A Name Rooted in Sichuan Charm
Among the diverse traditional snacks of Chengdu, Long Chaoshou stands out for its mellow, refreshing taste and authentic local flavor. As a time-honored Chinese brand, it embodies the city’s down-to-earth culinary spirit. This classic snack was founded in 1941 by a group of local craftsmen. It started as a small street stall in Yuelai Square in Chengdu and has a heritage of more than eighty years.
The name “Long Chaoshou” carries exquisite ingenuity and auspicious meanings. It derives from the homophone of “Nong”, taken from Nonghua Teahouse where the founders used to gather. It also symbolizes good fortune, evoking auspicious phrases such as “soaring dragon and leaping tiger”. In Sichuan dialect, wontons are called “Chaoshou”, which vividly describes the folding gesture of wrapping—folding both sides of the dough just as people tuck their hands into their sleeves. Simple and lively, the term reflects the vividness of local dialect. After decades of development and relocation from old alleyways to the bustling Chunxi Road, Long Chaoshou has become a landmark Sichuan snack. It was officially listed as a Chengdu Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010.
The Secret to Perfect Texture and Taste
Long Chaoshou’s enduring popularity stems from its rigorous and refined craftsmanship, adhering to three core features: ultra-thin wrappers, tender fillings, and fresh broth. Different from ordinary wontons, its wrappers are made of premium flour with precise proportioning and purely hand-kneaded and rolled. Paper-thin, translucent, and incredibly soft, the wrappers remain intact after boiling. Smooth and delicate, they lock in the juiciness of the filling without overpowering the original ingredient flavor.
The filling defines the soul of Long Chaoshou. Fresh pork leg meat with balanced fat and lean ratios is finely hand-chopped. Excessive seasonings are avoided to preserve the pure, original tenderness of pork. Mixed with scallion and ginger water and stirred thoroughly, the filling becomes springy, juicy, and refreshing, free of greasiness.
The broth is undoubtedly the highlight of Long Chaoshou’s flavor. The traditional soup is slowly simmered for hours with pork bones and old chicken. Carefully strained and refined, the broth turns clear, sweet, and mellow with natural umami. No artificial additives are used; hours of slow simmering alone create a nourishing, soothing, and richly flavored soup base.
The Richness of Sichuan Cuisine
Through decades of innovation, Long Chaoshou has expanded beyond a single flavor, offering a rich variety of tastes that embody the inclusive essence of Sichuan cuisine. The plain broth version remains the most authentic classic. Light, fresh, and mildly sweet, it features soft wrappers and tender fillings. Garnished with chopped green onions, it suits all ages and delivers the original pure taste of Long Chaoshou.
Red Oil Chaoshou is the most iconic Sichuan-style flavor and a firm favorite among diners. Premium Erjingtiao chili and fragrant Hanyuan peppercorns are refined into bright red, aromatic chili oil. Drizzled over freshly boiled wontons, it creates an inviting gloss. Every bite delivers layered flavors: rich spiciness, lingering numbing aroma, and the original sweetness of the broth. Bold yet balanced, it perfectly showcases the vivid and spirited character of Sichuan flavors.
Other distinctive flavors further enrich its diversity. Seafood Chaoshou boasts amplified umami with delicate seafood notes. Braised Chicken Chaoshou offers hearty, nourishing chicken broth. Sour and Spicy Chaoshou provides a refreshing, appetizing tang. These varied interpretations turn a simple bowl of wontons into a feast of diverse tastes.
The Cultural Essence of Shu Cuisine
A bowl of Long Chaoshou encapsulates Chengdu’s warm street culture and persistent craftsmanship. For over eighty years, it has upheld pure, authentic flavors with dedication and restraint, growing from a humble street stall into a nationally renowned time-honored brand. Unlike heavy, intensely spicy Sichuan dishes, Long Chaoshou tastes mild and balanced, reflecting the gentle yet vibrant temperament of Chengdu people—passionate in daily life and calm in spirit.
Today, Long Chaoshou transcends the definition of a simple snack and has become a symbol of Shu culinary culture. It carries the collective taste memories of Chengdu locals and accompanies generations of daily life. For residents, it is a comforting daily treat; for tourists, it is an essential taste of authentic Sichuan cuisine. Tender wontons paired with savory broth, blended with spicy and aromatic notes, deliver the timeless warmth of Chengdu’s street food. Rooted in Sichuan land, this classic flavor grows increasingly exquisite and charming with the passage of time.
