A dish of translucent cellophane noodles stir-fried with minced pork that 'clings' to the noodles.
3 top-rated spots found
Chen Mapo Tofu (Flagship Store)
Ants Climbing a Tree (Ma Yi Shang Shu)
Traditional Sichuan
· $$
· Qingyang District
★★★★½ 4.6
12,450 reviews
Local LegendClassicHeritage Site
9.6
Flavor
8.8
Value
7.5
Vibe
As the birthplace of many Sichuan staples, Chen Mapo treats this dish with historical reverence. While most places rush the braising, they ensure the glass noodles (fensi) are fully infused with the 'mala' broth without losing their structural integrity. The 'ants' (minced pork) are fried until crispy-dry before being joined with the noodles, ensuring they actually 'climb' and stick to the strands rather than sinking to the bottom.
📍 197 West Yulong Street, Chengdu, China · View on Maps
Ma Wang Zi (Taikoo Li)
Ants Climbing a Tree
Modern Sichuan
· $$$
· Jinjiang District
★★★★½ 4.8
8,200 reviews
Michelin RecommendedInstagrammableTrendy
9.3
Flavor
7.9
Value
9.4
Vibe
Ma Wang Zi bridges the gap between gritty street food and fine dining. Their version is notably less oily than traditional preparations, appealing to a modern palate while retaining the essential 'numbing' sensation. The presentation is impeccable, served in a polished ceramic pot that retains heat, keeping the noodles from clumping as you eat.
📍 1 East Kangshi Street, Chengdu, China · View on Maps
Ming Ting Restaurant (Ming Ting Fan Dian)
Ants Climbing a Tree
Sichuan Home-style (Fly Restaurant)
· $
· Jinniu District
★★★★½ 4.4
5,100 reviews
Hidden GemFly RestaurantWok Hei
9.7
Flavor
9.8
Value
5.2
Vibe
This is the gold standard for 'Cang Ying Guan' (Fly Restaurants). The vibe is loud and unpretentious, but the 'Wok Hei' (breath of the wok) is unmatched. Their Ants Climbing a Tree is famous for being 'dry-fried'—there is zero residual liquid, only a glistening coating of chili oil and savory pork essence on every single strand of mung bean noodle.
📍 30 Waicao'an Road, Chengdu, China · View on Maps