Intro: A Quick Chongqing Food Guide for First-Time Visitors
What is a “Fly Restaurant”?
In Chongqing and Sichuan, locals use the term “fly restaurant” (苍蝇小馆) to describe small, no-frills neighborhood eateries.
These places are usually very simple — sometimes even a bit run-down — but incredibly popular because of their food. The idea is that they attract people from everywhere, like flies, thanks to their strong, authentic flavors.
They’re cheap, local, and often where you’ll find the most authentic food in the city.
Understanding the “Liang” Portion Size
In Chongqing, noodles and wontons are often measured in liang, which helps you order based on appetite:
Noodles (xiaomian): 1 liang ≈ 120g 2 liang ≈ 240g (a standard portion)
Wontons (chaoshou): 1 liang ≈ 8 pieces 2 liang ≈ 16 pieces (most people order this)
1. Deming Hot Pot (德明火锅)
A local hot pot spot tucked under a residential building — no fancy decor, but full of that classic Chongqing atmosphere.
📍 Location
- No.2 Fuqiang 2nd Village, Jiangbei District
- 重庆市江北区五里店街道富强二村 2 号附 1 号
- Best reached by metro (Line 10, Liyuchi Station)
🍲 What to Order
- Crispy Pork (Xiao Su Rou): Made with pork belly instead of lean meat — crispy outside, juicy inside. Easily the standout dish.
- Beef Slices: Fresh, tender, and a must-order for most tables.
- Duck Intestines: A classic hot pot ingredient — crunchy and surprisingly addictive.
- Osmanthus Ice Drink: Light, sweet, and perfect for balancing the spice.
🌶 Spice Level
★★★★★
- I’d recommend going for mild spice unless you’re very used to spicy food.
💡 Tips
- Expect to queue during peak hours
💰 Price
~60–80 RMB per person
2. Chongqing Dishes: Xi Laoma Tihua (席老妈蹄花馆)
A classic local restaurant serving Chongqing-style home dishes. Portions are generous, prices are reasonable, and it’s a place locals return to often.
📍 Location
- No.103 Bahe Road, Nan’an District
- 重庆市南岸区白鹤路 103 号
🍽 What to Order
- Braised Pig Trotter: Soft, rich, and melts in your mouth — surprisingly not greasy at all.
- Sweet & Sour Fish: Crispy on the outside, tender inside, with a light sweet-sour sauce.
- Spicy Chicken (Laziji): A classic Sichuan dish with a strong chili kick.
🌶 Spice Level
★☆☆☆☆
Plenty of non-spicy options available
💡 Tips
- Portions are large — better to come with a group
🍜 3. Chongqing Noodles: Xiaoxiao Noodles (晓小面)
A small noodle shop that’s been around for over a decade. No-frills, very local, and known for doing one thing really well: wan za noodles.
📍 Location
- No. 10, Yanghe 4th Road, Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, near Guanyinqiao
- 重庆市两江新区洋河四路10号
🍜 What to Order
- Wan Za Noodles (豌杂面): Soft stewed peas + rich minced pork sauce, coating every strand of noodle.
- Spicy, fragrant, and honestly one of the most memorable bowls of noodles I had in Chongqing.
🌶 Spice Level
★★★★☆
Default is spicy — go for mild if unsure
⚠️ Tips
- Very basic setting (a typical “fly restaurant”)
- Expect queues at lunchtime
💰 Price
~8–15 RMB
4. A Local Favorite Drink: Liruotao Yogurt (李若桃酸奶)
A local yogurt drink brand that’s perfect after a heavy, spicy meal.
Their drinks are made with fresh steamed glutinous rice and yogurt, blended into a thick, refreshing slush.
🧋 What to Try
- Original Glutinous Rice Yogurt: Smooth, slightly tangy, with a subtle sweetness from the rice
- Cucumber Version: Extra refreshing, light, and perfect for hot weather
💡 Tips
- Ice level cannot be adjusted
- 70% sugar is a good balance
💰 Price
~16–17 RMB
🥟 5. Local Snacks: Lotus Root Wontons (莲藕抄手)
A tiny, hidden spot near Chongqing University — very local, very simple, but well-loved by students and nearby residents.
📍 Location
- No. 121-3, Zhengjie St, Shapingba District, Chongqing
- Take the Metro Loop Line to Chongqing University Station (重庆大学站). Take Exit 1A or Exit 3, cross the street, and turn left. Walk straight for about 100-200 meters. The place is tucked away in an alley—just follow your GPS and you’ll find it!
🥟 What Makes It Special
- Filling: pork + lotus root
- Slightly crunchy, lighter than regular pork wontons
📏 Portion & Price
- 1 liang ≈ 8–9 wontons (9 RMB)
- 2 liang ≈ 16 wontons (13 RMB)
🌶 Spice Options
- Clear broth / mild / medium / extra spicy
- Go for Clear broth/mild if unsure
💡 Tips
Can sell out in the evening
Very small shop — may need to share tables
