14 Culinary Adventures Only True Food Explorers Find in Asia

6. Chengdu’s Sichuan Hotpot Challenge, China

Dining on hotpot in Chengdu is an all-senses adventure. A simmering pot of slow-burning chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns sits at the center of your table, surrounded by plates of sliced meats, fresh vegetables, tofu, and mushrooms. The signature numbing-spicy flavor—“mala” in local parlance—is legendary, and every bite delivers a distinctive combination of heat and tingle. Hotpot here isn’t just a meal; it’s a communal feast where everyone participates in cooking, conversation, and spirited debate over dipping sauces.