The Sichuan, Moorgate

I love Sichuan food.

I wasn’t always a big fan of Sichuan food from the start.

I remember thinking the distinctive Sichuan food smell was a bit strange – pungent and nauseating, but not in an entirely bad way.

I remember thinking how can anyone in their right mind eat a dish that’s either swimming in a gallon of oil or a bucket of dried chillies.

I remember disliking that numbing sensation in your mouth that would not go away after eating a sichuan peppercorn.

…. and then

I don’t even know how it happened

… but I started having cravings for Sichuan food

The smell of Sichuan peppercorn and now sends me salivating

The sight of a wasteful amount of dry-fried chillies now gets me so excited.

The bucket of oil part still gets to me… and it still leaves me feeling a bit gross afterwards…. but that’s not enough to put me off Sichuan food

I’m now its biggest fan

The Sichuan is half way between Moorgate and Old Street stations

And they serve delicious delicious delicious Sichuan dishes

Here’s their numb & spicy beef jerky

It  numbs, it tinkles, it’s spicy, it’s chewy, and it’s delicious

Aubergine in spicy sesame dressing

Delicious & refreshing

Cold chicken, in spicy sesame oil dressing

Look at all that oil lol

Pig’s ear in chilli oil

This is one of my favourites.

I love the texture of thinly-sliced pig’s ear, and their dressing is so moreish

Dry-wok lotus roots

…with plenty of Sichuan peppercorn

Stir-fried pork with green peppers

Thinly sliced (I think twice cooked) pork belly in fermented black bean and chillies!

Dry fried green beans with minced pork

Our Chinese-food ordering staple – can’t go wrong with these

Morning glory, stir-fried with fermented bean curd and chillies

…and last but not least

my favourite!

Water-boiled fish

Tender pieces of fish in some magic-seasoning broth… and a litre of hot oil

…with loads of dry chillies and peppercorn

The fish are so delicate and has a hint of smokiness when you eat them

I’m not usually a fan of fish – but this, I love

If you like Sichuan food, these guys will not disappoint

Menu, location, etc: http://www.thesichuan.co.uk/