Ep 11. Chengdu

In this episode of Bizarre Foods, host Andrew Zimmern travels to Chengdu, the capital of China's Sichuan province, to explore the unique cuisine and culture of this bustling city. Chengdu is known for its bold and spicy flavors, and Andrew dives right in by trying some of the city's most iconic dishes.

Andrew begins his culinary adventure by sampling the infamous Sichuan hotpot, a fiery broth filled with an array of meats, vegetables, and spices. He also tries his hand at making dan dan noodles, a popular street food consisting of noodles, chili oil, Sichuan pepper, and ground pork. Andrew notes that the dish is not only delicious but also a testament to the ingenuity of the city's street food vendors.

Next, Andrew visits a local restaurant that specializes in Sichuan-style rabbit, a dish that he finds both flavorful and surprisingly tender. Andrew also tries another Sichuan favorite, mapo tofu, a dish made with tofu, ground pork, and chili bean paste, and notes that the combination of spice and numbing Sichuan peppercorns is a truly unique experience.

Andrew takes a break from the high spice levels by visiting a tea house in Chengdu's famous People's Park. Here, he learns about the art of Chinese tea and tries several varieties of the beverage, which he finds both soothing and energizing.

After tea, Andrew heads to a market where he samples some of the more exotic fare of Chengdu. He tries crispy fried insects, including crickets and cicadas, which he finds surprisingly flavorful and crunchy. Andrew also visits a vendor selling spicy rabbit heads, a delicacy that requires a bit of skill to eat but which Andrew finds delicious nonetheless.

Andrew's last stop in Chengdu is at the home of a local family, where he gets a true taste of Sichuan hospitality. The family prepares several dishes for him, including a spicy eggplant dish and a hot and sour soup with pig's blood cake. Andrew notes that the flavors of these dishes are more complex than the dishes he has tried at restaurants, and he appreciates the care and attention that goes into preparing a homemade meal.

Throughout the episode, Andrew also learns about the history and culture of Chengdu, including the importance of the city's tea culture and the ways in which the geography of the region has shaped its cuisine. He also notes the enthusiasm and pride with which the people of Chengdu approach their food and their city.

Overall, this episode of Bizarre Foods provides a fascinating glimpse into the vibrant and flavorful world of Chengdu cuisine, and highlights the unique cultural and culinary traditions of this fascinating city.