What Food To Try in Chongqing and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Chongqing for 2024.
National currency: Yuan Renminbi, symbol — ¥ (international currency code CNY).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Chongqing cafes and restaurants
$2.8
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $2.07
$16.6
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $13.83
$5.2
Combo Meal
Starting from $4.15
What to Try in Chongqing
Must-try Dishes
Jiang Guo Mian - Sauce Noodles (savory noodles) - These warm, spicy wheat noodles are tossed with a rich mix of ground pork, chili oil, and aromatic garlic. Locals often grab this satisfying dish for a quick breakfast before heading to work.Sheng Jian Bao - Pan-Fried Pork Buns (crispy buns) - These delectable buns, filled with juicy pork and a hint of broth, are pan-fried to a golden crisp on one side. You’ll find them sizzling away at street stalls during lunch, where everyone quickly devours them while standing by the roadside.
Chongqing Hotpot - 重庆火锅 (simmering hot pot) - A fiery broth bubbling with a medley of spices, perfect for cooking fresh meats, vegetables, and tofu at your table. Hotpot gatherings often last for hours, filled with laughter and shared dishes, especially popular for dinner with friends.
Bai Liang Fen - Rice Noodles (refreshing dish) - These cold rice noodles come coated in a tangy and smoky sauce, often topped with cilantro and crushed peanuts. They are a favorite during hot summer days, enjoyed as a light lunch or snack.
Chuan Chuan - Skewered Food (skewered delights) - Grilled skewers of various meats and veggies cooked in a spicy sauce, perfect for sharing over drinks. Popular as a late-night street food option, I once indulged in these with friends after a night out.
Da Zha Xie - Large Crabs (luxurious feast) - This local specialty includes crabs steamed to perfection, celebrated for its sweet and tender meat. Friends often gather around a large table to enjoy this dish during crab season, diving into the messy fun of cracking shells.
Ma Po Tofu - 麻婆豆腐 (spicy tofu) - Soft tofu immersed in a spicy sauce filled with minced beef or pork, delivering a comforting texture with bold flavors. It’s often enjoyed during family dinners, typically paired with steaming rice.
Seasonal Wild Mushrooms - 野生蘑菇 (foraged delicacies) - Served sautéed with garlic and a hint of soy, these wild mushrooms reveal the depth of local flavors. Sought after during the rainy season, they highlight the region’s unique culinary offerings.
Desserts & Drinks
Chrysanthemum Tea - 菊花茶 (floral herbal tea) - A soothing brew made from dried chrysanthemum flowers steeped in hot water. Locals often enjoy this calming drink during the warmer months, believing it helps cool the body and relieve heat-related ailments.Chongqing Beer - 重庆啤酒 (local lager) - Crisp lager brewed with pure spring water and malted barley, served ice-cold. It’s a popular choice among friends gathering at an outdoor barbecue during summer evenings, and the light taste pairs well with spicy hotpot.
Tangyuan - 汤圆 (sweet glutinous rice balls) - Chewy glutinous rice balls filled with sweet black sesame or peanut paste, cooked in a warm syrupy broth. Traditionally enjoyed during the Lantern Festival, these symbolize reunion and togetherness, making them a must-have for family gatherings.
Jelly Dessert - 冰凉豆花 (ice tofu pudding) - Silky soft tofu served with a sweet syrup and topped with colorful, chewy toppings like mung beans or sweet red beans. This refreshing treat is best enjoyed in the sticky summer heat and at street stalls, where you can indulge while people-watching.
Sour Plum Drink - 酸梅汤 (tart fruit beverage) - A tangy drink made from pickled sour plums, sugar, and water, often served chilled. Perfect for quenching thirst during the hot summer days, this drink is a favorite among locals who sip it during afternoon walks in the park. By the way, don’t confuse it with sweet plum drinks; this one definitely packs a punch!
