Even though only been a few years since their debut on Ashley and now newly minted Kimberly Hotel location, Chuanxi (川熙樓) feels like it's been around forever. The makeover has resulted in a serious boost in decor, contemporary takes on Sichuan classics, and an overall high caliber operation. This is one of the neighborhood's tastier Sichuanese options, making it a great option for spice lovers.
The menu is composed of really great options across the board, all which I've sampled has been excellent. For starters, their pepper bone fish soup (鮮椒無骨魚) has a beautifully clear broth and tasty chunks of fish. Another quality execution on an old classic, sauteed string beans (孜然四季豆) is crispy and full of flavor while the mapo tofu (麻婆豆腐) is nothing short of fantastic. While the noodle dishes like dan dan noodles (擔擔麵) or scallion oil noodles (蔥油麵) haven't been as impressive, they are still better than most other places in the area.
I've remained a fan of their tofu fried rice (豆腐炒飯), though their take on foie gras fried rice (鵝肝炒飯) actually blew me away. There were hints of smokiness and the foie gras essence was noticeable with every bite. Their marinated shredded lamb (京蔥拌羊肉) is also a surprise, no major bouts of gamey flavor but definitely A-game execution. A few other favorites include their spicy eggplant with minced pork (魚香茄子), poached eel in hot oil (沸騰土鱔魚), mala fish in oil (麻辣冷鍋魚), and poached beef brisket (水煮牛坑腩). My mouth is already watering.
Their hot pot has been legendary, but I still haven't had it. The weather as of late feels a bit too warm for this, but that doesn't seem to stop people from ordering it. I suppose it's just that good.
Service is most definitely next level, it's expected in places like this. What should also be no surprise are the prices, it's not backbreaking but would never be deemed affordable. Most dishes are a minimum $120HKD and any of the hot meat dishes noted above are in the $200 range. With 4-5 dishes, expect to pay around $1,200+. Quality Chinese is not cheap out here, but that's the way the climate is in Hong Kong's food (and rent) crazy world. read more