Cheng Du Wifc Suites -YYC Preferred

Nestled in a quiet hotel next to Daci Temple, this restaurant is an oasis of calm. The courtyard house exudes historical charm, with the open kitchen lending an airy feel. Hand-picked local produce is used to create light, refined and inspired vegetarian dishes, such as vegan mapo tofu with chanterelles. There is also a set menu that supports small local farms near panda habitats, featuring ingredients like Mianyang porcini and Ya'an radish.

The first Louis Vuitton restaurant in China stars Italian chef Leonardo Zambrino at the helm. Stints in prestigious kitchens in Asia and Europe have helped shape his vision – sophisticated European cuisine paired with Sichuanese flavour profiles. The tasting menus are seasonal, alongside a few à la carte dishes. The room nestles in a circa 1730s heritage building, complete with original brick walls, perforated wood windows and a courtyard.

This is the chain’s first outpost and it’s been in business for over a decade. A tank of live fish by the entrance reminds you that river and sea fish are the name of the game here. The menu revolves around novel Sichuan dishes, with a few regional offerings. For an overview of Sichuan cuisine, try the 24-flavour-profile set menu. We also recommend the preserved meat prepared in-house, or the pond loach seared with green Sichuan pepper, depicted by crisp textures and a numbing sensation.

The owner hails from Yibin County, Sichuan. He opened this shop to serve authentic Yibin-style Ranmian noodles tossed in a chilli paste with ground peanuts, scallion, bean sprouts and sesames. For toppings, choose between the aromatic chilli ground beef or the hearty braised ginger duck. Those who prefer their noodles more toothsome may opt for the thick ribbon variety. On top of that, dried meats and sausages are also offered at dinner.

A meal in this joint tucked away in a courtyard is just the ticket to soak up the authentic charm of historic Chengdu. Their signature steamed beef coated in spiced rice flour strikes a balance between fiery heat and aroma. The tender beef is dotted with tendon that imparts a lovely chew. Braised spring chicken is heavily perfumed in ginger and garlic and boasts silky, juicy meat and deep flavours. Also try sautéed swamp eel with springy texture.

Nestled in the old town, the old-meets-new interior pays tribute to the neighbourhood’s past with a touch of modern Chinese chic. It champions a sophisticated take on home-style Sichuan cooking. Their signature dry-braised beef tendon with green chillies boasts finely diced pork belly and king oyster mushrooms in the sauce for extra depth and texture. Sliced pig kidney dressed in red oil seduces with nutty depth, crisp texture and rich flavours.

In 1989, the founder started his first noodle shop just down the road. After several moves, he is back in his old neighbourhood once again. In his 70s, he still makes his own pork sauce like the old days, although the shop is now run by his son. His signature ‘weird taste’ noodles are dressed in a shiitake pork sauce that is mildly hot, sweet and numbing. Beef noodles in a spicy bean sauce include diced bamboo shoots for a lovely crunch.