Joanna James
While the captivating Sichuan provincial capital is full of enriching experiences, from cuddlesome pandas in natural sanctuaries to beautiful palaces carved into ancient peaks, its boldly flavoursome food culture will get you weak in the knees!
While there are eight mouthwatering cuisines to savour in China, from the addictive umami kick of Cantonese broths, freshly caught seafood, and chicken feet slathered in sticky sweet sauce to the artistic sweet and sour medleys Jiangsu cookery and sour, hot, and herbaceous piquancy of the Hunan Province, the deliciously spicy and audaciously flavourful Sichuan dishes, with its ample use of the Sichuan peppercorn, garlic, ginger, and peanuts, will take your tastebuds on an unforgettable ride! One Chengdu delicacy you can’t miss in its place of origin is the world-renowned kung pao chicken, a mouthwatering stir-fry of chicken cubes tossed in red chillies, peppercorns, leeks, onions, and peanuts.
With even Chinese proverbs praising Chengdu’s diverse flavour profile as “the richest” in the land, you won’t be able to resist the sublime harmony of pepper-hot, sweet, sour, salty, and pungent tastes of its knockout eats. A great way to experience the best of authentic Sichuan flavours is sitting down to an adventurous hot pot, where you can customize your sizzling meal from a selection of unconventional meat and seafood varieties on bamboo skewers, mushrooms, lotus root, sweet potatoes, Sichuan peppers, slippery noodles, bespoke sauces, and aromatic broths, creating a firework amalgamation of flavours. Chengdu’s famed mala niurou (spicy beef), accompanied by a saucy broth composed of chilli oil, dry spice, coconut, and sesame paste, is the most popular way to go!
Savour the bold flavours of Sichuan cuisine, known for its spicy and flavorful dishes. From iconic beef offal in tongue-numbing sauce to irresistible snacks like dry-fried green beans, you can also enjoy a classy gourmet dining experience. Try succulent tea-smoked and wok-fried duck served on a soft bao or fragrant rice for a mouthful of crispy texture, spiciness, and smoky undertones.
After a day of exploring, whether shopping for vintage finds or hiking to Qingcheng Mountain, treat yourself to comforting Mapo Doufu for a satisfying meal. These smoky, soft tofu bites slathered with chilli oil, ground beef, mala, and fermented bean paste will serenade your tastebuds with spicy eloquence! If you’re looking for sophisticated Chengdu China apartments offering excellent access to its culinary hotspots, venture no further than Citadines Gaoxin Chengdu.
If you’re craving a hearty and addictive snack between meals, these flavour-bursting noodles, composed of chilli oil, pickled vegetables, peppercorns, peanut paste, hot sauce, and minced meat garnish, are the perfect go-to for a midday or midnight pick-me-up.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
