For the history of hot pot, it is very hard to trace the origins. However, it is said that the hot pot has been around more than 1,000 years in China. This kind of dish reaches the peak time in the Tang Dynasty. Just during this period, this cooking style had been spread throughout China. When people think of Chengdu, they immediately think of hot pot.

Chengdu Hot Pot is very popular in Chengdu and is known for its spicy and hot flavor. Although this kind of hotpot is taken as the Chongqing specialty by the locals, it has become famous and popular all over the country for a long time.

Regarding the traditional Chengdu hotpot, a big pot filled with hot spicy oil and surrounded by plates of raw meats and vegetables. The pieces of meat and vegetables are sliced very small so they will cook very quickly. Chengdu hotpot has its own style ranging from simple spicy to moderate, three or four kinds of spices, as well as fish head hotpot, medical herbs hotpot, etc. Most of the pots used in hotpot are divided into two sections. One half is filled with the spicy oil, and the other is filled with a delicious broth for those who are not a big fan of spicy foods. Restaurants are also more than happy to turn down the heat on request.

Huangcheng Laoma, located at No. 20, Qintai Road, Qingyang District, is an old-fashioned hot pot restaurant, regarded as No. 1 among hotpot restaurants in the Chengdu. A worthy representative of Sichuan culture and diet,besides hotpot, Huangcheng Laoma also offers stunning entertainment - a Changing Face opera performance or the shadow play. Another old-fashioned hotpot restaurant is Shizilou. Located at No. 2, Wannianchang Road, Chenghua District, it offers hotpots with half spicy and half light soup. It has several branches in the city.

When having a tour in Chengdu, never miss the chance to taste of the traditional Sichuan food. And among all the Sichuan cuisine, Chengdu hot pot ranks first. The spicy hot pot will certainly leave you a impressive memory!