Leshan Sichuan, China Travel Guide
Leshan cuisine uses chili peppers (干辣椒), Sichuan peppercorns (花椒), broad bean paste (豆瓣酱), garlic (大蒜), ginger (姜), a salty (酱油), vinegar (醋), sesame oil (香油), and local herbs.
Known flavor profiles: Málà (numbing/spicy), Xiānglà (fragrant/spicy), Suānlà (sour/spicy), Yúxiāng (fish fragrant – sweet, sour, salty, spicy, often no fish), and Guàiwèi (strange flavor – complex mix).
Leshan's cuisine stands out through its local snacks and street food, which differ slightly from Chengdu's main dishes.
The city emphasizes certain area dishes like Bo Bo Ji, Sweetwater Noodles, and Qiao Jiao Beef.
This focus on unique local specialties makes a compelling reason to explore Leshan's dining scene.
This recipe has cold ingredients, like meat and vegetables, skewered and immersed in a flavorful, spicy, and numbing chili oil broth.
Find it at specialty Bo Bo Ji restaurants or street food stalls.
Thick, chewy wheat noodles served cold having a rich, sweet, spicy, and garlicky sauce.
Crushed peanuts often top the dish. It makes a popular and satisfying snack.
A renowned Leshan hotpot-style dish, it has various cuts of beef simmered in a rich, herbal beef broth.
Offered with a flavorful dipping sauce, this is a must-try at dedicated Qiao Jiao Beef restaurants.
Non-alcoholic: Herbal teas, fresh sugarcane juice, warm soy milk. Alcoholic: Local beers (Tsingtao, Snow), Baijiu (strong Chinese liquor), rice wines.
Glutinous Rice Cakes (糍粑) often served with brown sugar syrup. Bingfentian (冰粉), a refreshing jelly-like dessert for summer.
Fine places to eat are limited, mainly within 4-star and 5-star hotels. They make a more refined dining experience.
Numerous local restaurants have a comfortable dining an encounter with a variety of Sichuan and local Leshan dishes.
Budget eateries and street food stalls are abundant throughout the city.
Local wet markets (菜市场) have fresh produce, meats, and snacks. These give a glimpse into daily life and local ingredients. Some shopping malls also feature food courts.
Discover authentic area trade.
International cuisine options are limited. The culinary scene heavily focuses on Chinese cuisine, notably Sichuanese. Some hotels may have basic Western options.
For a wider selection of international food, Chengdu has many more choices.
Challenging to find strictly vegan. Buddhist vegetarian restaurants are reliable options.
Very challenging due to soy sauce and wheat. Caution advised.
Extremely limited or non-existent. Plan to prepare your own food.
Not common in Chinese dining culture. Exercise extreme caution.
Buddhist vegetarian restaurants are reliable options, especially near temples or on Emei Mountain.
These establishments cater to a meat-free diet.
They generally understand vegetarian and vegan needs more completely than other restaurants.
A more secure choice for specific dietary requirements.
Soy sauce, a staple in Chinese cooking, is typically wheat-based. Wheat noodles and other ingredients make gluten-free dining difficult.
Halal and kosher options are extremely limited or non-existent in Leshan.
Explicitly state your dietary needs.
Clear communication matters.
Toasts are common during communal meals, especially with baijiu or beer. A customary toast involves "Gan Bei" (干杯), meaning "bottoms up."
Green tea is frequently served with meals.
Burping is not considered rude in China. It is often seen as a sign of satisfaction after a meal.
Try various dishes to experience different flavors.
Many local snacks are available year-round in Leshan, ensuring consistent culinary enjoyment.
During festivals, specific family dishes may be prepared, but tourists encounter these less commonly.
Always verify ingredients if you have severe allergies, as cross-contamination can occur. Be clear and patient in your communication to guarantee your necessities are met.
