This page might be incomplete. I will update once I come up with more.
Note：1、Some recommended restaurants may not be located in the main tourist areas. Please check the map before visiting.
2、All of them have nice taste in my opinion. So I won’t emphasize the taste unless necessary.
3、I will share some basic knowledge about Chinese so that you can know more about Chongqing Culture.
董妈火锅 Dongma hotpot
🚇line 2, Linjiangmen, exit 2
Pros: Affordable prices, authentic local vibe.
Cons: Long queues / wait times, extremely popular (or “overly crowded”).
Cultural Context: The name ‘Dong Ma’ means a mother whose family name is Dong.. In Chinese culture, naming a restaurant after a person often conveys a sense of warmth and familiarity. It’s like saying this is the place where you can enjoy food that reminds you of home.
红九格老火锅 Hongjiuge Hotpot
🚇line 2, Jiaochangkou, exit 10A
The hot pot restaurant is converted from an air-raid shelter. It stays cool during the summer.
Cultural Context: The word ‘lao’ doesn’t just mean ‘old.’ It signifies that this hot pot is traditional and authentic. In Chinese culture, ‘lao’ often represents something that has stood the test of time and is cherished for its original flavor and cooking methods.
The word ‘lao’ in ‘lao hot pot’ also has an emotional connotation. It makes people think of something familiar and comforting, like a taste from the past. It’s like saying this hot pot is the kind that your grandparents might have enjoyed, and it brings back those warm memories.”
“老”在中文中不仅表示“老”或“旧”，还常常带有“传统”“正宗”“历史悠久”的含义。在“老火锅”中，“老”强调的是一种传统的、经典的火锅风味，通常意味着这种火锅保留了传统的烹饪方式和食材选择。“老”还有一种情感上的寓意，它让人联想到“怀旧”“熟悉”“亲切”。对于中国人来说，“老火锅”不仅仅是一种食物，更是一种情感的寄托，代表着一种传统的、让人感到温暖和舒适的味道。
