Sichuanese Food

            Sichuan (Szechwan) Province, the "Four Circuit of Rivers," is located in the southwestern part of China.  Its capital is Chengdu, the world's center for panda ecoculture.  It is famous for the Wolong Panda Preserve, Jiuzhaigou (famous for its intensely colored pools), the amazing Leshan Giant Buddha, and sacred Mount Emei, etc.

            The most famous Sichuanese dishes are Hotpot, mapo doufu ("Auntie Ma's Tofu"), Spicy Deep-fried Chicken, Dan-Dan Noodles, etc.

• Hotpot ("Huoguo") is very popular in the winter season, especially during the Chinese New Year.  It is a traditional dish because the hotpot can be served to many people.  It is very good for family gatherings.  Huoguo is a simmering metal pot in the middle of the communal table with a spiced broth used to immerse and cook raw vegetables, meat, or seafood -- choose what you like.

• Mapo Doufu, Spicy tofu is a dish made of bean curd cooked in numbing and spicy sauce.   Watch out!

• Spicy-deep-fried chicken, "Mala ji') is a dish with chicken, Chinese red hot peppers, scallions, and other hot spices.

• Dan-dan noodles, ("Dandan mian"), are noodles common to Sichuan.  Traditionally, they were served on the street, pots carried on poles carried by vendors.  The dish is comprised of noodles served over pickled vegetables, Sichuan sauce, and scallions.

If you have never tried Sichuanese food, please try

            Sichuan Gourmet House

            1138 Beacon Street

            Newton Highlands, MA 2461

Ps. Tell them Jolene send you and want to try the real authentic Sichuanese food. Be careful! First time, try mild!