In Chongqing, hot pot is more than just a meal – it's a way of life. Let's explore this city's most iconic culinary culture, from traditional street-side establishments to modern Michelin-rated restaurants, and experience the allure of Chongqing hot pot.

The Evolution of Hot Pot

In the early 20th century, dock workers at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers set up copper pots to ward off cold and humidity. The rainy climate of this mountain city perfectly complemented the spicy and aromatic hot pot, gradually evolving into a distinctive culinary culture.

Traditional Street Establishments: Authentic Chongqing Flavors

Longmenzhen Old Hot Pot

Push aside the door curtain of this old restaurant, and you're greeted by intense spicy aromas. 80-year-old Master Zhang prepares the ancestral secret base soup, while diners gather around weathered wooden tables, the boiling red oil in copper pots stirring up three generations' worth of nostalgia.

📍 Restaurant Information

• Location: Jiefangbei Walking Street, Yuzhong District, Chongqing
• Hours: 10:00-02:00
• Price: 80-120 yuan per person
• Specialties: Nine-grid copper pot, traditional hot pot base
• Tip: Avoid peak lunch hours 12:00-13:30

Premium Hot Pot: Modern Interpretation

Hongyadong Secret Hot Pot

At Chongqing's landmark Hongyadong, featured in the Ultimate Chongqing Night Photography Guide, numerous premium hot pot restaurants perfectly blend tradition with modernity.

Michelin Level: The Artistic Evolution of Hot Pot

Dalong Hot Pot

As Chongqing's first hot pot restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide, Dalong Hot Pot elevates traditional hot pot to an art form.

Hot Pot Culture: Beyond Food

Cross-Cultural Dining Guide

Every Chongqing local has their secret dipping sauce recipe: garlic and sesame oil form the base, with crushed peanuts, sesame paste, and chopped green onions adding layers of flavor. Vegetarians have dedicated mushroom pots, and Muslim diners can enjoy halal sections. First-time visitors can request guidance from experienced staff.

• Payment Methods: Visa/Mastercard, WeChat Pay, and Alipay accepted at most locations, including restaurants in Chongqing's cultural spots
• English Service: English menus and pictorial ordering guides available

Practical Tips

First-Timer's Guide

1. Spice Level Selection: Start with level 2 (mild numbing), scale ranges from 1-5 (mild to extra numbing)
2. Beverage Pairings: Recommended sour plum soup, coconut milk, or cold beer to counter spiciness
3. Medical Information: Medical points with English service available near Jiefangbei location if needed
4. Dress Code: Casual attire recommended, restaurant aprons available

Chongqing hot pot, from street-side shops to Michelin restaurants, offers unique charm at every level. Whether savoring authentic old-style hot pot or experiencing refined hot pot artistry, you'll feel the distinctive food culture of this city. Remember, in Chongqing, hot pot isn't just a meal – it's a lifestyle.