Chao Shou

Chao Shou is a classic Sichuan street food consisting of delicate, thin-skinned wontons bathed in a fragrant, spicy chili oil sauce. The filling is typically made from minced pork and sometimes shrimp, while the signature sauce combines chili oil, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns. It is a beloved dish from the Sichuan province of China, known for its bold, numbing, and spicy flavor profile.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Chao Shou is generally high in fat and carbohydrates, with the wonton wrappers providing carbs and the chili oil contributing significant fat. It is a good source of protein from the meat filling, and a single serving typically ranges from 400 to 600 calories, depending on the portion size and sauce richness.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	450 kcal
Protein	18 g
Carbs	45 g
Fat	22 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	1200 mg
Iron	3.5 mg
Potassium	300 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	0.3 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.2 mg
Niacin (B3)	4 mg
Calcium	80 mg
Magnesium	40 mg
Phosphorus	180 mg

Per 1 bowl (350 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Chao Shou is a staple of Sichuan's vibrant street food scene, often enjoyed as a snack or light meal, and its name literally translates to 'crossed arms,' referring to the traditional way the wontons are folded. Nutritionally, the dish's use of Sichuan peppercorns provides a unique 'numbing' sensation (málà) that is not only a flavor hallmark but also believed to aid digestion and circulation.