Best Budget Eats in Jiannan, Sichuan, China
1. Guo Fu Lou Steamed Bun
Delicious steamed bun filled with savory pork or vegetables, a budget-friendly street food favorite.
- Affordability: Priced under $1, it's an affordable meal for travelers.
- Quick Service: Prepared quickly, making it perfect for a quick bite on the go.
- Authentic Experience: Offers an authentic taste of local Sichuan cuisine.
2. Jiannan Noodles at Lao Zhang La Mian Xiang Guan
Hand-pulled noodles in a flavorful broth, served with your choice of meat or vegetables.
- Taste and Quality: Made fresh daily using local ingredients.
- Budget-Friendly: A meal costing under $5 is a steal for the quality and quantity offered.
- Authentic Atmosphere: Dine in a traditional noodle shop with a friendly, local vibe.
3. Xiao Long Bao at Ming Tan Xiaolongbao
Savory soup-filled dumplings that are a must-try in Jiannan.
- Unique Taste: Their signature soup inside the dumpling sets it apart from others.
- Budget-Friendly: A plate of Xiao Long Bao costs less than $5, offering great value for money.
- Popular Choice: Ming Tan is famous among locals and travelers alike.
4. Jiannan Hot Pot at Jin Yuan La Huo Guo
Spicy hot pot featuring a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables.
- Cultural Experience: A traditional Sichuan experience that allows you to cook your own meal.
- Affordability: Serves a generous portion of food for under $15 per person.
- Spice Level: Can be adjusted to cater to your spice tolerance.
5. Sichuan Peppercorn Chicken at Chen Zhen Ji
Tender chicken coated in a mouth-numbing sauce made with Sichuan peppercorns.
- Taste and Texture: The unique numbness from the peppercorns adds an exciting element to the dish.
- Budget-Friendly: A meal serving chicken and rice costs around $5, making it affordable.
- Iconic Dish: Chen Zhen Ji is known for this dish, so it's a must-try in Jiannan.
6. Mapo Tofu at Mao Shan Wang
Spicy tofu dish made with minced pork and fermented bean paste.
- Taste and Spice Level: Offers a unique, flavorful combination of spiciness and savory flavors.
- Budget-Friendly: A serving costs around $4, making it an affordable option for travelers.
- Local Favorite: Mao Shan Wang is a popular spot among locals and visitors alike.
7. Sichuan Fish Fillet at Zhong He Yi Shun
Crispy fried fish fillet served with a tangy sauce and vegetables.
- Taste and Texture: The perfect balance of crispiness, tenderness, and flavor.
- Budget-Friendly: A serving costs around $6, making it an affordable meal option.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses fresh fish daily for superior taste and quality.
8. Kuai Zhou at Zhong Shui Kuai Zhou Xiang Guan
Sichuan-style cold noodles served with a spicy sesame sauce.
- Taste and Texture: The refreshing, spicy flavor pairs well with the cold noodles.
- Budget-Friendly: A serving costs around $3, making it an affordable lunch or snack option.
- Traditional Recipe: Prepared using a traditional recipe that has been passed down for generations.
9. Jiannan Duck at Lao Gong Yuan
Tender duck cooked with aromatic spices and served with bok choy.
- Taste and Quality: The tender, juicy meat is a testament to the skill of the chef.
- Budget-Friendly: A serving costs around $10, offering great value for money.
- Authentic Experience: Dine in a historic courtyard restaurant with traditional Chinese decor.
10. Dan Dan Mian at Zhong Xiang Jiang Dan Dan Mian
Spicy noodles topped with minced pork and veggies.
- Taste and Spice Level: Offers a unique, spicy flavor profile that sets it apart from other noodle dishes.
- Budget-Friendly: A serving costs around $3, making it an affordable meal option for travelers.
- Local Favorite: Zhong Xiang Jiang is a popular spot among locals and visitors alike.
11. Sichuan Spicy Chicken at Lao Wei Jia
Juicy chicken wings coated in a spicy, numbing sauce.
- Taste and Spice Level: The perfect balance of heat and flavor makes it a popular choice.
- Budget-Friendly: A serving costs around $5, making it an affordable option for travelers.
- Famous Dish: Lao Wei Jia is known for this dish and has numerous locations throughout the city.
12. Shui Zhu Yu at Xian Shui Zhu Yu Wan
Spicy fish hot pot with a variety of ingredients.
- Cultural Experience: A traditional Sichuan experience that allows you to cook your own meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Serves a generous portion of food for under $20 per person, making it affordable.
- Spice Level: Can be adjusted to cater to your spice tolerance.
13. Sichuan Pickled Vegetables at Lao Ren Sheng Cai
A variety of pickled vegetables with a tangy, spicy flavor.
- Taste and Texture: The crisp texture and unique taste make it a popular snack or side dish.
- Budget-Friendly: A serving costs around $2, making it an affordable option for travelers.
- Health Benefits: Pickled vegetables are known for their health benefits and digestive aid properties.
14. Sichuan Spicy Cold Noodles at Ming Tan Kuai Shou Mian
Cold noodles served with a spicy sesame sauce.
- Taste and Texture: The refreshing, spicy flavor pairs well with the cold noodles.
- Budget-Friendly: A serving costs around $3, making it an affordable lunch or snack option for travelers.
- Local Favorite: Ming Tan Kuai Shou Mian is a popular spot among locals and visitors alike.
15. Sichuan Steamed Bun with Radish at Lao Zha Gao
A savory steamed bun filled with pickled radish.
- Taste and Texture: The soft, fluffy texture of the bun complements the tangy, crunchy radish.
- Budget-Friendly: A serving costs around $1, making it an affordable snack option for travelers.
- Local Snack: Lao Zha Gao is a local favorite and has several locations throughout the city.