If you like spicy food but specifically Szechuan food, this is the clear standout among all Szechuan restaurants in San Diego. It is a family style restaurant, but I still go here with small groups or with just one other person. The atmosphere is nothing special and can get a bit lively when it is busy. Service is decent, but nothing to write home about, and it can feel inconsistent at times, which doesn't take away from the food itself.
I always end up ordering multiple dishes here, but this is my favorite lineup.
Sizzling Japanese Tofu - 铁板日本豆腐 (5/5): This is my absolute must-order dish whenever I dine here. As a tofu lover, this may be one of the best tofu dishes you have ever tasted, and even for my friends who don't like tofu, they really enjoyed it. It is an egg tofu that is fried, which gives the tofu a great outer texture contrast. The gravy that the tofu is served with is very flavorful without being overpowering, and it makes you come back for another bite.
Dry Pot Pork Intestines - 干锅肥肠 (5/5): Intestines may seem very daunting for some due to it not being commonly eaten in every culture. In this case, the intestines are cleaned well and have a great chew and tenderness to them. The dry pot is loaded with chilies and aromatics, which give it a bold and numbing flavor without being overly greasy. It is served over a small fire that keeps it piping hot, which allows you to taste the fragrance of the dish.
Stir-Fried Pea Shoots with Garlic - 蒜炒豆苗 (4.5/5): A great lighter dish to provide you with some contrast to the heavier items while also being a great standalone dish. It is stir-fried with garlic, which provides a great aroma along with the fresh vegetables. It is not a flashy dish by any means, but when it is done properly, you can taste the skill of the chefs.
Rice Noodles with Pickled Mustard Greens and Shredded Pork -酸菜肉丝米线 (5/5): This was considered an accidental discovery for me. I am not the type to usually order noodles at a Chinese restaurant as I am more of a rice person, but my girlfriend ordered it, and it was amazing. I have had my fair share of rice noodles all over Southern and Northern California, and this one has the best flavor. The combination of pickled mustard greens and slight chilies provide a very refreshing flavor that isn't heavy on the palate but not overwhelming, which keeps you addicted to eating it. This is a very comforting dish, and I would come here just for the noodles.
Husband and Wife Sliced Beef & Offal/Spicy Beef Slices - 夫妻肺片 (4/5): It is served cold which might be unusual to some people but this allows for tasting every bit of seasoning they used while also preserving the texture. It is spicy, so beware of your spice tolerance, but the dish is very layered and flavorful, making it a very worthwhile order.
From a broader perspective, the service may not be a highlight, but I am still going to give Szechuan Chef a five star rating from the food alone. I have yet to taste a bad dish from this restaurant, and the consistency alone speaks volumes. It has reasonable pricing compared to other places in San Diego, so the barrier to entry is low. If you like Chinese food but have never had Szechuan food, come give it a try. If you like Szechuan food but have never had this place, then you absolutely need to. read more