Chongqing - As temperatures soar in China's mountainous southwest, Chongqing’s culinary scene is turning up the heat — and the flavor. To invigorate summer consumption and enhance dining experiences, major local food brands have launched limited-time seasonal menus. From bubbling hot pots and icy rice balls to citrusy drinks and spicy fast-food bowls, these creative offerings are designed to tempt taste buds and energize the city's vibrant night economy.

Haidilao's new summer products include hot pot soup bases, hot pot dishes, snacks, drinks, and other categories (Photo: provided by the restaurant)

Haidilao, the internationally recognized hot pot chain, has introduced a new Late-Night Menu featuring a comprehensive lineup of dishes, snacks, drinks, and grilled skewers. The highlight is the"Diving Bullfrog and Fish Hot Pot," which blends bold techniques and high-quality ingredients. The base features Majing-style pickled vegetables, a Sichuan intangible cultural heritage, stir-fried with fragrant oil to unlock deep umami notes. A splash of Haidilao’s light lager beer adds a crisp finish to the spicy and tangy broth.

Top-grade bullfrogs sourced from Hunan and Hubei provinces are paired with fresh black fish fillets, reinforcing the brand’s focus on ingredient sourcing and flavor innovation. For a refreshing contrast, chilled drinks like “Guava Berry Avocado” and “Coconut Pomelo Ice Cream” offer a sweet escape from the heat. Classic night-market bites such as marinated seafood, grilled beef and lamb skewers, spicy crayfish, and green grape ale also return with upgraded recipes.

Founded in 1947, Longji Tangyuan is a time-honored brand known for Chongqing-style sweet treats. To appeal to younger customers, it has reimagined its traditional rice ball offerings with bright summer flavors and playful textures.

This season’s headliners are the “Bayberry Ice Tangyuan” and “Green Grape Ice Tangyuan.” Each combines tart fruit flavors with soft, chewy glutinous rice balls, served over shaved ice and topped with popping crystals for an extra burst of coolness. Every bite is a taste of summer nostalgia, reimagined for today.

Bean flour, brown sugar, ice tofu pudding (Photo: provided by restaurant)

Local fast-food brand Country Style Cooking is spicing up the workweek with its new “Crayfish Mapo Tofu Rice Bowl.” This limited-time dish features tender crayfish tails paired with spicy mapo tofu — a Sichuan classic — poured over fluffy rice. The rich sauce is layered and aromatic, delivering a bold yet balanced flavor kick.

To balance the spice, diners can cool off with a glass of chilled lemon water, making the dish a complete and satisfying summer meal. With its protein-vegetable balance and vibrant taste, this set is an ideal choice for busy office workers.

Crayfish Mapo Tofu Rice (Photo: provided by restaurant)

The brand’s ongoing commitment to seasonal innovation helps ensure that Chongqing diners can enjoy fresh, fun new flavors throughout the year — and this summer, the crayfish is clearly the star.

In Chongqing, summer dining is more than a meal — it's a celebration of flavor, creativity, and community.