Hi! I’m ZeYan Lee.
Hello, fellow food and travel lovers! I’m your Chengdu insider—a local who’s called this spicy, vibrant city home for over a decade. After 12 years of exploring every alleyway, chatting with street food vendors, and sipping tea in ancient teahouses, I’ve uncovered the soul of Chengdu beyond the tourist brochures.
This blog is your backstage pass to real Chengdu. Forget generic “top 10” lists—here, you’ll find the hole-in-the-wall dumpling shop where grandmas line up at 6 AM, the secret rooftop with skyline views locals guard like treasure, and the family-run Sichuan restaurant that’s been perfecting mapo tofu since 1985.
What You’ll Discover Here:
- Food Adventures: From numbing-spicy hotpot (I’ll teach you how to order like a local!) to sweet-and-sour “sugar oil果子” (sugar oil cakes) from a 70-year-old street cart. I’ll even share tips on handling Sichuan peppercorns without tears (spoiler: milk helps!).
- Hidden Gems: Beyond pandas and Jinli Street—think bamboo forests where monks meditate, underground jazz bars in former bomb shelters, and weekend markets selling hand-painted fans and fermented black beans.
- Cultural Insights: Learn why Chengduers take ma la (spicy-numbing) so seriously, the art of “tea house politics,” and how to join a mahjong game with locals (hint: bring snacks!).
I’m not just sharing places—I’m sharing stories. Like the time I followed an old chef to his hometown village for a private Sichuan feast, or when a street vendor taught me his secret chili oil recipe (it involves 13 spices!).
Whether you’re planning a trip or dreaming of Chengdu’s flavors from afar, this blog is your trusty companion. Let’s dive into the heart of Sichuan together—one spicy bite, one hidden alley, one unforgettable memory at a time.
Ready to eat and explore like a local? Let’s start the adventure! 🌶️🍜