Sichuan cuisine is famous for its “mala” flavor, which means numbing and spicy. It is achieved by using Sichuan peppercorns along with fiery chili peppers. ¹⁾

These tiny reddish-brown seeds are a signature ingredient in Sichuan cuisine. They impart a citrusy, numbing sensation to dishes, complementing the heat from chili peppers. ²⁾

Sichuan is the birthplace of the popular hot pot, where a variety of meats, vegetables, and noodles are cooked in a communal pot of simmering, flavorful broth. ³⁾

A classic Sichuan dish, Mapo Tofu features soft tofu cubes cooked in a spicy and numbing sauce made with chili bean paste, ground pork, and Sichuan peppercorns. ⁴⁾

Named after Ding Baozhen, a Qing Dynasty official with the title “Kung Pao,” this dish features diced chicken stir-fried with peanuts, vegetables, and chili peppers. ⁵⁾

Dandan Noodles are a popular street food featuring noodles topped with a spicy, savory sauce made from minced pork, chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and scallions. ⁶⁾

This dish involves cooking pork belly or pork loin twice—first boiling, then slicing and stir-frying it with leeks, black bean paste, and chili peppers. ⁷⁾

Sichuan-style dry-fried green beans are stir-fried until blistered and cooked with minced meat, garlic, and chili bean paste, resulting in a flavorful and crunchy dish. ⁸⁾

Also known as “Water-Boiled Fish,” Shui Zhu Yu features fish fillets poached in a spicy broth with Sichuan peppercorns, chili oil, and various vegetables. ⁹⁾

This dish involves marinating and deep-frying chicken, then tossing it in a spicy and numbing sauce, creating a flavorful and addictive dish. ¹⁰⁾

Yu Xiang Eggplant, or “Fish-Fragrant Eggplant,” is a vegetarian dish featuring eggplant cooked in a sweet, sour, and spicy sauce made with garlic, ginger, and chili bean paste. ¹¹⁾

These are Sichuan-style wontons served in a spicy and sour sauce, often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. ¹²⁾

This dish features finely shredded pork stir-fried with garlic, ginger, wood ear mushrooms, and a flavorful, spicy sauce. ¹³⁾

Dan Dan Mian is a noodle dish topped with a spicy sauce made from chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, minced pork, and scallions. ¹⁴⁾

Zigong, a city in Sichuan, is known for its boiled beef dishes, where thinly sliced beef is cooked in a spicy broth and served with dipping sauces. ¹⁵⁾