At Chengdu Gourmet, a renowned Szechuan restaurant in Pittsburgh, diners are encouraged to bypass the Americanized menu in favor of the traditional Szechuan offerings, which feature photos of every dish to guide the selection. One of the most iconic and highly recommended items is the Chongqing Chicken (or Diced Chicken with Dried Pepper), which consists of addictive, crispy chunks of wok-fried chicken tossed with a vibrant mix of Sichuan red chili peppers and numbing peppercorns. Another staple is the Mapo Tofu, celebrated for its complex, spicy, and herby flavor profile, which pairs perfectly with a side of white rice or the cooling smashed cucumbers. For meat lovers, the Cumin Lamb and the Double Cooked Pork Belly—a smoky, chewy dish sautéed with leeks and green onions in a black bean chili oil—are frequently cited as must-try specialties. Other popular choices include the Dan Dan Noodles for a dose of numbing spice, the handmade Dumplings in Red Chili Oil, and the Hand Cabbage. For those seeking unique textures, the Beef Tongue and Tripe in chili oil or the various Flaming Pan dishes, such as the Spicy Chengdu Beef, offer a truly authentic and flavorful experience.