5 Hot Pot Restaurants in Chongqing (with Authentic Eating Tips)

People in Chongqing don't believe in the Michelin system, as they consider Sichuan cuisine to be profound and extensive, not accepting Western evaluation standards. Not only do people from Chongqing disregard the Michelin system, but they've also established a unique "Anti-Michelin Standard" that locals call the "Chongqing Michelin Standard".

So, what is the "Chongqing Michelin Standard"? For instance, in the eyes of many Chongqing natives:

• A hard-to-find location with poor ambiance: That's a Michelin one-star.
• The owner has a weird temperament, is impatient, and might even complain about customers. The customers need to serve their own dishes. That's at least a Michelin two-star.
• The restaurant is only open half a day because the other half is for playing cards: That's a Michelin three-star.
• The only one in the city, absolutely no branches: That's a Michelin four-star.

The food evaluation standards in Chongqing value the taste itself, not the ambiance, service, or brand. Deliciousness is found in the streets and alleys, not in high-end restaurants. Hence, it is common to see in Chongqing: Porsche drivers eating at roadside stalls and small restaurants or big business owners squatting on stools eating noodles.

So, if you come to Chongqing, don't just focus on high-end restaurants. Below are the five hot pot restaurants I recommend, including both traditional local favorites and "new school hot pot" suitable for tourists' tastes. I hope through these hot pot restaurants, you can experience the enthusiasm and deliciousness of Chongqing.

Peter Pan

20+ Years as a Local Guide in Chongqing

Hi, I'm Peter. Originally an English teacher, my passion for travel led me to become a tour guide. Since then, I've traveled far and wide, leading countless tourists to explore the wonders of the world. I started on Yangtze River cruises and have since led tours abroad. Nowadays, I focus on Chongqing, using my expertise and enthusiasm to showcase the unique allure of this magical mountain city—from the bold flavors of spicy hotpot to the dazzling night views of Hongya Cave. On every journey, I hope to make you feel like an old friend, experiencing the most authentic side of Chongqing.

1. Yuwei Xiaoyu Hot Pot 渝味晓宇火锅 (Main Branch)

• Location: No. 86 Pipa Hill Street, Yuzhong District
• Average cost: about 70-100 RMB/person
• Reservation phone: +86 23 6351 2888
• English service: Don't expect to communicate in English. Here, deliciousness is the universal language.
• Nearby Attractions: Crown Escalator, Tongyuan Gate, Fairy Cave Street

Yuwei Xiaoyu Hot Pot is a long-established name in Chongqing hot pot. It has been featured in "A Bite of China". A few years ago, it ranked first among the top 50 hot pot restaurants in Chongqing.

The environment of Yuwei Xiaoyu Hot Pot may not be as refined as high-end restaurants, but it's this "down-to-earth" atmosphere that lets people experience the most authentic Chongqing hot pot culture. Remember, in Chongqing, a "poor environment" often means very delicious food.

Its pot base is spicy and fragrant, with a strong buttery flavor, embodying the authentic taste of Chongqing.

However, this authentic restaurant is only suitable for adventurous tourists who have lived in China for a long time and have adapted to the various exotic foods from all over China. Although it's the first recommendation, it's actually catering to a very small group of people.

2. Pipa Garden Shiweixian Hot Pot 枇杷园食为鲜火锅 - Guinness World Record

• Address: Jinzhu Village, Nanshan Street, Nan'an District
• Average cost per person: about 100 RMB/person
• Reservation phone: +86 23 62483138
• Nearby Attractions: Nanshan Official Residence, Nanshan

This restaurant is not only a "net celebrity" in the Chongqing hot pot world, but also known as the "world's largest hot pot restaurant", definitely worth a try.

Although the taste isn't the most outstanding, I always choose this place when entertaining friends because its night view is unbeatable.

The restaurant spent tens of millions to create a night view, not seeing it would be a waste. The lights, the mountain view, and the steam from the hot pot intertwine, every frame is a masterpiece. The Pipa Garden at night is like a fairy tale world, attracting countless tourists to take photos.

Most of the tables are set outdoors, the air is fresh, the atmosphere is relaxed, and it's especially suitable for family gatherings or friend meetups. Entertaining friends here can fully showcase the grandeur and charm of Chongqing, leaving an impressive memory.

3. Underground City Old Hot Pot 地下之城老火锅 - Air-raid Shelter Hot Pot

• Address: Underground City, No. 5 Ji'an Road, Longta Street, Yubei District
• Average cost: about 100 RMB/person
• Reservation phone: +86 23 62190123
• Nearby Attractions: Longtousi Railway Station, Guanyinqiao Pedestrian Street

Sometimes, I feel that modern restaurants lack a sense of historical depth, but the Underground City Hot Pot allows you to experience the unique atmosphere of the wartime and early liberation period in an air-raid shelter.

The lights in the kilometers-long air-raid shelter are brilliant, with tables set up on both sides, creating a full atmosphere. The walls are filled with various slogans and popular phrases from the 1950s to the 2000s, which are both interesting and full of a sense of the times.

The "thousands of lights" on the ceiling, the artist quote wall, and the Sky Mirror check-in points all truly place you in the 1950s and 1960s of the last century.

The Underground City Old Hot Pot covers an area of about 60,000 square meters, equivalent to 6 football fields. There are 18 crisscrossing air-raid shelters: each shelter is 6 meters high and 6 meters wide, with the longest straight line of a single shelter being 520 meters, like an underground maze.

This hot pot restaurant operates 24 hours a day. Whether it's a traveler with a rumbling stomach in the middle of the night, or a citizen who wants to taste something spicy in the early morning, they can find satisfaction here.

