Shaokao 烧烤

Shaokao (烧烤) is a word that includes all types of barbecue. On the streets of Chongqing, however, it strictly refers to the streetside, extra-spicy style of barbecue loved by nighttime revelers. After dark, at busy corners all over the city you'll find carts full of vegetables and meats. The boss will hand you a small plastic receptacle where you're meant to put all the stuff you want to eat. He will then cover your selection in spices and MSG, cook it, cut it and mix it in a metal plate served right at your table.

Popular belief is that street BBQ causes cancer. Whether you want to believe this or not, we recommend moderation.