Skip the tourist restaurants. What do Chengdu locals eat for breakfast? Who makes the most authentic Hotpot? This list of 10 eateries covers breakfast to midnight snacks — the real flavors of Chengdu.
Breakfast: Hotpot is Chengdu locals' soul food. Try the old spots near 春熙路, 15-30 RMB/person. Lunch: Local restaurants — order Hotpot and seasonal vegetables, 50-80 RMB/person. Dinner: Hotpot veteran near 太古里, 80-150 RMB/person. Late night: BBQ stalls near 宽窄巷子, 30-50 RMB/person.
10 recommended spots: ① 春熙路 old Hotpot (20-year veteran); ② 太古里 trendy Hotpot (good ambiance); ③ 宽窄巷子 hole-in-the-wall (most authentic); ④ Farmhouse near 大熊猫基地; ⑤ Seafood/river fish near 宽窄巷子; ⑥ 茶馆川剧-themed restaurant; ⑦ Local breakfast joint; ⑧ Night market BBQ; ⑨ Dessert old shop; ⑩ Souvenir shop. Budget: a full day of eating ~200-400 RMB/person.