Sichuan Food: A Beginner's Guide to Chengdu's Kitchen

Sichuan food is China's most famous regional cuisine, and Chengdu is its capital. But it's about far more than just heat — the defining flavor is actually the numbing tingle of Sichuan peppercorn, which pairs with chili to create the region's signature sensation.

Dishes to order first

• Mapo tofu — silky tofu in a fiery, numbing sauce. The essential first dish.
• Kung pao chicken — the real thing, far better than any takeaway version.
• Dan dan noodles — a punchy street-food bowl of noodles and minced pork.
• Twice-cooked pork — rich, smoky and deeply savory.

Beyond the spice

Not everything is hot. Try zhong shui jiao (dumplings in sweet soy), tea-smoked duck and the region's pickled vegetables, which cut through the richness beautifully.

Ordering tip

Ask for dishes bu la (not spicy) if you're worried, but the numbing pepper is worth trying once — it's a sensation unlike any other cuisine.