28 RMB
• Transport: Metro Line 2/3, Chunxi Road Station, Exit D (5-minute walk)
• Why go: Clean, classic, and family-friendly.

Lai Tangyuan (Kuanzhai Alley)

• Price: ~35 RMB
• Transport: Metro Line 4, Kuanzhai Alley Station, Exit B (5-minute walk)
• Why go: Right in a popular tourist area—great for a break with tea and dessert.

3. Sweet Water Noodles (Tian Shui Mian): Chewy and Addictive

The Story:
Despite the name, Sweet Water Noodles are bold and flavorful. The noodles are thick—almost chopstick-sized—and pleasantly chewy. They’re topped with thick soy sauce, chili oil, garlic, and sometimes crushed peanuts, creating a rich spicy-sweet kick.

Where to try them:

Xiao Ming Tang (Dongchenggan Street)

• Price: 6 RMB per bowl
• Transport: Metro Line 1/4, Luomashi Station, Exit E (8-minute walk)
• Why go: A local favorite with perfectly balanced sauce.

Zhang Lao Er (Wenshu Monastery)

• Price: 12 RMB per bowl
• Transport: Metro Line 1, Wenshu Monastery Station, Exit K (5-minute walk)
• Why go: An iconic old shop. Go early (before 8 AM)—they sell out fast. Cash only.

4. Northern Sichuan Jelly (Chuan Bei Liang Fen): Cool, Spicy, and Refreshing

The Story:
This jelly-like dish is made from starch and served cold, topped with chili oil, vinegar, and garlic. Slippery, refreshing, and lightly spicy, it’s especially popular during Chengdu’s hot summers.

Where to try it:

Nanchong Taste (Ximianqiao Street)

• Price: ~17 RMB
• Transport: Metro Line 3, Yiguanmiao Station, Exit D (5-minute walk)
• Why go: As local as it gets. Pair the jelly with their beef rice noodles.

Chen Mapo Tofu (Luomashi Branch)

• Price: 10 RMB per bowl
• Transport: Metro Line 1/4, Luomashi Station, Exit E (3-minute walk)
• Why go: Famous for tofu, but their spicy jelly is just as memorable.

Summary: A Local Guide to Chengdu Street Food

From sweet-spicy dumplings to refreshing jelly, these heritage snacks show the true soul of Chengdu street food. If you want to experience the city beyond tourist restaurants, these dishes are 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.

Quick Tips for Visitors:

• Many classic shops are hidden in small alleys—wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring some cash, as older shops may not accept digital payments.
• Don’t like spice? Say “Bu La” (no spice) or “Wei La” (mild spice).