Chengdu to Mount Emei Self-Drive Food Guide: Must-Try Leshan Foot-Tapping Beef & Mount Emei Tofu Pudding
Planning a self-drive trip from Chengdu to Mount Emei? Don’t miss the delicious local food along the way! Here’s a guide to 4 must-visit restaurants from Leshan to Mount Emei, where you can enjoy authentic Sichuan flavors without breaking the bank—average cost around 50 RMB per person.
1. Suji Ancient Town → Fangfang Foot-Tapping Beef (1-hour drive, toll 58 RMB)
Start your journey from Chengdu along the Jingkun Expressway and exit at Suji Ancient Town. Navigate to “Fangfang Foot-Tapping Beef” and arrive before 10:00 AM to avoid queues.
Must-try dishes:
Fresh Beef (38 RMB/portion, cooked in boiling water for 10 seconds, served with dry chili sauce—so fresh it makes your feet tap!)
Beef Offal (45 RMB/portion, includes beef tripe and tongue, tender and crispy)
Spicy Blood Curd (18 RMB/portion, tangy and appetizing)
Average cost: 35 RMB per person. Free soup refills and rice make it perfect for fueling up before exploring Suji Ancient Town. Spend about 10 minutes strolling through the serene streets and take some stunning photos.
2. Mount Emei Foot → Old Tofu Pudding Shop (10-minute drive, navigate to “Shuyuan Street Tofu Pudding”)
Arrive at Mount Emei around 11:30 AM. Stop for brunch at this 20-year-old local favorite.
Must-try:
Beef Tofu Pudding (12 RMB/bowl) topped with beef sauce, crispy soybeans, and pickled vegetables in rich bone broth
Steamed Bun with Braised Pork (8 RMB/each) with a crispy exterior and juicy filling
Average cost: 20 RMB per person. A hearty, flavorful start to your Mount Emei adventure.
3. Mount Emei Food Street → Xu BBQ (5-minute drive from foot of Mount Emei)
After exploring Qingyin Pavilion in the evening, head to the bustling Food Street for a late-night snack.
Must-try:
Grilled Pork Belly (3 RMB/skewer, crispy outside, tender inside)
Grilled Eel (25 RMB/portion, fresh and spicy)
Grilled Brain (15 RMB/portion, melts in your mouth)
Pair with Ice-Cold Emei Snow Soda (5 RMB/bottle, orange flavor, refreshing and spicy-friendly). Average cost: 50 RMB per person—eat until you’re fully satisfied.
4. Near Wannian Temple → Emei Xiangcai Restaurant (30-minute drive, navigate to “Wannian Temple Visitor Center”)
On the second day, after visiting Wannian Temple, stop for lunch.
Must-try:
River Eel Stir-Fry with Noodles (58 RMB/portion, tender and spicy, served with noodles)
Steamed Beef with Rice Flour (35 RMB/portion, soft and flavorful)
Average cost: 45 RMB per person. Quick service, authentic taste, popular among locals.
Recommended Self-Drive Food Route:
Chengdu → Suji Ancient Town (Fangfang Foot-Tapping Beef) → Mount Emei Foot (Old Tofu Pudding) → Overnight at Mount Emei → Wannian Temple (Emei Xiangcai Restaurant) → Return to Chengdu. Perfectly arranged for food lovers.
Tips to Avoid Pitfalls:
Skip the “Leshan Foot-Tapping Beef” near the main scenic area—it’s usually pre-cooked and not authentic.
Don’t overorder at Xu BBQ; portions are large.
Buy extra Emei Snow Soda—only found in Sichuan, perfect as a souvenir.
With this culinary route, your self-drive from Chengdu to Mount Emei becomes a feast for both your eyes and taste buds! For a stress-free trip, including transportation, accommodation, and local guidance, contact our Chengdu Travel Agency, offering curated Mount Emei self-drive tours, Leshan sightseeing, and authentic food experiences.
