Hot pot is for eating, so obviously, flavor is very important in the confrontation. Largely, the differences in flavor don't lie in what is put in, but the sauce itself. Chongqing hot pot boast strong flavors, packed full of spicy, hot ingredients to create a dense flavor and "turn the burn up a notch."

Contrastingly, Chengdu hot pot sauces put more emphasis on the balance of spice and variety, using five-spice and other aromatic herbs in the pot to make the sauce more fragrant.

The fierce-but-friendly competition between the Chongqing and Chengdu continues and probably will for years to come. Both styles feature unique characteristics and delicious flavors, but the only way you can decide for sure it to try each for yourself! On your next visit to Chengdu, China or Yangtze River Cruise stopover in Chongqing, make sure to treat yourself to these peppery local specialties!