Food and Groceries in Chongqing
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.27 |
| Bananas | $1.2 |
| Oranges | $1.3 |
| Potatoes | $0.66 |
| Apples | $1.55 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.5 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $0.81 |
| Imported Beer | $1.83 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $2.77 |
| Milk 1L | $1.78 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $11.75 |
| Chicken | $3.53 |
| Cigarettes | $2.83 |
| Rice | $0.9 |
| Local Cheese | $9.45 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
In the narrow alleys of Chongqing, families gather around steaming bowls of hotpot well into the evening. At 6 PM on weekdays, it's common to see large tables filled with friends and loved ones, sharing food and laughter. This vibrant social scene reveals how meals here are not just about nourishment but also about connection. The first time I experienced a family-style hotpot gathering, the infectious energy was overwhelming; everyone just seemed so happy, chatting animatedly while dipping various meats, veggies, and noodles into bubbling broth.
One thing that strikes tourists is the typical meal timing—lunch is often served between 11 AM and 1 PM, while dinner can stretch past 8 PM. I usually see workers taking a break at midday, enjoying a simple bowl of noodles that might cost around ¥25. In contrast, dinner can feel like a banquet, with dishes often costing between ¥100 to ¥300 depending on where you choose to indulge. You’ll find that local currency goes further in places like the bustling Jiefangbei district, where street food stalls tempt you with skewers for as little as ¥5 each.
As for payment customs, locals often pay in cash, and it’s becoming increasingly common to use mobile payments. Oh, and before I forget, tipping is virtually nonexistent here; a gracious thank you suffices. Many visitors mistakenly believe that a tip is expected, but this just isn’t the case in the local dining culture. Trust me, you’ll avoid awkwardness by sticking to the norm.
I've learned that the most popular dining areas, like Wangfujing and Shapingba, can get crowded during rush periods—especially on weekends or holidays—so planning ahead really helps. If you want to experience local cuisine without the wait, you might want to eat a bit earlier, say at 5 PM. It feels more relaxed before the evening rush starts.
A delightful dining custom to note is the way locals share dishes, often combining different flavors into a shared experience. It embodies the spirit of community—like a tapestry of flavors at the table! It's also crucial to make reservations if you are keen on trying some of the higher-end places, as they tend to fill up quickly.
In recent months, I’ve observed an increase in fusion restaurants blending traditional local flavors with Western influences, which speaks volumes about how the food scene is always evolving here. While some purists might scowl at this trend, it’s exciting to see younger locals experimenting and redefining their culinary traditions. It’s a reflection of their dynamic lifestyle and willingness to embrace the new without completely letting go of the past.
One thing that strikes tourists is the typical meal timing—lunch is often served between 11 AM and 1 PM, while dinner can stretch past 8 PM. I usually see workers taking a break at midday, enjoying a simple bowl of noodles that might cost around ¥25. In contrast, dinner can feel like a banquet, with dishes often costing between ¥100 to ¥300 depending on where you choose to indulge. You’ll find that local currency goes further in places like the bustling Jiefangbei district, where street food stalls tempt you with skewers for as little as ¥5 each.
As for payment customs, locals often pay in cash, and it’s becoming increasingly common to use mobile payments. Oh, and before I forget, tipping is virtually nonexistent here; a gracious thank you suffices. Many visitors mistakenly believe that a tip is expected, but this just isn’t the case in the local dining culture. Trust me, you’ll avoid awkwardness by sticking to the norm.
I've learned that the most popular dining areas, like Wangfujing and Shapingba, can get crowded during rush periods—especially on weekends or holidays—so planning ahead really helps. If you want to experience local cuisine without the wait, you might want to eat a bit earlier, say at 5 PM. It feels more relaxed before the evening rush starts.
A delightful dining custom to note is the way locals share dishes, often combining different flavors into a shared experience. It embodies the spirit of community—like a tapestry of flavors at the table! It's also crucial to make reservations if you are keen on trying some of the higher-end places, as they tend to fill up quickly.
In recent months, I’ve observed an increase in fusion restaurants blending traditional local flavors with Western influences, which speaks volumes about how the food scene is always evolving here. While some purists might scowl at this trend, it’s exciting to see younger locals experimenting and redefining their culinary traditions. It’s a reflection of their dynamic lifestyle and willingness to embrace the new without completely letting go of the past.