Your first dance with Szechuan can be a shamanic epiphany worthy of hyperbole, fist-pumps, and exclamation points. Here's a proper place to embark on your maiden journey into the splendor of Ma la.
Dim Sum: On weekends, I'd recommend getting there before 10:30 to avoid a 45 minute wait. Har gow (steamed shrimp dumplings), turnip cakes with XO Sauce, and No mai gai (lotus wraps) are my 3 musts.
Sure, it may be a little pricey for dim sum, but there's hardly ever a wait, so if you're a late weekend riser, this place is gold. My rec: Order a peking duck to go with your dumplings and sweets.
I'd posit Shanghainese is the gateway drug to all other Chinese regional cuisines. Musts: Lions Head Meatballs / Potstickers / XLB (Soup Dumplings) / Lamb with pickled napa soup / Shanghai Rice Cakes
I'm at a loss for words on the beef roll here, but like others, am tempted towards hyperbole. If you're ever organizing a big dinner in the SGV, fun to do this as the appetizer beforehand.
Noodles and dumplings range from superb to transcendent. Mapo tofu is my 3rd fav in the SGV. Other must try items: 1. Sliced cucumber w/ shredded pork. 2. Eggplant with baby shrimp. 3. Pan fried buns.
The SGV’s answer to P.F. Chang’s, this strip mall eatery is pan-Chinese at it’s best, serving up fine renditions of both Sichuan and Shanghainese food. Plus beef rolls and peking duck!
Don't miss out on having a sundae topped with one of their superb homemade fruit sauces: My go-to place for dessert after a Chinese dinner in the SGV (Much more flavorful than Fosselman's, imho).
