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Ask a QuestionChongqing, famous as “a mountainous city”, is a beautiful city. And another namecard of Chongqing is the hotpot. Here I would like to list top hotpot restaurants in Chongqing for you to enjoy this fantastic taste.
Choongqing hotpot more or less likes Sichuan hotpot. The spicy taste is the highlight. If you are the first time to Chongqing, you may be lost in the various hotpot restaurants. So considering from a clean and safety view, the following restaurants can be choices in your list.
Qiqi Eel Restaurant (Linjiangmen Branch)
Chinese name: 齐齐鳝鱼火锅(临江门店)
Address: No. 1, Linjiangmen, Yuzhong District (渝中区临江门1号附3号)
Cost: from CNY65 per person
Don’t miss: eel, duck intestines, cattle stomach
Introduction: Qiqi Eel Restaurant is a famous brand in Chongqing. The service is also in a high level. The typical Chongqing hotpot called “nine grids” (九宫格) should not be missed.
Address: No. 2 Nanbin Road, Nan’an District, Chongqing
Average price: ¥120–200 per person
Best for: Balanced flavor and elegant setting
Shu Jiu Xiang is a popular choice among both locals and tourists who prefer a milder take on traditional Chongqing hot pot. Its broth maintains the signature numbing-spicy flavor (麻辣 málà) without overwhelming your taste buds. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with Sichuan-style lanterns and wooden furnishings—great for a comfortable, authentic experience.
Must-try dishes:
Hot Pot Tip: Ask for a “Yuan Yang pot” (鸳鸯锅)—half spicy, half clear broth—so you can try both flavors and control the heat level.
Chinese name: 赵二火锅(重庆总店)
Address: No. 128, Jiefang East Road, Yuzhong District (渝中区解放东路128号望龙门车站旁)
Cost: from CNY 60 per person
Don’t miss: chicken intestines, cattle stomach, fish tofu
Introduction: Zhao’er Hotpot is comparative spicy then the other restaurant. This one was once recommended by Lonely Planet.
Address: Multiple branches citywide; main branch at No. 3 Nanping West Road, Nan’an District
Average price: ¥100–180 per person
Best for: The “classic Chongqing hot pot” experience
Dezhuang is one of the city’s most iconic hot pot chains and has even made it into the Guinness World Records for the world’s largest hot pot. The brand is known for its deep, oily red broth that is rich with Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers. The flavor is bold, numbing, and unforgettable.
Must-try dishes:
Hot Pot Tip: Chongqing locals always dip cooked food in sesame oil mixed with minced garlic—it balances the spiciness and cools your mouth between bites.
Chinese name: 小天鹅食府(洪崖洞店)
Address: 11th Floor in Hongyadong Area, No. 56, Cangbai Road, Jiefangbei, Yuzhong District(渝中区解放碑沧白路56号洪崖洞11楼)
Cost: from CNY 90 per person
Don’t miss: duck intestines
Introduction: The cost of this restaurant is a little higher than the others, because of the location which can offer guests a view of the river.Besides hotpot, you can also order dishes here.
Address: No. 1 Bayi Road, Jiefangbei, Yuzhong District
Average price: ¥150–250 per person
Best for: Late-night dining and authentic local vibe
Located in the heart of Jiefangbei, Peijie Hot Pot is a favorite among locals for its authentic old-Chongqing flavor and lively atmosphere. The owner, Ms. Pei, started with a small street stall and built a hot pot empire famous for using traditional beef tallow and secret spices.
Must-try dishes:
Hot Pot Tip: Don’t be shy to ask the staff for help with cooking times—most ingredients have an ideal duration in the pot (for example, duck intestine only needs about 10 seconds!).
Chinese name: 奇火锅
Address: No. 99, Tianma Road, Shapingba District (沙坪坝区天马路99号)
Cost: from CNY 60 per person
Don’t miss:
Introduction: Qi Hotpot Restaurant is a national brand which has branches in the whole country such as Shanghai, Xian. Qi Hotpot is titled as “the hotpot not cause the throat uncomfortable”.
Address: No. 8 Danzishi Old Street, Nan’an District
Average price: ¥120–180 per person
Best for: Traditional environment and river view
Lao Zao Hot Pot captures the rustic charm of old Chongqing with its stone walls, bamboo tables, and warm lighting. It’s a great spot to enjoy authentic hot pot while admiring the scenic night views of the Yangtze River. The restaurant’s soup base is hand-stirred daily, and its chili oil fragrance fills the air.
Must-try dishes:
Hot Pot Tip: Locals often start with mild dishes like tofu or vegetables, then move to spicier and meatier options as the broth becomes richer with flavor.
Chinese name: 秦妈火锅(三峡广场店)
Address: 1st floor, Delier Mansion, Three Gorges Square, Shapingba North Road, Shapingba District (沙坪坝区沙坪坝站北路三峡广场得利尔大厦1层)
Cost: from CNY 60 per person
Don’t miss: eel, cattle stomach
Introduction: Not as good as the above ones. But the comfortable atmosphere is the reason to recommend.
Hot Pot Tip:
When in doubt, follow the locals’ lead—watch how they add ingredients and in what order. It’s part of the fun and learning experience!
1. Make your dipping sauce: Mix sesame oil, garlic, chopped scallions, and cilantro. Some locals add oyster sauce or vinegar for extra flavor.
2. Eat in rounds: Start with quick-cooking items like tripe and duck intestine, move to meat and seafood, and finish with noodles or leafy vegetables.
3. Embrace the spice—but pace yourself: If you’re new to Chongqing’s fiery heat, don’t be embarrassed to ask for “less spicy” (微辣) or to order a half spicy pot.
4. Pair with local drinks: Try Chongqing beer (山城啤酒) or sour plum juice (酸梅汤)—both help to cool the palate.
5. Enjoy the communal spirit: Hot pot is all about sharing. Laugh, talk, and dip together—it’s the essence of Chongqing’s warm and lively culture.
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