Must-Try Chengdu Hotpot Restaurants for First-Time Visitors

Traveloka MY
08 Jul 2025 - 3 min read

If you’re heading to Chengdu, get your taste buds ready. This city is the very capital of hotpot heaven. Locals have been perfecting this communal feast for generations, and it’s an absolute must for any first-time visitor.

Don’t worry if your spice tolerance isn’t heroic just yet. Chengdu’s hotpot spots cater to every level, so you can start slow or dive straight into the peppercorn-laden deep end. Either way, you’re in for a meal to remember. Here are the recommended hotpot restaurants in Chengdu, China for your gastronomic experience.

Shu DaXia Hotpot (蜀大侠火锅)

Address: 18 Xiyulong St, Luomashi, Qingyang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China, 610014

Imagine stepping into a kung fu film set, complete with martial arts décor and servers who dramatically slice meat tableside. That’s Shu DaXia for you.

The broths here are robust, brimming with Sichuan peppercorns that lend that famous numbing kick. It’s a playful, slightly theatrical intro to Chengdu’s hotpot scene, popular among both locals and Douyin foodies.

If you’re after an experience that’s more than just dinner, this is the place to start.

Da Long Yi Hotpot (大龙燚火锅) 

Address: 93 Dongsheng St, 合江亭 Jinjiang District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China, 610023

Da Long Yi is practically a legend in Chengdu. Known for its authentic mala (麻辣) broth, it’s the spot to test your spice tolerance in the most delicious way possible.

Not quite ready to brave the heat alone? Order the “yuan yang” pot—half spicy, half clear—so you can switch sides whenever your tongue pleads for mercy.

Take your time with the sauce bar here. Play around with sesame paste, chilli oil, garlic and coriander for your perfect dip.

Xiaolongkan Old Hot Pot (小龙坎火锅) 

Address: China, Sichuan, Chengdu, Jinjiang District, 下东大街段36号蓝光·郁金香花园广场 邮政编码: 610023

Rustic wooden interiors, flickering lanterns and steaming pots of deep red broth. Xiaolongkan offers old-world vibes that feel timeless.

It’s a favourite among locals, especially young night owls who tuck in after hours. Come for the beef tripe, duck blood and tofu skin, these are the must-orders that soak up the broth’s layered flavours beautifully.

Hei LongTan Da YuTou Hotpot 

Address: 208 Shijicheng Rd, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China, 610212

Tucked near the Holiday Inn Chengdu Century City-Westtower, Hei LongTan is a favourite for locals who love their hotpot with a twist. Here, it’s all about the fish head—exceptionally tender, fresh, and served in portions that are more than generous.

The broth might surprise you. Rather than a fiery kick, it offers a delicate base that lets the natural sweetness of the fish truly shine. It’s the perfect choice if you fancy a break from the usual tongue-numbing spice, but still want that lively, communal hotpot experience.

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Huangcheng Laoma (皇城老妈) 

Address: 20 2nd Ring Rd South Section 3, Wuhou District, Chengdu, Sichuan, China, 610044

Operating since 1986, Huangcheng Laoma is a living slice of Chengdu culinary history. It’s where traditional Sichuan hospitality meets seriously punchy broths, served in lavish interiors that make every meal feel special. If you’re only in Chengdu once, make this your hotpot pilgrimage. It’s as close as you’ll get to a full cultural immersion; spice, spectacle and all.

DAI MIU Hot Pot

Address: China, Sichuan, Chengdu, Chenghua District, Jianshe S Rd, 95号-111 邮政编码: 610059

A newer favourite tucked away in Chenghua District, DAI MIU offers a fresh, modern spin on the hotpot tradition.

Their interiors are bright and sleek, but the broths stay true to Sichuan roots—rich, peppery and delightfully addictive. It’s perfect for travellers who want to see how the next generation of Chengdu hotpot houses are doing it.

Shujiuxiang Hot Pot Restaurant

Address: China, Sichuan, Chengdu, Jinjiang District, Nanfu St, 53号附1 邮政编码: 610016

This spot is all about bold flavours done right. Shujiuxiang keeps the focus on quality broth and ultra-fresh ingredients, with locals often queueing out the door.

Don’t miss the house-specialty mushroom base if you fancy something earthy and slightly sweet. It’s a clever way to balance out the spicier platters you’ll inevitably order.

Local Hidden Gem Street Hotpots – For an Authentic, No-Frills Experience

If you really want to eat like a local, wander into the alleyways around Kuanzhai Alley or Yulin after dark. Plastic stools, rickety tables, bubbling pots right on the pavement—it might look humble, but the flavours here are next-level.

It’s best experienced with a local friend or guide who can help order (and negotiate the spice levels). Bring an adventurous spirit…and maybe a pack of tissues.

Tips for First-Time Hotpot Diners

Go half-half: The “yuan yang” pot (鸳鸯锅) is your best friend. Half spicy, half clear broth—so you’re never trapped on the fiery side.
DIY your sauce: Start with sesame paste, then add garlic, spring onion, a dash of oyster sauce, and chilli oil to taste.
Wear dark clothes: Hotpot is splashy business. White shirts are practically asking for trouble.
Order smart: A mix of veggies, tofu, sliced beef and handmade noodles gives you a well-rounded intro to the hotpot adventure.

Hotpot Adventures Start Here

Tempted yet? Chengdu’s hotpot streets are calling, and there’s no easier way to plan than with Traveloka. From flights to Chengdu, cosy hotels near the best foodie districts, to tickets for local attractions—Traveloka bundles everything you need in one seamless app.

So why wait? Book your spicy getaway, pack those dark T-shirts, and get ready to dip, swirl and feast your way through Chengdu’s legendary hotpot culture.

Discover flight with Traveloka

Tue, 26 Aug 2025

China Eastern Airlines

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Chengdu (CTU)

Start from RM 620.34

Tue, 2 Sep 2025

China Eastern Airlines

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Chengdu (CTU)

Start from RM 698.55

Tue, 19 Aug 2025

China Southern Airlines

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Chengdu (CTU)

Start from RM 728.00

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In This Article

• Shu DaXia Hotpot (蜀大侠火锅)
• Da Long Yi Hotpot (大龙燚火锅) 
• Xiaolongkan Old Hot Pot (小龙坎火锅) 
• Hei LongTan Da YuTou Hotpot 
• Huangcheng Laoma (皇城老妈) 
• DAI MIU Hot Pot
• Shujiuxiang Hot Pot Restaurant
• Local Hidden Gem Street Hotpots – For an Authentic, No-Frills Experience
• Tips for First-Time Hotpot Diners
• Hotpot Adventures Start Here

Flights Featured in This Article

Tue, 26 Aug 2025
China Eastern Airlines
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Chengdu (CTU)
Start from RM 620.34
Book Now
Tue, 2 Sep 2025
China Eastern Airlines
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Chengdu (CTU)
Start from RM 698.55
Book Now
Tue, 19 Aug 2025
China Southern Airlines
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Chengdu (CTU)
Start from RM 728.00
Book Now
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