Chongqing, in Southwest China, has a 3,000-year history, rich tourism resources, and is a centre of the Sichuan food scene. From sizzling street food, authentic restaurants, and the ubiquitous hot pot, for the people of Chongqing eating and cooking are popular pastimes.

Cygnet Restaurant

The hot pot – a stew of simmering meat that sits in the centre of the table, with ingredients added by diners – is encountered throughout China, and Chongqing is no exception. But here, Chongqing Cygnet hot pot is served as a set of individual hot pots, so you can mix your own flavours, or experiment without affecting the whole dish. At Cygnet, the hot pot dipping sauces are displayed exquisitely; choose from varieties such as sesame oil, a number of chilli sauces, peanut, sesame, ginger oil, satay sauce, and XO sauce. One of the great characteristics of this restaurant is its location. The quaint building in the Diao Jiao Lou (stilted buildings) architectural style is built on the riverside, where diners can enjoy night views of Chongqing, watching the river flowing past, as the hot pot simmers.

Vegetarian Life

The name says it all. This excellent vegetarian restaurant is decorated simply and elegantly, with soft music gently encircling you, evocative of the foyer of a spa. Although always busy, the restaurant’s ambiance is very quiet, and popular with dating couples. Dishes cross over from traditional cultural Chinese to contemporary. All food is cooked in olive oil, with no MSG, so the tastes are clean, fresh, and healthy. Try the hand-rolled fried rice with olive, and the pumpkin soup – both very tasty, with beautiful colours and delicious flavours. Also on the menu is the must-have ‘Bodhi sweet and sour meat’ – which is not real meat. The ‘meat’ is made of plant fibre and soy protein, and the ‘bones’ in the middle are made of sugar cane – a tribute to the chef ‘s great skill.

SPICES Restaurant

Among the many 5-star hotels in Chongqing, the Sofitel Forebase has the greatest international á la carte/buffet restaurant. The setting is chic, with polished marble, dark wood, crisp linen, and warm lighting. The kitchen occupies a large space with steaks, seafood, barbecue, and even cheese, all prepared in front of customers – with the chef’s ‘performance’ to enjoy as you dine. The wide variety of international dishes are imbued with ‘French flair’ created by talented Executive Chef Christophe Wehrung. There's an array of hot and cold dishes, desserts, Western and Indian foods, authentic Middle Eastern flavours and Japanese cuisine. And sweets are here in bountiful abundance. Cheeses are among the major features in this buffet. You will definitely enjoy the international food trip.