Nestled between a Subway and a dismal Peruvian chicken restaurant at Mapledale Plaza, I never expected to find the best real Chinese/Szechuan cuisine I've had in Prince William County.
Typical American staples like General Tso's and Beef and Broccoli are all there. Some of my favorite guilty pleasures are represented: Egg Drop Soup, Orange Chicken, Lo Mein etc. That being said, it's not why I'm writing this and if that's what you're getting you can just stop reading. I won't be offended and you'll probably be fine.
Now, if you want to explore why I'm giving them 5 stars, it's for the "Authentic Szechuan Special Entree" Menu. This family-owned and operated establishment has yet to steer me wrong on their recommendations.
SC5 Cumin Beef/Chicken/Fish - Wonderful blend of spices and fresh veggies with your choice of protein. Peter Chang restaurant serves a similar dish that I actually find inferior to this.
SC6 Special Hot Pot Sauce w/Fish Filet (flounder) - Reach and hearty stew, tender flounder fillets perfect for white rice to soak up the flavors with the right amount of heat. This dish is normally common in actual Chinese restaurants that serve "Hot Pot/ Casserole dishes" and is a rare treat to find this far away from Falls Church (Miu Kee, Lotus Garden, Full Kee, XO Taste).
SC11 Fried Chicken w/ Dry Chili Pepper - Okay, this blew me away. Lightly breaded small pieces of fried, then sauteed chicken with vegetables. Crisp outside, fat/skin all rendered and just such a satisfying texture. Once again, respectable level of heat.
SC13 Fried Chicken w/ Spicy Potato - Same great chicken from above but replace vegetables with potatoes coated with the same spice blend. The potatoes are equally amazing. You simply must try for yourself.
The appetizer section also has some items not to be missed that deserve their own section to highlight them being common in good Szechuan, Shanghainese, or Taiwanese, restaurants.
A6 Fried Shrimp Wonton - Miniature versions of deep fried Har Gao dumplings you would get at Dim Sum. Served with sweet and sour sauce but best with chili oil (just ask).
A8 Chengdu Zhong's Spring Dumpling - Take their meat dumpling filling and place it into a pool of chili oil with sesame seeds and scallions. Delicious.
A9 Spicy Wonton - Same sauce, but with thick wonton wrappers you would expect from a Chinese take out place. Has a slightly different seasoning for the meat filling. Still a great choice to start your meal.
A11 Meat Dumpling - Litmus test for a good carry out place. Satisfying and filling if you are really hungry for a simple dumpling. Pan fried or steamed is up to your personal preference and how long you expect to let them travel.
There are more items that I want to try off the appetizer menu that I just haven't had the time to explore: Sesame Balls, Beef and Tendon w Sichuan Sauce and the list goes on.
No matter what, get some chili oil and apply liberally to your food. It's prepared in house. I can vouch for their vegetables being fresh because they're constantly cutting them for their dishes and have a steady stream of foot traffic at lunch. Szechuan style food tends to be spicy or uses Szechuan Peppercorns (Smoky numbing spice). Tread lightly if sensitive or averse to them. Again, just ask. Items with the peppercorns are labeled on the menu differently from the normal spicy items.
There are a few tables where you can seat a few of your friends or coworkers. Dining in means they'll serve entrees on real plates which are a nice touch and a perfect opportunity to really enjoy their fried chicken fresh from the Wok. Kitchen is open and easily visible from the counter which I appreciate.
My only complaint: I don't live close enough for delivery (4 miles).
Heads up: Closed Tuesdays. read more