Chongqing is world-famous for its face-melting spicy hotpot and numbing “Mala” flavors. But what if you can’t handle the heat? Or what if your stomach needs a “recovery day” after a fiery dinner?
Don’t worry—you won’t go hungry. Beyond the red chili oil, Chongqing has a rich tradition of savory, sweet, and comforting dishes that are completely spice-free. Here are the top 10 non-spicy dishes you must try, along with the Pinyin names to help you order like a pro.
1. Guoba Roupian (锅巴肉片) – Crispy Rice with Pork
This dish is a favorite for its “theatrical” presentation. A waiter brings a plate of sizzling, deep-fried puffed rice squares (Guoba) and pours a thick, savory gravy of sliced pork and vegetables over them at the table.
- The Vibe: Audibly crunchy, savory, and satisfying. Think of it as a sophisticated version of Rice Krispies.
2. Xihongshi Jidan Mian (西红柿鸡蛋面) – Tomato and Egg Noodles
A universal comfort food in China. The secret is in the stir-fry: eggs are fried with fresh tomatoes until they form a rich, sweet, and tangy soup, then served over soft wheat noodles.
- Pro Tip: This is the safest “emergency” meal if you find yourself in a local noodle shop where everything else looks too red.
3. Tangcu Liji (糖醋里脊) – Sweet and Sour Pork
Unlike the Western takeout version, the local Chongqing version features tender strips of pork tenderloin flash-fried and coated in a delicate, glossy glaze made from sugar and vinegar.
- The Vibe: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfectly balanced.
4. Mountain City Tangyuan (山城汤圆) – Sweet Rice Balls
A legendary Chongqing snack. These are small, chewy glutinous rice balls filled with sweet black sesame paste, served in a warm, clear soup.
- Where to find it: Look for the famous “Mountain City Small Tangyuan” stalls on Bayi Food Street.
5. Jinsha Yumi (金沙玉米) – Corn with Salted Egg Yolk
This unique dish takes individual corn kernels, coats them in a savory batter of salted egg yolk, and deep-fries them until they are golden and sandy.
- The Vibe: Salty, sweet, and incredibly addictive. Ask for a spoon to scoop up the crispy kernels!
6. Sanxian Mian (三鲜面) – Three Flavor Noodles
For those who want a hearty noodle soup without the chili, order the “Sanxian.” The broth is usually made from pork bones and topped with sliced pork, liver, and local sausage.
- The Vibe: Earthy, rich, and full of umami.
7. Tudou Bing (土豆饼) – Potato Pancakes
Potatoes are one of the few vegetables that locals are content to eat without chili. These are shredded or mashed potatoes formed into cakes and pan-fried until crispy.
- The Vibe: A familiar, starchy comfort that pairs well with any meal.
8. Suancai Rousi (酸菜肉丝) – Pork with Salted Vegetable
While “Mala” is one flavor profile, “Suan” (Sour) is another. This dish uses pickled mustard greens and shredded pork. While it has a tang, it is typically not spicy.
- The Vibe: Refreshing and great for whetting your appetite.
9. Nuomi Tuan (糯米团) – Savory Glutinous Rice Balls
A traditional Chongqing breakfast. Steaming hot glutinous rice is wrapped around bits of ginger, spring onions, and sometimes minced meat.
- The Vibe: Hearty and portable—perfect for a morning walk on the Shancheng Trail.
10. Chen Mahua (陈麻花) – Fried Dough Twists
The most famous snack from Ciqikou Ancient Town. These crunchy dough twists come in various flavors, including “Original” and “Honey,” which are 100% spice-free.
- Where to find it: Head to Ciqikou and look for the stalls with the longest local queues.
How to Ask for “No Spicy”
In Chongqing, the default is often spicy. Use these phrases to ensure your meal is safe:
- “Bu la” (不辣): Not spicy at all.
- “Wei la” (微辣): Mildly spicy. (Warning: Chongqing’s “mild” is often “extreme” elsewhere!).
- “Wei wei la” (微微辣): Very, very mild.
If you want a deeper look at what Chongqing offers culturally and historically, our 2026 Chongqing Travel Guide provides a complete overview of the city’s main sights and experiences.
