The Top 10 Restaurants In Sichuan, China
China’s Sichuan province is home to one of the four famous Chinese cooking styles with food that is characterized as incredibly spicy. Check out these top 10 restaurants in the province which serve both traditional and non-traditional fare.
The Lazy Pug
Restaurant, Chinese, Asian, Vegetarian
Established in May 2011, The Lazy Pug opened in Chengdu, Sichuan, with the goal of bringing an American-style dining experience to this rapidly growing city. The restaurant is named after the four-legged pets of the owners, a married couple who met while teaching at the same university. The menu here constantly changes but there are a couple of delicious barbecue items which always fortunately make an appearance. In addition to providing great food, The Lazy Pug also has a relaxing bar section, so guests will feel at home here whether they are sipping on a few cocktails or dining on a three-course meal.
Shujiu Xiang Hot Pot Restaurant
Restaurant, Chinese, Asian, Vegetarian
For those seeking out the world-famous Sichuan hot pot, Shu Jiu Xiang is a must. Like most hot pot places in the area, the lively environment of Shu Jiu Xiang will keep guests engaged and entertained as they dip, dunk and dine over a table of the steaming delicacy. Unlike many other venues, this place is open late, making it the ideal spot in which to start or end a night out. With a large selection of add-ins and several flavors of hot pot soup available, this joint has something for everyone So whether guests want to sample milder flavors or tantalize their tastebuds with some serious spices, they’ll be satisfied.
Mike’s Pizza Kitchen
Pizzeria, Italian
Popular for their sense of humor as well as their pizza, the staff at Mike’s Pizza Kitchen know how to combine bucketloads of fun with a ton of great food. The pizza options here are seemingly endless. Diners can customize their own from a selection of more than 25 toppings or opt for a special from the menu. Top picks include The Frog Prince, with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, blue cheese and garlic, and Goldilocks, with ham, pineapple and bacon. The joint also serves up a wide variety of sandwiches, handmade desserts and sides.
Long Chao Shou
Named after their most famous dish, Long Chao Shou is a favorite among locals and tourists lucky enough to stumble upon this canteen-style venue. The noodle dishes and wide variety of dumplings here are also divine. This place is always brimming with customers, and the wait is well worth it. Adventurous tourists are able to find the chance to try local snake meat and skin here. Tourists seeking a simple Sichuan-style lunch will also be delighted, as the steamed buns and fresh ingredients are flavorful and moreish.
Comrade Chili
Comrade Chili is continually ranked as one of the best restaurants in Sichuan thanks to their combination of fresh ingredients and impeccable customer service. Visit the venue to try dishes such as sun-dried tofu and fried cheese. In the balmy Sichuan summers the venue offers a beautiful outdoor seating option in the heart of Chengdu. For travelers seeking a cozy spot which serves Sichuan plates with a modern twist, this joint is one that just can’t be missed.
Weigen Vegetarian Restaurant
Restaurant, Chinese, Asian, Vegetarian, Vegan
This peaceful, idyllic venue has indoor Buddhist decor as well as a completely vegetarian menu. Wooden chopsticks and tableware add to the earthy atmosphere of the spot while faint, traditional Buddhist music playing in the background will put guests at ease. Recommendations here include the hand-peeled bamboo shoots, the burdock soup and the spicy pepper tofu. Buddhist monks and nuns frequently dine at this establishment, adding to the already culturally rich environment. Whether you’ve been a vegetarian for years or are just looking for a change, Weigen is an excellent choice for an intimate meal.
Panda Libre’s Burritos
Restaurant
Panda Libre’s Burritos is located at the intersection of Linshiguan Lu and Shenlong Jie in Cheng Du, Sichuan. In addition to the locally renowned build-your-own-burrito, this restaurant also offers fresh peach salsa and guacamole as well as aromatic cilantro and lime rice. Mexican food is difficult to find in China, but owners Zack and Mike have perfected the cuisine. This makes their venue a popular spot for those seeking a little spice during their lunch break. Take out is a popular option, as is dining in the well-lit, sophisticated and modern restaurant.
Red Beard Burgers
Red Beard Burgers prides itself on the American Red Label and Angus-cut beef used in every one of their burgers. Self-proclaimed burger lovers, the owners believe that basic, simple ingredients are the most important part of a well-made burger. The casual environment here encourages guests to relax and enjoy their American-style dishes. Despite the heavy focus on meat, one of the chefs is actually vegetarian, which means there is a plethora of veggie-friendly food options available here too. Opened in July 2014, it didn’t take long for this joint to become a firm favorite for Western food in Chengdu.
Johnny 5 Donuts
Bakery
Anyone with a sweet tooth should be sure to check out this bright bakery. The founder of Johnny 5, Johnny, established his shop with the aim of providing a spot for customers to eat pastries, sip coffee and just hang out in Sichuan. His experiences in Seattle, Washington and Las Vegas are what he draws on to make both fabulous donuts and a vibrant venue for diners to enjoy. With both French and American-style pastries on the menu, as well as classics like the Boston Cream and original creations like the s’mores donut, what’s not to love?
Yu’s Family Kitchen
Restaurant
A reservation-only restaurant, Yu’s Family Kitchen is among the most famous food spots in Cheng Du. Serving everything, from Sichuan classics to luxury dishes like shark fin soup, a dinner at Yu’s is certain to be an unforgettable experience. The venue has exceptional dish presentation as well as an extensive menu. Named the most creative restaurant in China by CNN Travel, and featured on The Discovery Channel’s “Bizarre Foods” program, this popular destination is one travelers won’t want to miss.