Guangzhou Restaurant Review: Szechwan Lane

The Place

With a minimalist decor modeled on that of a traditional Sichuan courtyard – bamboo and stone lanterns adorn the glass-fronted eatery – Szechwan Lane is a bistro specializing in the cooking of homestyle Sichuan fare. 

Image by Tristin Zhang/That's

A recent culinary addition to the Liuhua Exhibition & Trade Center, near China Hotel, Szechwan Lane welcomes patrons through a large red door complete with Chinese-style brass knockers.

Image by Tristin Zhang/That's

Separated by gray, cement walls, two dining areas are arranged to accommodate diners – one set ablaze by midday sunlight and the other dimly lit and semi-private.

The Food

At Szechwan Lane, diners are served bitter buckwheat tea, a special herbal beverage from Sichuan that is believed to boast a number of health benefits. The one-page menu is simple and displays cold dishes, mains and desserts, as well as must-try specialty dishes. 

Image by Tristin Zhang/That's

Here in South China, the Sichuan dish that receives the most attention is the beloved spicy and sour fish. Utilizing deboned and discerningly selected weever fish, the spicy sour fish at Szechwan Lane (RMB68) comes served with pickled cabbage, chilies and lemon, all in a broth that blends spice a with tongue-numbing finish.

Image by Tristin Zhang/That's

Also recommended here are the popular charcoaled frogs with peppers and onions in a copper pot (RMB68) and the classic spicy rabbit with peppers (RMB68), both of which promise to crank your meal up a couple of notches. 

Image by Tristin Zhang/That's

The jelly-like liangfen (RMB8), a favorite dessert of folks in Sichuan and Chongqing, comes with an array of additional ingredients here, including hawthorn fruits, raisins, peanuts and medlars, and serves as a nice balance to Szechwan Lane’s heavily seasoned mains.  

The Vibe 

With Diana Wang playing on loop and friendly waitresses attentively serving each table, Szechwan Lane is a casual and relaxing spot to dine. Despite its unfamiliar location, this spicy bistro is a spot that demands to be experienced!

Image by Tristin Zhang/That's

Price: RMB100-150
Who’s going: in-the-know diners, gua laowai 
Good for: spicing up a meal, spicy and sour fish
Nearest metro: Yuexiu Park (Exit C), 10 minutes

Open daily, 11.30am-10pm; see listing for Szechwan Lane.

[Cover image by Tristin Zhang/That's]