Where to get your Szechuan Fix in NYC
Melinda Kauffman / August 6, 2018
Stay up to date on all things EatingNYC!
From the expansion of Xi’an Famous Foods to the recently opened Le Sia, we’ve seen an influx of Szechuan cuisine in NYC over the last few years. In case you’re unfamiliar, Szechuan cuisine is known for its intense aroma and spice, predominantly created with ingredients like garlic, chili peppers and of course, the Sichuan Pepper. Keep reading for some of our favorites!
Málà Project
PC: The Epoch TimesMichelin Bib Gourmand Recommended Mala Project offers traditional Szechuan fare in a 90’s style setting.The authentic East Village restaurant is most famous for the “build your own” Mala Dry Pot: a communal dish with an expansive list of proteins and veggies to choose from, all wok fried over high heat with 24 spices and chinese medicines.
Guan Fu
PC: @guanfusichuannyThe first Chinese restaurant in NYC to be given 3 stars by the NY Times, Guan Fu is a Sichuan destination originating from a group of families in the ancient Sichuan Province. Owners Li Boru and Xue Wei moved to NYC from China to open a restaurant that would represent the aristocratic cooking of China and at Guan Fu, they do just that. Our absolute favorite here is the Fried Eggplant stuffed with spicy pork.
Little Pepper
PC: @foodbabydiaryCheng Ying Wu and her husband Gui Ping Huang originally opened Little Pepper in Flushing and recently moved their restaurant to College Point, twenty minutes away from the nearest subway station – but believe us when we say it’s worth the trek! At Little Pepper, you can sink your teeth in to the Spicy Fries, Silken Tofu or the Chong Qiang Chicken. Make sure to have water close by, because these dishes are not for the faint of heart and pack a punch of spice!
Le Sia
A recent addition to the East Village, Le Sia means “The Shrimp” and specializes in seafood sold by the pound, boiled in a pot of herbal soup and fried in a wok. Chef and owner Zac Zhang is a Beijing native that wanted to bring Chinese style crawfish to NYC, and does just that with Le Sia, where crawfish is the main attraction. Other favorites here include the garlic scallops with glass noodles and pork belly enoki mushroom skewers.
Xi’an Famous Foods
What started as a 200 square foot basement stall in Flushing back in 2005 has now become one of New York’s favorite quick-casual restaurants with over ten locations. Xi’an Famous Foods was inspired by the city of Xi’an where the start of the Silk Road once began. From a culinary perspective, this resulted in a blend of Chinese and Middle Eastern flavors heavy in cumin, chili, Sichuan peppercorns and other local spices. If it’s your first time, go for the ripped noodles and the Spicy & Sour Lamb Dumplings.
Land of Plenty
PC: @seriouseatsLand of Plenty occupies the former Mia Dona space on 58th street and brings us traditional Sichuan flavors, from sour and hot to aromatic and salty. To start, we recommend the steamed crystal dumplings and the five spiced tofu with green house chives. Also make sure to have at least one order of Chongqing noodles in a chili oil broth with ground pork, peanuts and sesame seeds on your table. You can thank us later!
Han Dynasty
Han Dynasty is one of the first-comers to bring authentic Szechuan style cuisine to New York. The restaurant opened their first location in Philly where locals are known to wait for hours to try flavorful dishes like Wontons in bright chile oil, Rabbit with peanuts in chile oil and Dry Pepper Chicken Wings. So it comes as no surprise that owner Han Chiang has now opened more than nine locations of Han Dynasty in Philly and NYC and plans to open 100 nationwide.
Flaming Kitchen
PC: @nom_lifeWe love Flaming Kitchen because it offers Szechuans style fare with both Shanghai and Cantonese influences, offering a little bit of everything we love. Start your meal here with classic dim sum and traditional dishes like Ox Tongue and Tripe with chile oil. Then, get your Sichuan fix with a classic Hot Pot entree made with chile oil, dried chiles and Sichuan Peppercorns.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Great Options for a Healthyish &...