When visiting Chengdu, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, a must-eat experience begins with authentic Sichuan Hotpot, where diners dip various meats and vegetables into a bubbling, spicy "mala" broth flavored with chili and numbing Sichuan peppercorns. Beyond the hotpot, you should try iconic dishes like Mapo Doufu (silky tofu in a spicy meat sauce), Dan Dan Mian (spicy, nutty noodles topped with ground pork), and Sweet Water Noodles, which are thick, chewy, and coated in a savory-sweet chili sauce. For street food, locals recommend Guokui (crispy stuffed flatbread), Zhong Dumplings or Chaoshou (wontons) drenched in red chili oil, and Rabbit Head, a famous local delicacy. To balance the heat, finish your meal with cooling snacks like Ice Jelly (Bingfen) or Sanzi Douhua (silken tofu with crispy toppings), or try the uniquely savory and smoky Twice-Cooked Pork (Huiguorou), which is considered the soul of Sichuan home cooking.