A few years ago, my boyfriend came home with a bunch of friends smelling really bad...was that garlic? Chilli? Farts?? I was not happy with the smell invasion, even as they told me about this "awesome chilli place" they ate at. I refused to join them the next 2 times they went (and kicked their smelly a***es out of the house!) and then I finally caved and went along - and I found what I was missing!
This restaurant is a place where some dishes are served in a bowl full of chillis! I mean hundreds of them! I highly recommend looking at the other tables as you squeeze through to get to your table, because it might help you decide on some great looking dishes!
We usually go for what would be considered mild in this place, but is medium or hot anywhere else:
Salt and pepper king prawns or squid - doooooo it! It's the best, and I recommend mixing all the little leftover chillis, shallots, and salty bits with just plain rice once you've eaten the prawns, yum! Better than any sauce! It's not a cheap dish, but we never don't get this.
Kung pao chicken - our usual mild dish. It's tasty, it's got just a hint of spice. If you are not sure of your chilli eating ability, it's a good option.
Hot and sour soup - we pretty much always get this. You can order 4 serves in a huge bowl with a ladle, and share it around. I often get hot and sour soup at other places that is not even hot at all - but this one has a bit of spice to it.
We normally get the above 3 dishes, and then experiment with one really hot dish. It's kind of a wimpy strategy, but ensures everyone can actually eat the food!
There are a fewer cons to this place, that stopped me giving it the 5 stars the food could easily earn:
They put tea on the table without asking, and then charge you if you drink it. WTF?!
They charge for the steamed rice - I have no problem with this if it's on the menu, but it isn't.
You will probably have to wait a while at peak times. And get ready to aggressively defend your position in the queue, because I have experienced people trying to push in. They probably need a better queuing system actually.
You will smell like spicy food! So it's better if everyone goes, then no one notices :)
But despite these cons, we still go here when we need a spicy fix - it's an overall great place to eat, I recommend you try it! read more