Sichuan Chengdu Food | Ba'er Xiaoqu Wontons: Must-Try Red Oil Wontons, a Hidden Gem of Authentic Old Chengdu Flavor!
When it comes to must-try red oil wontons in Chengdu, beyond the famous spots known to tourists, "Ba'er Xiaoqu Wontons" is absolutely a hidden gem frequently recommended by locals. This time-honored eatery, located at No. 6 Jianzhong Road in Chenghua District, has won the hearts of Chengdu residents with its authentic taste—thin wrappers, generously filled wontons, and a perfectly balanced spicy and aromatic red oil sauce. In this review, I’ll take you along to experience just how unforgettable this bowl of red oil wontons truly is.
A Landmark of Local Flavor
Following the navigation to Jianzhong Road, the iconic sign comes into view from afar, exuding a strong sense of local life.
Pushing the door open, the interior is spacious and can comfortably seat over thirty people. The simple yet clean decor instantly whets the appetite.
Craftsmanship in Every Wonton
Through the open kitchen, you can watch skilled masters hand-making wontons. With swift and practiced movements, each plump wonton is neatly arranged. The wrappers are freshly rolled daily—thin yet resilient. The filling is made from fresh pork shoulder, hand-chopped to preserve the texture of the meat, a quality that machine-minced meat simply cannot match.
The Signature Red Oil Wontons Arrive
After ordering a serving of signature red oil wontons (8 pieces per serving), the long-awaited dish arrives in about ten minutes.
Visually striking—the plump, tender wontons are arranged neatly in a gleaming crimson-red oil broth, topped with vibrant green scallions, golden sesame seeds, and finely crushed peanuts. The clarity of the red oil reflects the excellence of the ingredients used.
The aroma is an intricate blend of Sichuan flavors—the richness of rapeseed oil, the intense heat of chili, the numbing fragrance of Sichuan peppercorns, and the nutty depth of sesame, all layered with a subtle hint of sweetness.
A Multi-Layered Taste Experience
Gently scooping up a wonton, the wrapper is thin as gauze yet delightfully chewy, faintly revealing the pinkish filling inside. With the first bite, the spicy aroma of the red oil instantly awakens the taste buds, followed by the silky smoothness of the wrapper, and finally the juicy, savory burst of the pork filling.
The red oil sauce is masterfully crafted—made with Sichuan Erjingtiao chilies and Hanyuan dried peppercorns, offering a fragrant heat without overwhelming spiciness and a numbing sensation without bitterness. Multiple spices are precision-balanced and traditionally brewed, resulting in a sauce that is spicy, numbing, aromatic, and subtly sweet, with each flavor distinct yet perfectly harmonized.
The pork filling is equally meticulously prepared—with an ideal ratio of lean to fatty meat, mixed with a small amount of ginger and secret seasonings, then vigorously stirred to achieve a springy texture. Each bite is tender, juicy, and delightfully chewy, complementing the fragrant spiciness of the red oil.
As you near the end, don’t forget to spoon up the red oil broth at the bottom—it concentrates all the essence and is the soul of the entire bowl of wontons.
In addition to the signature red oil wontons, the shop offers a variety of options such as dry-tossed wontons, chicken soup wontons, hot pot wontons, and shrimp-filled wontons. The red oil wontons are equally stunning—with a richer seasoning, perfect for those who prefer bold flavors.
The Persistence Behind the Delicacy
This shop has been in operation for over ten years, always adhering to traditional handmade methods and maintaining its original taste. Even though it has now become an internet-famous spot, the quality has never declined, and the prices remain affordable.
If you could only try one bowl of wontons in Chengdu, the red oil wontons at Ba'er Xiaoqu Wontons (No. 6 Jianzhong Road) would undoubtedly be the top choice. This bowl of wontons is not just a treat for the taste buds—it is a microcosm of Chengdu’s culinary culture.
Shop Information
Address: No. 6 Jianzhong Road, Chenghua District, Chengdu (within Ba'er Residential Area)
Business Hours: 8:00–20:30
Average Cost: 15–25 RMB
Recommended Dishes: Signature Red Oil Wontons, Dry-Tossed Wontons, Shrimp-Filled Wontons