We’ve loved this Sichuan joint since it opened in 2018, and we’re happy to report that in 2023, it hasn’t lost its spark. Just a short bike ride away from the big department stores, it’s a cosy gem with light wood decor, striking murals, and three six-seater tables where you’re packed in with fellow lovers of legit Sichuan food.
The best indicator of its quality is that the place is always abuzz with Mandarin conversation: it’s clearly a favourite with the Chinese community. The short menu features wheat noodle or rice vermicelli soups (at €10 to €13) packed with meat or dumplings and, of course, cranked up on the spice scale. You can tweak the heat from 0 to 3 ‘chillis’, but there’s no need to go crazy: even level 1 packs a punch.
The beef version really lights up the old taste buds, with noodles swimming in a not-too-oily broth (a contrast to other places that mask stodgy meals with loads of chilli). We’d also recommend digging into a plate of dumplings with a smooth filling and an explosive secret pepper-and-chilli sauce. Your nose will run. Your eyes will water. But boy, is it worth it.