where to eat cheap in Chengdu

The Ultimate Guide: Where to Eat Cheap in Chengdu

Welcome to Chengdu, the capital city of China's Sichuan province and the culinary capital of the country. Known for its spicy and flavorful cuisine, Chengdu offers a wide variety of delicious dishes that won't break the bank. Whether you're a foodie on a budget or simply looking to experience authentic Sichuan cuisine, this guide will take you on a gastronomic adventure through the city's best cheap eats.

1. Street Food Galore: Jinli Ancient Street

Start your culinary journey at Jinli Ancient Street, a vibrant and bustling marketplace filled with food stalls offering a dizzying array of local delicacies. From spicy hot pots and mouth-watering dumplings to grilled skewers and steaming bowls of noodles, you'll find it all here. Be sure to try the famous Mapo Tofu, a fiery dish made with soft tofu, minced meat, and Sichuan peppercorns. Wash it all down with a glass of refreshing Sichuan-style barley tea.

2. Chengdu's Legendary Dan Dan Noodles: Chen Mapo Tofu

No trip to Chengdu would be complete without trying the city's most famous dish: Dan Dan Noodles. Head to Chen Mapo Tofu, a local favorite that has been serving up this iconic dish for over a century. The noodles are served in a spicy chili oil sauce and topped with minced meat, peanuts, and spring onions. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine. Don't forget to order their signature Mapo Tofu as well, a delicate balance of silky tofu and fiery spices.

3. Hotpot Heaven: Huangcheng Laoma Spicy Hotpot

Hotpot is a must-try experience in Chengdu, and Huangcheng Laoma Spicy Hotpot is the place to go for an authentic and affordable dining experience. Choose from a variety of broths and an extensive selection of fresh ingredients, including thinly sliced beef, lamb, and an assortment of vegetables. Don't forget to dip your cooked ingredients into the delicious array of condiments available at your table. The combination of spicy, salty, and savory flavors will leave you craving for more.

4. Budget-Friendly BBQ: Shuangliu Night Market

When the sun goes down, head to Shuangliu Night Market for a wide selection of budget-friendly BBQ options. The market is filled with stalls grilling all sorts of meats and vegetables on skewers. Try the fragrant and tender grilled lamb skewers, known as "chuan chuan", which are seasoned with a mix of spices and herbs. The vibrant atmosphere and delicious aroma of the barbecue will surely whet your appetite.

5. Noodle Delights: Long Chao Shou

For a taste of Sichuan's famous "hui guo rou" (twice-cooked pork) and heavenly hand-pulled noodles, head to Long Chao Shou. This unassuming noodle shop serves up bowls of noodles that are hand-pulled to order and cooked in a flavorful broth. The star of the show, however, is the "hui guo rou" served alongside the noodles. The pork is first boiled, then stir-fried with seasonings and vegetables for a smoky and fragrant delight. It's a comfort food experience you won't want to miss.

Conclusion:

Chengdu is a food lover's paradise, and eating cheap doesn't mean compromising on taste or quality. From street food to hotpot, noodles to BBQ, the city offers a variety of budget-friendly options that will leave you fully satisfied. So, grab your chopsticks and prepare to indulge in the flavors of Sichuan. Chengdu is waiting to be explored, one delicious bite at a time!

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