This is not fine dining. The space is clean but doesn't provide much in terms of ambience, and many of the dishes look a bit like a trainwreck, but for what it is, and if you make sure to order from the Szechuan part of the menu, this is a gem.
Prices will seem a bit on the higher end of cheap, but when you see the size of the portions you won't be complaining.
My favorite dish is definitely the boiled fish in chili oil. I keep having days when I can't get the thought of it--everything from melting flesh of the fish, to the rich chili broth, that somehow isn't that hot, despite being loaded full with chilis and Szechuan pepper (I think this is what numbs the heat). I've tried this dish in many other places all over the world, but none other comes close to being quite as good as this one.
Other highlights are the Szechuan classic, smashed cucumber, and the dry fried green beans. I sometimes stray into the more generic Chinese part of the menu where the salt and pepper squid and handmade dumplings are all good. I haven't tried much of the other typical London Chinese dishes, but the ones I have came prepared with fresh high quality vegetables though a bit bland.
Back on the Szechuan side the Ma Po Tofu, another favourite of mine, could also use a bit more of a punch. While it's still an excellent way to get people who don't like tofu to completely change their minds, I prefer seeing it pack a bit less cornstarch and a bit more Szechuan pepper and chili oil that has been fried enough to bring out all of it's delicious ruby red aroma.
Staff are also friendly and attentive which makes me inclined to give this place a full 5 star rating, but as I am a bit picky when it comes to the Ma Po Tofu, and with half of the menu really not being that special, not even the marvel of the chili oil fish can make me say that there's not a little bit more to wish for. read more