Founded in 1995 in Chongqing by Yan Qi (
严琦),
陶然居 grew into one of the largest Sichuan-cuisine chains in western China. Signature dish is
辣子田螺 (chili-fried river snails). The name borrows the literary flavor of
陶然 ('happily carefree') from Tao Yuanming tradition.
