In Chengdu, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, a must-eat experience begins with authentic Sichuan Hotpot, where various meats and vegetables are simmered in a bubbling, spicy "ma la" broth flavored with chili and numbing Sichuan peppercorns. For iconic individual dishes, you should try Mapo Tofu, featuring silky bean curd in a savory fermented bean and chili sauce, and Dan Dan Noodles, which are tossed in a nutty, spicy dressing with minced pork. Street food enthusiasts should seek out Sweet Water Noodles, which are thick and chewy with a savory-sweet chili sauce, and Zhong Dumplings, known for their pure pork filling and aromatic sweetened soy sauce. Other local favorites include Chuanchuan (skewered ingredients cooked in hotpot broth), Guokui (crispy stuffed flatbread), and Chengdu-style Kung Pao Chicken. The city's culinary scene is defined by a sophisticated balance of 24 base flavors, ranging from the famous intense heat to more aromatic and sweet profiles.