Nine-Grid Hotpot
九宫格火锅
A violently boiling cauldron of pure beef tallow, Erjintiao chilies, and Sichuan peppercorns, physically divided by a metal grid to create precise thermal cooking zones.
Chongqing Small Noodles
重庆小面
A violently flavorful breakfast noodle defined not by the wheat pasta, but by an aggressive 'zuo liao' (condiment) base of chili oil, lard, garlic water, and Sichuan pepper.
Sour & Spicy Fern Root Noodles
酸辣粉
Translucent, highly elastic sweet potato starch noodles submerged in a heavy broth of aged vinegar, fried chili oil, peanuts, and soybeans.
Fly Restaurants
苍蝇馆子
Hole-in-the-wall eateries known for questionable decor but serving elite, highly authentic home-style cooking (jiachangcai) at rock-bottom prices.
Oil Tea Porridge
油茶
A dying art of traditional breakfast: a dense, savory rice flour porridge topped with fried dough twists (sanzi), chili oil, and crushed peanuts.
