Xiao Zhan is known among fans as someone who truly appreciates good food, and his love for the flavours of his hometown Chongqing has often sparked curiosity among Xiao Fei Xia who want to discover the dishes he enjoys. From the iconic 重庆火锅 (Chongqing hot pot) and 重庆小面 (Chongqing noodles) to local favourites like 豌杂面, 牛肉面, 芋儿鸡 and 柴火鸡, these dishes reflect the bold, comforting, and down-to-earth spirit of Chongqing cuisine. Famous for its 麻辣 (numbing and spicy) flavours, Chongqing food combines chili, Sichuan pepper, fragrant spices, and simple ingredients to create unforgettable tastes that are deeply connected to the city’s everyday life and culture. This collection explores some of the Chongqing dishes Xiao Zhan has recommended and the flavours that make his hometown special.
Check back often, as I’ll continue expanding this list whenever I come across more of Xiao Zhan’s recommendations! 🍜
Morning Breakfast
小面
Xiao Mian ChongQing Noodles
重庆小面 (Chongqing Xiǎo Miàn / Chongqing small noodles) is a simple yet iconic Chongqing dish where the magic lies in its “soul” seasoning (佐料). Fresh alkaline wheat noodles are tossed with a bold combination of chili oil (红油辣子), Sichuan pepper (花椒), garlic water, soy sauce, and fragrant oils, creating its signature flavours of spicy (辣), numbing (麻), fragrant (香), and savory (鲜). Usually topped with scallions, preserved vegetables, peanuts, and greens, it can also be served with additions like 豌杂面 (yellow peas with minced pork sauce), beef, or other toppings. Despite the name “small noodles,” 小面 refers to this unique Chongqing noodle style rather than the size of the portion.
The best place to try the Xiao Mian that Xiao Zhan has eaten before is:
📍温馨缘面庄 (Heartwarming Noodle House)
豌杂面
Yellow Peas and Minced Pork Noodles
重庆豌杂面 (Chóngqìng Wānzá Miàn) is one of Chongqing’s most beloved noodle dishes and a classic comfort food for locals. The name 豌杂 comes from 豌豆杂酱, referring to its two signature toppings: soft, creamy yellow peas (耙豌豆) and rich minced pork sauce (杂酱). Built on the same flavour foundation as Chongqing Xiaomian, it combines chewy alkaline wheat noodles with chili oil, Sichuan pepper, garlic, soy sauce, and fragrant seasonings. The result is a perfect balance of spicy (辣), numbing (麻), savory (鲜), and creamy flavours, as the peas melt into the sauce and coat each strand of noodle. It can be served dry mixed (干溜), a popular local style where the seasoning clings to the noodles, or with more broth (多汤). While 重庆小面 highlights the city’s signature seasoning, 豌杂面 takes it further with generous toppings, making it one of the most satisfying and iconic Chongqing noodle dishes. It is also one of the Chongqing foods recommended by Xiao Zhan for visitors to try.
While Xiao Zhan never shared his favorite restaurant, these are some of the best places locals recommend for Yellow Peas and Minced Pork Noodles in ChongQing:
牛肉面
Beef Noodles
重庆牛肉面 (Chóngqìng Niúròu Miàn / Chongqing Beef Noodles) is a hearty variation of Chongqing-style noodles that combines the city’s signature 麻辣鲜香 (spicy, numbing, fresh, and aromatic) flavours with tender braised beef. Made with chewy alkaline wheat noodles (碱水面), it features generous chunks of 红烧牛肉 (braised beef) that are slow-cooked with ginger, garlic, Sichuan pepper, chili, soy sauce, and spices until rich and flavorful. Compared with 重庆小面, which highlights the seasoning itself, 重庆牛肉面 adds a savory beef topping that creates a deeper, more satisfying bowl. With its balance of spicy (辣), numbing (麻), fragrant (香), and rich (醇厚) flavours, it is a must-try dish for anyone exploring Chongqing’s famous noodle culture.
While Xiao Zhan never shared his favorite restaurant, these are some of the best places locals recommend for Beef Noodles in ChongQing:
Lunch/Dinner
火锅
Hot Pot
重庆火锅 (Chóngqìng Huǒguō / Chongqing Hot Pot) is one of Chongqing’s most iconic dishes, famous for its bold 麻辣 (numbing and spicy) flavour and lively dining experience. Its signature red broth is made with beef tallow, chili peppers, Sichuan pepper, and aromatic spices, creating a rich, fragrant, and savory base. Diners cook a wide variety of ingredients in the bubbling pot, including beef tripe (毛肚), duck intestine (鸭肠), meat, vegetables, tofu, and noodles. More than just a meal, Chongqing hot pot represents the city’s social and welcoming food culture — a shared experience built around heat, flavour, and togetherness.
Some of the hotpot spot Xiao Zhan recommended to check out are as follows:
Dishes
芋儿鸡
Taro Chicken
重庆芋儿鸡 (Chóngqìng Yùr Jī / Chongqing Taro Chicken) is a classic Chongqing comfort dish that combines tender chicken with soft, creamy taro in a rich, spicy sauce. The chicken and 芋儿 are slowly braised with chili, Sichuan pepper, ginger, garlic, and fermented bean paste (豆瓣酱), creating the signature Chongqing flavours of spicy (辣), numbing (麻), fragrant (香), and savory (鲜). The tender chicken absorbs the bold seasoning, while the taro becomes soft and slightly sweet as it soaks up the flavorful sauce. A beloved local dish, 芋儿鸡 represents the hearty, home-style side of Chongqing cuisine.
柴火鸡
Wood-fired Chicken
重庆柴火鸡 (Chóngqìng Chái Huǒ Jī / Chongqing Wood-Fire Chicken) is a rustic Chongqing dish known for its bold flavours and traditional cooking style. The name 柴火鸡 refers to chicken cooked over a wood fire (柴火), traditionally prepared in a large wok to create a rich, smoky aroma. Tender chicken pieces are stir-fried and simmered with chili, Sichuan pepper, ginger, garlic, fermented bean paste (豆瓣酱), and aromatic spices, creating the signature Chongqing flavours of spicy (辣), numbing (麻), fragrant (香), and savory (鲜). Unlike 芋儿鸡, which highlights soft and creamy taro, 柴火鸡 focuses on the natural flavour and texture of the chicken, often cooked together with vegetables and other ingredients in a rich sauce. Usually enjoyed as a shared meal, it represents the rustic, hearty, and communal side of Chongqing cuisine.