Hunt for the Peppercorn: Beijing’s Best Sichuan Restaurants

China’s Sichuan province, in the southwest, is perhaps best known for its brand of spicy, powerful food that is created out of the region’s love of garlic and chili pepper. The Sichuan peppercorn is famous for its fragrant citrus-flavor that is spicy and refreshing at the same time. However, spices were not introduced to the region until about 200 years ago, from South America. Since then, fiery additions to the region’s most famous dishes are the norm.

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The most well known dishes are Kung Pao chicken and double-cooked pork. The first, named after a Qing dynasty official, is cooked with chili peppers, nuts, and vegetables. The second is cooked through an arduous procedure of cooking the meat twice, once to tenderize it and the second to infuse it with flavor (and of course spice).

Food lovers will be delighted at the array of Sichuan fare offered in Beijing. The Yu Xin Sichuan Restaurant, located in the Dong Cheng district, is easily accessible with the Beijing Railway Station just minutes away. The specialties here are the fresh seafood (try the spicy dry-fried shrimp) as well as the beef (Gan Bian Rou Si, or fried shredded beef).

Chuan Ban Restaurant is another favourite among Sichuan-loving Beijingers. This is a state-owned restaurant located in a Jianguomen hutong (alley). Be warned however, this is not the place for a quiet dinner – instead a loud, boisterous crowd in a meagerly run establishment will greet you. It is quickly noticeable that the charm here is not in the décor (simple chairs arranged around plastic tables) or area, but in the food. The menu is extremely extensive, with poor English translations. However, the food is great (and authentic) and prices are very cheap. The place is usually packed, on weekdays and weekends alike, so be prepared to linger. However, it is definitely worth the wait if you want to taste the locals’ favorite Sichuan food.

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For a slightly more elegant dining experience, check out Ba Guo Bu Yi, located in the Chaoyang District. The décor has been described as a “Chinese inn movie set,” perhaps because of its grand entrance and staircase. You can find the usual Sichuan fare here, including Dandan noodles, as well as some unusual dishes such as cold turtle and spicy intestines. The place also offers up nightly entertainment if you happen to be here for dinner, including puppet theater, and traditional dancing.