Skip the tourist restaurants. What do Chongqing locals eat for breakfast? Who makes the most authentic Hotpot? This list of 10 eateries covers breakfast to midnight snacks — the real flavors of Chongqing.
Breakfast: Hotpot is Chongqing locals' soul food. Try the old spots near 解放碑, 15-30 RMB/person. Lunch: Local restaurants — order Hotpot and seasonal vegetables, 50-80 RMB/person. Dinner: Hotpot veteran near 观音桥, 80-150 RMB/person. Late night: BBQ stalls near 南滨路, 30-50 RMB/person.
10 recommended spots: ① 解放碑 old Hotpot (20-year veteran); ② 观音桥 trendy Hotpot (good ambiance); ③ 南滨路 hole-in-the-wall (most authentic); ④ Farmhouse near 洪崖洞; ⑤ Seafood/river fish near 磁器口; ⑥ 山城文化-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.