Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Start with the greens in spicy dishes, as they absorb the most spicy oil. The longer they sit, the spicier they become. (3:31)
- Tip 2In Chuan Chuan, after making your selections, your skewers are weighed to determine the price. Then, the chef cooks them in a hot cauldron. (8:34)
- Tip 3Usually, you make your own sauce in Chuan Chuan, but here, they provide the base sauce and sesame oil. (9:25)
- Tip 4Soy milk is a great way to soothe your stomach after eating spicy food. (10:30)
- Tip 5Rabbit is a very popular dish in Chengdu and can be found everywhere. Be adventurous and try new foods! (12:40)
Join Nico as they explore the surprisingly diverse culinary scene of Chengdu, China. This isn't your average food tour; Nico bravely tackles the spiciest dishes, sharing hilarious and insightful commentary along the way. From the fiery mala flavors of Chuan Chuan Xiang to a unique take on hot pot, this video is a delicious adventure you won't want to miss!
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This week's video from Nico takes us on a spicy culinary adventure in Chengdu, China, challenging the notion that hot pot is overrated. Nico and Jack, armed with open minds and adventurous palates, explore alternatives to the ubiquitous hot pot, beginning with a local's recommendation: mulu. This dish, similar to hot pot but with pre-cooked ingredients, offers a more convenient and flavorful experience. They customize their mulu with an array of meats, vegetables, and sweet potato noodles, selecting a medium spice level that still packs a punch. The ensuing experience is described as both delicious and intense, with Nico noting the importance of starting with greens to mitigate the spicy oil.
The video then shifts to a discussion of the couple's recent travels and a sponsor message, before returning to Chengdu's culinary scene. Nico and Jack try another variation on hot pot: chuan chuan xiang. This involves selecting skewers of various meats and vegetables, which are then cooked by the chef in a spicy broth. The flavors are described as intense and complex, with a satisfying balance of spice and sesame oil. The experience is punctuated by Nico's humorous observations and reactions to the spice level, and Jack's endearingly squeamish approach to some of the more unusual ingredients. The video highlights the convenience of chuan chuan xiang compared to traditional hot pot, emphasizing the chef's role in ensuring perfectly cooked food.
Throughout the video, Nico shares personal insights and authentic experiences, including a humorous anecdote about mistaking a vegetable for a witch's hand. The couple's interactions are engaging and humorous, showcasing their dynamic as they navigate the challenges and rewards of exploring unfamiliar cuisine. The video concludes with Nico and Jack expressing their preference for chuan chuan xiang over hot pot, inviting viewers to share their opinions in the comments section. The overall tone is conversational, informative, and genuinely entertaining, offering a unique perspective on Chengdu's food scene.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What did you think of the sweet potato noodles?
- A: They looked like shining leather and tasted yummy!
- Q: What was the most surprising thing you found?
- A: Probably the $1 haircut and the fact that I didn't need a ticket to enter the Zhu-long cave!