Qiaotou
Time-Honored BrandQiaotou · Chongqing · Founded
Qiaotou is a renowned Chongqing hot pot brand, celebrated for its authentic tripe hot pot and rich, spicy flavors. Rooted in the city's vibrant dock culture, it has been a beloved name in Chongqing cuisine for decades, offering a true taste of the region's culinary heritage.
Brand Story
Qiaotou Hot Pot is one of the representative brands of Chongqing hot pot, with a history tracing back to the early 20th century when dock culture flourished in the city. According to public historical records, Chongqing hot pot originated at the docks where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet. Boat trackers and coolies, seeking to ward off cold and dampness, boiled beef offal, chili peppers, and Sichuan peppercorns together, gradually forming a unique culinary tradition. The name 'Qiaotou' (meaning 'bridgehead') comes from the early practice of setting up eateries at the foot of river bridges to serve passing boatmen and merchants. While the exact founding year is not officially verified, industry sources indicate that Qiaotou Hot Pot had already gained prominence by the 1940s, known for traditional dishes like tripe and duck intestines, and its spicy and savory broth. Key figures include early founders and successive inheritors who have upheld the craft of stir-frying hot pot base, using premium beef tallow, Shizhu red chili peppers, and Maowen Sichuan peppercorns, simmered for hours to achieve a rich and mellow flavor. Culturally, Qiaotou Hot Pot is not only a microcosm of Chongqing's food culture but also embodies the boldness of dock life and the warmth of everyday street dining, making it a culinary icon of the mountain city.
Signature Products
Made with fresh beef tripe, cooked with a quick 'seven up, eight down' technique for a crisp and tender texture. This is Qiaotou's signature dish. (Price: 80-150 RMB per person)
Clean and tender, these duck intestines remain firm even after prolonged cooking. They are smooth and springy, best enjoyed with a sesame oil and garlic dipping sauce. (Price: 30-50 RMB per serving)
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a perfect balance of lean and fatty meat. It can be eaten directly or cooked in the hot pot, a classic Chongqing hot pot snack. (Price: 25-40 RMB per serving)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Chongqing（重庆）
Store details are being expanded. Find this brand’s stores and counters on the map below:
Find stores on Amap ↗Shop Online
Official flagship stores / search entries (CPS placements). Replace the links with your own affiliate PID to earn commission with zero inventory.
Cultural Note
The essence of Qiaotou Hot Pot lies in the stir-frying of its base, which requires a precise balance of beef tallow, chili peppers, and Sichuan peppercorns, and careful control of heat. The ingredients are slowly fried for hours to fully blend the aromas. The resulting broth is bright red, spicy and mellow, without being greasy or overpowering, reflecting the inclusive spirit of Chongqing hot pot, often described as 'one pot boiling the world.' The traditional 'nine-grid' pot divides the broth into sections for cooking different ingredients, showcasing the practical wisdom of dock culture.
Related Brands
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "China Time-Honored Brand" (中华老字号)?
A China Time-Honored Brand is a designation by China’s Ministry of Commerce for brands with a long history that inherit products, craftsmanship or services across generations and have operated continuously to the present.
When was Qiaotou founded?
Qiaotou was founded in null, originating in Chongqing, Chongqing, primarily in the Dining field.
What is the signature product of Qiaotou?
Its signature product is Tripe Hot Pot. See the "Signature / Buy Online" section on this page for more products and shopping links.
Where can I find the official list of China Time-Honored Brands?
You can log into the MOFCOM "China Time-Honored Brand Information Management System", or browse this site’s brand directory — we have profiled 1,451 time-honored brands.
Sources / References
Brand fundamentals (founding year, heritage level, recognition batch) follow official sources such as the MOFCOM time-honored brand list. Story and encyclopedia: