Sichuan and Chongqing Wontons: A Spicy Must-Try Snack（老麻抄手）

1. Origins and History

Sichuan and Chongqing wontons, known as chao shou, look like little ingots, symbolizing good luck.
The most famous type is Red Oil Wontons. Another version, Numbing Spicy Wontons, started in Chongqing’s Nan’an District.
This style highlights Sichuan peppercorns, showing locals’ passion for numbing and spicy flavors.

2. Culture and Everyday Life

These wontons are more than street snacks. They reflect Sichuan and Chongqing’s bold lifestyle.
A hot bowl of wontons is perfect for friends gathering or a quick, comforting bite.
Locals love their spice, and sharing wontons is part of daily life.

3. Ingredients and Flavors

The wrappers are thin like paper, with pork filling mixed with ginger and scallions.
The soul is the sauce: chili oil, soy sauce, sugar, and garlic for Red Oil Wontons.
The Numbing Spicy version uses lots of peppercorns, giving a tingling, electric feeling.
The taste is unforgettable—silky skins, tender filling, spicy yet balanced.
First comes the numbing buzz, then a wave of chili heat.

How They’re Made

Wontons are wrapped by hand, boiled until floating, then topped with sauce.
The chili oil version is aromatic and spicy.
The numbing version is finished with freshly made peppercorn oil, releasing instant fragrance.

Eating and Pairing

Locals enjoy wontons as snacks or quick meals, often with bone broth or a cold drink.
Pickled vegetables are a favorite side, refreshing and balancing the rich flavors.

Where to Try Them

You can find wontons everywhere in Chengdu and Chongqing.
Top picks include Long Chao Shou in Chengdu, Lao Ma Chao Shou in Chongqing, and Dongzikou Zhang Lao Wu.
Prices are budget-friendly, usually 15–30 RMB.
When ordering, just say “Hong You Chao Shou” or “Lao Ma Chao Shou.”
Not a spice lover? Ask for less chili and less numbing flavor.

Tips for Travelers

In English, call them Sichuan Wontons in Chili Oil or Numbingly Spicy Wontons.
If you’re new, start mild—peppercorn heat builds up fast!

Try at Home

Mix ground pork with salt, pepper, ginger, scallion water, and soy sauce.
Wrap the filling in wonton skins, fold into ingot shapes.
Boil until they float, then place in a bowl.
Prepare sauce with chili oil, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and sesame.
Pour over wontons, sprinkle scallions and peanuts.

Don’t let the fiery red color scare you!
This snack is your perfect first step into Sichuan and Chongqing cuisine.
Add it to your China food bucket list and let your taste buds start an adventure!