Skip the tourist restaurants. What do Jiuzhaigou locals eat for breakfast? Who makes the most authentic Tibetan Hotpot? This list of 10 eateries covers breakfast to midnight snacks — the real flavors of Jiuzhaigou.
Breakfast: Tibetan Hotpot is Jiuzhaigou locals' soul food. Try the old spots near 沟口, 15-30 RMB/person. Lunch: Local restaurants — order Tibetan Hotpot and seasonal vegetables, 50-80 RMB/person. Dinner: Tibetan Hotpot veteran near 九寨沟县, 80-150 RMB/person. Late night: BBQ stalls near 黄龙, 30-50 RMB/person.
10 recommended spots: ① 沟口 old Tibetan Hotpot (20-year veteran); ② 九寨沟县 trendy Tibetan Hotpot (good ambiance); ③ 黄龙 hole-in-the-wall (most authentic); ④ Farmhouse near 九寨沟; ⑤ Seafood/river fish near 五花海; ⑥ 藏羌文化-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.