Fantastic Food and where to find them...in Leshan!
Right in the heart of China’s Sichuan Province, Leshan is more than a picturesque blend of ancient history and refreshing nature — the city is also home to mouthwatering cuisine that will leave you wanting more.
With that said, let us take you on a food hunt across Leshan. Who knows, you might find your new favourite dishes along the way!
Shizhong may be well-known as the downtown area sitting right across from the world-famous Leshan Giant Buddha, but do you know that this district is also a foodie’s paradise?
Don’t miss these Leshan’s specialties when you are in Shizhong:
Qiaojiao beef
Different cuts of beef are served in a slow-cooked beef broth, alongside seasonal greens and spicy dipping sauce.
📍Feng Si Niang (冯四娘)
📍Fang Fang Qiaojiao Beef (芳芳翘脚牛肉),
📍Yi Laoba Qiaojiao Beef (易老八跷脚牛肉)
Douhua
Tofu pudding dipped in bone broth seasoned with chicken essence, kohlrabi particles, dark soy sauce, and fried soybeans or fried peanuts, and topped with chilis and green coriander or celery.
📍Emei Ganji Stewed Tofu (峨眉甘记酥肉豆腐脑)
📍Xiaodou Haitang (小豆海棠豆腐脑)
📍JiuJiu (99) Tofu (九九豆腐脑)’
Bo-bo chicken
Deboned chicken slices mingling with your favourite meats and veggies mixed with spicy seasonings, spices, and most importantly, rattan pepper, in a pottery bowl
📍Yepopo Bobo Chicken (叶婆婆钵钵鸡)
📍Huang Si Hai (黄泗海·黄鸡肉钵钵鸡)
You can also explore these top-tier Gourmet Streets:
📍Zhanggongqiao Street (张公桥街)
📍Shangzhongshun Street (上中顺街)
📍Dongda Street (东大街)
📍Jiaxing Road (嘉兴路美食街)
And here are other districts you can visit to make the most out of this foodie trip:
Jiajiang County
Macun Fish Head
A fish head simmered in a flavourful broth, served with homemade pickled vegetables cooked in rapeseed oil or pork lard, and garnished with sprouts, Chinese patchouli, and scallions.
Once you’re here, also visit:
📍Dongfengyan, one of the first World Irrigation Heritage Sites
📍Tianfu Sightseeing Tea Garden (4A, 天福观光茶园)
Wutongqiao District
Malatang
Ingredients are cooked in a broth made with fried dried chillies, Sichuan peppercorns, aromatic spices, fermented bean chilli sauce, and beef fat. Diners can pick and choose their preferred ingredients, ranging from meats to vegetables and tofu.
📍 Niuhua Town (牛华镇)
Xiba Tofu
Xiba Tofu comes in two varieties: red oil and white oil, each offering a distinct flavour profile depending on the seasoning and cooking method.
📍Xiba Ancient Town (西坝古镇)
Once you’re here, also visit:
📍 China Genshu Art Museum / China Root Calligraphy Art Gallery (3A,中国根书艺术馆)
📍 Little Westlake
If you’re on the hunt for unique flavours, Leshan certainly is the place to be. Home to the Yi ethnic group, their hometowns offer a feast of specialities rooted in their rich traditions—a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.
Visit Ebian Yi Autonomous County and taste food made high up in the mountains:
Tartary buckwheat baba
Bread made by mixing water with tartary buckwheat, usually eaten with honey
Yi blood sausage
Pig blood mixed with rice wine, pepper, chili, and litsea powder
Guanguan (Pot) tea
Tea leaves roasted over fire in a clay pot, jiggled until they turn golden brown, then brewed with water for a rich, unique flavour.
Once your belly is full, take a stroll around Heizhugou Scenic Area where you can enjoy the incredible scenery that spans for miles. Or, if you are a lover of history, visit “Memory of Ebian” Historical and Cultural Block for a deep dive into Ebian's past and ethnic customs!
Make Ebian Yi Autonomous County your next travel destination!
Last but not least, don’t forget to visit Mabian Yi Autonomous County and try out their famed dish:
Mabian Chaoshou
Tender meat filling made from pork shoulder wrapped in a thin layer of wrapping
Once you’re here, also visit:
📍Dafengding National Nature Reserve
📍Yangtianwo alpine pasture
How can you get to these districts? What other amazing places await you in Leshan? Check out Visit Leshan webpages, a one-stop resource for essential travel information, designed to guide first-time travellers through China without a hitch!