After finishing the hot pot, you can move to the old teahouse next door, have a bowl of cover bowl tea, and experience the unique charm of old Chongqing.

4. Sister Pei's Old Hot Pot 珮姐老火锅 (Hongya Cave Branch)

• Address: 11th Floor, Hongya Cave, Cangbai Road, Jiefangbei, Yuzhong District
• Average cost: about 100 RMB/person
• Reservation phone: +86 23 6383 1777
• English Service: Some waitstaff can communicate in simple English
• Nearby Attractions: Hongya Cave, Jiefangbei, Qiansimen Bridge

The wait in line in front of this restaurant is a bit long, but this place allows you to experience the unique charm of Chongqing hot pot even while waiting.

Whether it's the serpentine benches at the entrance or the lively atmosphere while waiting for a table, you can experience the love and dedication of Chongqing people for hot pot here. It is definitely your must-choose place to experience Chongqing's "liveliness" and "popularity explosion".

Their pot base is spicy and fragrant, and the ingredients are fresh, especially the rainbow beef and cherry blossom beef, which make me savor every time I eat.

I personally love dining at the Hongya Cave branch, as I can directly enjoy the night view of Hongya Cave after finishing the hot pot, which is very convenient.

5. Yinghua Crossing Hot Pot 莺花渡火 - A representative of high-end hot pot in Chongqing

• Address: Changjia Hui, Nanbin Road
• Average cost: About 100-500 RMB
• English Service: Some waitstaff can communicate in simple English
• Nearby Attractions: Confluence of Two Rivers Viewing Point, Ciyun Temple, Nanbin Kaibu Park, Longmenhao

This restaurant can be called the "Hermes of the Chongqing hot pot world". Sister Pei's Old Hot Pot, with its exquisite environment and high-end design, subverts people's stereotyped impression of Chongqing hot pot being "down-to-earth".

The restaurant's design integrates modern art and traditional Chongqing culture. The lighting is soft and the decor is elegant, creating a high-end dining atmosphere.

While maintaining the spicy and fragrant base of Chongqing hot pot, Sister Pei's Old Hot Pot pays more attention to the quality of ingredients and the delicacy of dishes.

From top-grade Wagyu, fresh seafood to handmade meatballs and organic vegetables, each dish is carefully selected and prepared. The presentation of the dishes is as exquisite as artwork, allowing diners to enjoy a visual feast while tasting the delicious food.

A Random Hot Pot Place - If a place is crowded, the taste won't be bad

• Address: Everywhere
• Average cost: Varies

Recommended reason: Sometimes, I find it too mundane to follow a guide. However, trying a random hot pot place allows you to experience the unique charm of Chongqing through exploration.

Choose the place that attracts more people - the locals' choice serves as the best gastronomic guide! Whether it's an old establishment on a street corner or a newly trending spot, you can experience the most authentic Chongqing flavors.

It's absolutely the best way to encounter Chongqing's "random surprises" and "popular cuisine".

Common Questions About Hot Pot Frequently Asked by Guests

1. Will Chongqing hot pot be too spicy for me?

Chongqing hot pot is known for its spiciness. You can choose a "Yuan Yang" pot, with half spicy (red soup) and half non-spicy (such as mushroom soup, tomato soup).

Additionally, you can order a "mild spicy" base and pair it with sesame oil and garlic sauce to alleviate the spiciness.

If you're really afraid of spicy food, you can also order cooling dishes like jelly or sour plum soup.

Choose a Yuan Yang Pot

2. How do I prepare the hot pot dipping sauce?

The classic Chongqing hot pot dipping sauce is "garlic paste + sesame oil + a little salt". You can add coriander, green onions, vinegar, etc. according to your personal preference.

If you don't like greasy food, you can also choose a light combination of soy sauce + green onion + coriander.

Ingredients for hot pot dipping sauce

3. What time do hot pot restaurants close?

Most hot pot restaurants close at 10 or 11 pm, but there are also 24-hour restaurants (like Underground City Old Hot Pot). If you're a night owl, you can choose these late-night hot pot restaurants!

4. Why does Chongqing hot pot use beef fat in the pot?

Beef fat makes the pot richer and heavier, locking in the taste of the ingredients when you cook them. Moreover, the aroma of beef fat combined with chili and Sichuan peppercorns forms the unique spicy and fragrant taste of Chongqing hot pot.

5. What's the difference between Chongqing hot pot and Sichuan hot pot?

Chongqing hot pot mainly uses a beef fat base, creating a richer and spicier flavor. Sichuan hot pot often uses vegetable oil, providing a relatively refreshing taste.

In addition, Chongqing hot pot emphasizes spiciness, while Sichuan hot pot might lean more towards a fresh and fragrant taste.

6. Why does Chongqing hot pot have so many offal ingredients?

Offal (like tripe, duck gizzards, and intestines) is a classic ingredient in Chongqing hot pot, loved by locals for its tender and crispy texture. These ingredients were originally cheap food for dock workers, but gradually became part of the hot pot culture.

7. Do Chongqing locals find hot pot restaurants too noisy?

The "noise" in hot pot restaurants is actually part of the Chongqing hot pot culture. The lively atmosphere is relaxing and joyful. Everyone sits around a table, eating and chatting, making it a unique social experience.

8. Why do people in Chongqing like to eat hot pot in summer?

Chongqing summers are hot and humid. Eating hot pot helps the body detoxify through sweating, and the spicy taste stimulates the appetite.

Additionally, hot pot restaurants usually have air conditioning, so eating hot pot doesn't feel too hot.