While visitors often associate Chongqing with its famous hotpot, dramatic bridges, and mountainous landscapes, there's another culinary gem that locals hold even closer to their hearts -Xiaomian (重庆小面 Chongqing Xiaomian, lit. Chongqing's Small Noodles). These flavorful noodles represent the city's ultimate fast food, featuring fresh wheat noodles tossed with aromatic herbs and spices. What makes them truly special is their customizable preparation and that distinctive málà (numbing-spicy) flavor that Chongqing natives crave.
For residents, Xiaomian is just as essential as hotpot - a dish enjoyed around the clock, from breakfast through late-night snacks. At dawn, tiny storefront noodle shops already bustle with customers. Whether it's a white-collar worker rushing to the office or a "bangbang" porter (local laborers who carry goods with bamboo poles) preparing for another strenuous day, everyone finds their morning energy in these spicy, satisfying bowls. More than just sustenance, Xiaomian is the people's comfort food - so cherished that returning locals often make it their first meal back home.
Xiaomian comes in two classic styles:
Each bowl typically combines over ten seasonings, including Sichuan peppercorns, chili oil, spring onions, and other secret ingredients. The customizable toppings - from braised beef to shredded chicken or pork - transform each serving into a unique culinary experience, elevating this humble dish to an art form.
Over time, Xiaomian has inspired creative variations:
While these versions share the same bold seasonings, their textures offer completely different eating experiences. To truly understand Chongqing's soul, one must start with a bowl of Xiaomian - it's more than a meal, but a direct connection to the city's vibrant daily life.
For an authentic experience, head to:
Bandengmian Noodle is a restaurant that deserves the name. Bandeng refers “bench” in English, and serves as the only form of furniture in the restaurant A higher bench becomes a table while visitors sit down on a lower bench, eating Bandengmian noodles with gusto. This restaurant specializes in Xiao Mian, sometimes made with eggs. The noodles are not very slender and are chewy and spongy with chili oil. The price, the flavor, and the down to earth environment leave a deep impression on the visitor.
Address: Fu No.31, No.112, Songshi Branch Road
Opening Hours: 05:00 - 14:30
Tel: +86-13206114711
Every returning visitor knows that the chili oil in Sanjie Mao’er Mian is so delicious that people often come back for more. High-quality chilies become toothsome-smelling oil after mincing, roasting, and frying. Otherwise, meaty sauce combines fresh pork shoulder with a sweetish sauce which is cooked with the secret recipe. The noodles here not only smell great but also keep diners coming back for more.
Address: Near the cross of Citong Road and Shabin Road (diagonally across the entrance of the ancient town), Shapingba District.
Opening Hours: 10:00 - 22:00
Tel: +86-23-62179665
The restaurant is located nearby Nanping Wanda Plaza with a relatively small dining area. A graffiti wall has become a feature there that attracts diners. You can express anything you want on the wall like advice or commemoration. This restaurant chooses the part of the thigh between the rump and the shank, which is more expensive but with better taste. Beef with tendon and sinew is well braised until tender and is then fused with the broth, creating a noodle dish that keeps diners coming back.
Address: No.46, Haofu, No.1 Shanhu Road, Nan’an District
Opening Hours: 07:00 - 20:00
Tel: +86-18696591173