Chongqing Grilled Sweet Potato Noodles: The King of Night Market BBQ （烤苕皮）

Dear travelers, visiting Chongqing’s night markets? Don’t miss Grilled Sweet Potato Noodles!
This hot street snack is spicy, chewy, and bursting with flavor.

1. Origin History

Grilled Sweet Potato Noodles originated in Sichuan-Chongqing street night markets.
It shares roots with spicy hotpot culture and represents local street food wisdom.

2. Cultural Significance

Known as the “King of Night Market BBQ,” it’s the soul of Chongqing nightlife.
Represents lively, authentic city life and street culture.

3. Ingredients & Flavor

Main ingredient: sweet potato starch sheets, chewy like soft jelly.
Brushed with spicy red oil, filled with pickled radish, fish mint, and scallions.
Sprinkled with cumin and chili powder, then grilled until bubbly and slightly charred.

4. Preparation Method

Grill sweet potato sheets over charcoal or electric grill, brushing oil and flipping until bubbles form.
Add filling, fold over on a skewer, then brush sauce and sprinkle spices.
Key: crack the bubbles when edges curl for maximum flavor!

5. Taste & Texture

Crispy, charred exterior with chewy inside.
Spicy, sour, and savory flavors explode in your mouth.
Fish mint adds a unique aroma, layering the taste perfectly.

6. How to Eat

Eat hot, standing at the street stall.
Hold the skewer, bite, and enjoy filling spilling from the soft sheet.
Pairs perfectly with cold beer or sour plum juice to cut spice.

7. Where to Try

Found at Chongqing night markets like Jiaochangkou or Jiujie BBQ street.
Popular 2025 hotspots: “Jiucun Grilled Brain” and “Feng BBQ.”
Price: around 5–10 RMB per skewer.

8. Tourist Tips

English names: “Grilled Sweet Potato Noodles” or “Chongqing BBQ Skin.”
Fish mint may taste unusual at first but is the soul of authentic flavor.

Traditional Preparation Method

• Mix sweet potato starch with water into a batter, steam into thin sheets, cut into strips.
• Grill on a medium fire, brushing oil until small bubbles form.
• Brush with red chili oil sauce, sprinkle chili, Sichuan pepper, and cumin.
• Add pickled radish, fish mint, and scallions in the center.
• Fold over on bamboo skewers, press edges, grill 10 more seconds, then finish with sauce and sesame.

🌶️ Bite into it, and you’ll understand why Chongqing locals queue late at night!
This under-10-RMB street snack is a must-try “hidden gem” of Chinese street food.