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Sichuan cuisine is incredibly famous, with restaurants scattered across the country, a testament to its popularity. Whether in the north or south, spicy food lovers are irresistible, and even those who don't enjoy spicy food will find it hard to resist trying this renowned dish. Leshan's cuisine is truly exceptional, with most of its famous dishes originating in the city. Chengdu residents even organized special groups to visit Leshan to savor its delicious food – don't underestimate its foodie spirit.
Cross-legged beef is a well-known delicacy in Leshan and a part of the city's intangible cultural heritage. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, it's a medicinal dish that relieves coughs and colds. For foodies, the rich broth is a delight to drink plain for a rich beef flavor, or with a dash of chili flakes for a fiery, refreshing kick.
Bobo Chicken can be found in almost every city these days. Everyone knows it's a Sichuanese snack, but few realize it originated in Leshan. The skewers are dipped in the vibrant red broth for a short while before being eaten. The original flavor is preserved because it's not cooked for too long, and the spicy broth adds to the savory flavor. One bite is a mouthful of broth, and you can't stop eating.
Xiba Ancient Town's tofu, thanks to its unique water source, is known for its vibrant color, aroma, and flavor. It's said that "Sichuan tofu is the best in the world, and Xiba tofu is the best in Sichuan." There are over 100 ways to make Xiba tofu, and a tofu feast is a must-try when visiting Xiba Ancient Town.
Sweet-skin duck is said to be a folk dish prepared according to imperial recipes. The braised duck's skin is glossy and crispy, while the meat is fatty but not greasy, with a subtle sweetness. Does this contradict the impression that Sichuanese people prefer spicy food? Actually, they also enjoy sweet food.
Ye'erba (ba) is a traditional snack in Leshan and one of the most representative symbols of the traditional New Year atmosphere for Leshan people at the end of the year. The traditional Leshan Ye'erba is made with great care in both craftsmanship and ingredients, aiming to achieve the "three no-sticks" (no sticking to the mouth, no sticking to the leaves, and no sticking to the teeth) characteristics. Flavors include sweet skin with salty filling, white skin with salty filling, sesame filling, and red bean paste filling.
Leshan is the birthplace of authentic Malatang, with hundreds of shops scattered throughout the streets and alleys of Leshan. Any dish you can think of can be boiled in the pot, with the characteristics of freshness, fragrance, tenderness, crispness, numbness and spiciness.
Leshan is famous for its barbecue, and unlike other regions, it places great emphasis on the marinating process, which makes the meat particularly flavorful. When visiting Leshan, don't forget to add barbecue to your late-night snack plans.
Leshan is dotted with restaurants selling "qiaojiao beef," but this one is the most popular with locals. The broth is delicious, with a subtle hint of Chinese medicinal herbs, and the beef and offal are perfectly tender. Spicy lovers, especially those who enjoy the beef with a spicy dip, find it incredibly satisfying!
Address: 300 meters from Shahe, Suji Town, Shizhong District, Leshan City, Sichuan Province
Contact: 0833-2560721
Opening hours: 9:00-21:00
Reference price: about 50-100 yuan per person
Grandma Ye's Bobo Chicken is a long-standing restaurant that Leshan residents have enjoyed since childhood. Originally selling pancakes, they later added Bobo Chicken. Bobo Chicken, made with chicken broth, has a rich, savory flavor. Their Bobo Chicken is spicy yet slightly sweet, which cuts through the spicy heat and adds a subtle kick. Choose between red oil Bobo Chicken or Sichuan peppercorn Bobo Chicken, with the rich red oil and delicate Sichuan peppercorn flavor. We recommend ordering the pancakes, a specialty of theirs.
Address: No. 37, East Street, Shizhong District, Leshan City, Sichuan Province
Contact: 0833-2119279
Transportation: Take bus No. 4, 9, 12, or 13 and get off at Leshan Port Station
Reference price: about 30-50 yuan per person
This is one of Xiba's oldest tofu shops, offering a wide variety of tofu flavors, from sweet and salty to spicy. Some tofu is intricately crafted and beautifully presented, a true work of art – a visual delight. Bear paw tofu, lantern tofu, and salty yellow tofu are especially recommended.
Address: No. 41-43 Zhengjue Temple Street, Xiba Town, Wutongqiao District, Leshan City, Sichuan Province
Contact: (0833) 3120888
Transportation: Take a bus from Leshan Xiaoba Station to Xiba Town, opposite the Xiba Town Government
Reference price: about 30-50 yuan per person
The tofu pudding is incredibly delicious: sour, spicy, and refreshing! Add Sichuanese favorite jelly, a splash of chili oil, and a touch of vinegar to the tofu pudding, and you're done! Their steamed beef with rice flour is also a signature dish.
Address: Opposite to People's Park, Xian Street, Shizhong District, Leshan City, Sichuan Province
Transportation: Take bus No. 1 and get off at Huhusuo Station
Reference price: Vegetarian tofu pudding 5 yuan, steamed beef with rice flour 15 yuan
Jiujiu Doufupuo is also a famous Doufupuo shop in Leshan. Their specialty is topping the tofupuo with a spoonful of sweet potato vermicelli and a few pieces of steamed beef. Both the tofupuo and beef are incredibly tender. With branches scattered throughout the streets and alleys, it's easy to find one to enjoy your meal.
Address: Liren Street, Shizhong District, Leshan City, Sichuan Province
Transportation: Take bus No. 4, 6, 9, or 10 and get off at Xincun Cinema Station
Reference price: 7 yuan for meat tofu pudding
One of Leshan's most famous sweet-skinned ducks, it's incredibly popular daily, and if you go in the afternoon, it's often sold out. Fresh from the oven, the duck is still warm, its skin glossy and crispy, coated in a layer of syrup. The meat is tender and flavorful, juicy, and thick. Their Sichuan peppercorn duck feet are also a specialty. Vacuum-pack them and take them away as souvenirs for friends and family!
Address: No. 69, Zhijiang Road, Shizhong District, Leshan City, Sichuan Province (intersection of Wang Haoer Road)
Contact: 0833-2987984/2128493
Transportation: Take bus No. 3 and get off at Zhijiang Road Intersection Station
Reference price: 22 yuan/jin
As famous as Wang Haoer's Leshan Sweet Skin Duck, the duck is most delicious when it's freshly boiled and still sizzling with oil, with the syrup poured on it not yet solidifying. The duck will taste worse when it's cold, so it's best to eat it right out of the oven!
Address: No. 169, Xincun Street, Central District, Leshan City, Sichuan Province (junction of Renmin South Road and Xincun Street)
Contact: 0833-2114196
Transportation: Take bus No. 4, 6, 9, or 10 and get off at Zhijiang Road Intersection Station
Reference price: 23 yuan/jin