The Place
There’s a reason why Sichuan fare is regarded by many as their favorite Chinese cuisine: its hot, spicy and numbing flavor. You can’t have it any other way. But perhaps there’s one feature of the much-loved cuisine that some Westerners and young Chinese don’t seem to care for: its use of internal organs.
Billed as a fusion Sichuan restaurant, Chuan Min, literally meaning ‘Sichuan people,’ has maintained the legendary flavors but ditched most of the dishes containing innards, like the popular fuqi fei pian, or ‘husband and wife lung slices.’
The Food
Image by Tristin Zhang/That's
Perusing their menu, we come across the restaurant’s more fusion-esque offerings, such as ‘golden soup lemon frog’ (RMB76), a sour and spicy frog and shrimp dish. But the eatery also serves up classic eats like the famed and sought-after sour and spicy fish (RMB88) and dry stir-fried green beans (RMB28).
Image by Tristin Zhang/That's
Although not a traditional Sichuan dish, the ‘spiced mutton in a copper pot’ (RMB88) was our favorite dish. Presented in a mini-version of the copper pot utilized in Mongolian mutton hot pot, this dish appeals both to our eyes and taste buds, with cooked mutton soaked in a flavorful spicy soup.
Image by Tristin Zhang/That's
There’s also the spicy boneless chicken feet (RMB26), an appetizer that provides a nice chili kick with a rubbery texture that instantly whets one’s appetite. Even the anti-chicken claw crowd will find it hard to turn their back on this bone-out dish. We also tried okra fried with sturgeon and black beans (RMB33), which accommodate Cantonese patrons since chili peppers are nowhere to be found.
Image by Tristin Zhang/That's
Lacking flavor and texture, the pot of bean curd (RMB33) was a major letdown; however, it may taste different if one cranks up the heat. Like most other Sichuan restaurants in town, Chuan Min allows diners to run the risk of picking their level of spiciness for most dishes.
The Vibe
Overlooking old and traditional buildings on Beijing Lu, Chuan Min is housed on the sixth floor of a new shopping mall. Its contemporary setting features white marble tables, and is well-lit by natural light in the daytime thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows.
Price: RMB70-100
Who’s going: squeamish folks, families, mall-goers
Good for: spicy edibles, a hot date
Nearest metro: Beijing Lu (Exit B), 5 minutes’ walk
Open daily, 11am-10pm; see listing for Chuan Min.
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