Fiery Sichuan eats w/ bold flavors. Some love the Cumin Lamb & Dan Dan noodles, others find the Kung Pao disappointing.
This Sichuan restaurant offers a vibrant dining experience with a focus on bold flavors. While some patrons praise dishes like the Cumin Lamb and Dan Dan noodles, others have noted a decline in quality, particularly with the Kung Pao, which has been described as overly sweet and lacking authentic spice. The UWS location, in particular, has faced criticism for catering to a less traditional palate.
Primarily known for Sichuan cuisine, this restaurant offers dishes that can pack a punch. However, recent feedback suggests a significant decline in quality for some signature dishes, like the Kung Pao, which is criticized for being too sweet, having too many vegetables, and lacking authentic spice and wok hei. Some users recommend dishes like Cumin Lamb and Dan Dan noodles, while others suggest looking elsewhere for authentic Sichuan flavors. There's a perception that the UWS location may cater to a milder palate.
"While some users still recommend the Cumin Lamb and Dan Dan noodles, others suggest alternative restaurants for authentic Sichuan dishes, especially if seeking a spicier Kung Pao."
Customer sentiment is divided. While some find it a great spot for bold Sichuan flavors, others feel the quality, especially for certain dishes like Kung Pao, has significantly declined.
Important Note
Multiple commenters note a significant decline in food quality over time, with a particular focus on the UWS location not meeting authentic Sichuan standards and potentially catering to a milder palate. Some also find the prices to be high for the perceived quality.
"The commenter recommended Handy Nasty for their Dan Dan noodles."
Positive"Han Dynasty is suggested as a late-night dining option."
Neutral"Seeking recommendations for Sichuan cuisine."
Neutral"While acknowledging high business costs in NYC, the user questions if it justifies the prices charged."
Neutral"The double cooked fish used to be great, but the user stopped going years ago due to better Sichuan alternatives."
Neutral"Expresses that the pictured dish looks unappealing."
Negative"Inquiring about the double cooked pork belly, while also noting that their double cooked fish used to be excellent but they haven't returned in years due to better Sichuan options."
Neutral"This restaurant is listed as a recommended repeat spot."
Positive"The Kung Pao in University City, Philly, was considered good and better than the UWS version, with the user only now realizing they are related."
Positive"The price of the dish is considered excessively high, contributing to a feeling of being overcharged in NYC."
Negative"The restaurant prioritizes catering to an American palate and financial gain."
Negative"The appearance of the food does not resemble the restaurant's offerings from at least a decade ago."
Neutral"The Kung Pao pictured looks unappetizing, and Legend 72 is recommended as an alternative."
Negative"The owner of Pig Heaven allegedly responded negatively to a Yelp review about dish inconsistency, which this user found amusing."
Neutral"Used to frequent the East Village location but found the Brooklyn branch inconsistent, with issues like old rice and inedible tofu, leading to a decline in overall satisfaction."
Negative"This particular Kung Pao is considered among the worst experienced, especially when compared to around 100 other NYC establishments. The dish was noted for being wet, having too many vegetables, and lacking proper spice and wok hei."
Negative"The quality of the food at this restaurant has significantly declined over time, leading to a decision to stop dining there. The Kung Pao specifically was noted as being very wet with insufficient peanuts and poor vegetables."
Negative"Despite recommendations for other locations, the user is finished with the chain due to perceived inconsistency."
Negative"The UWS location seems to cater to a less spicy, sweeter palate, similar to local American Chinese spots with mushy noodles. However, the East Village and Brooklyn locations are still considered good."
Neutral"The restaurant is unfavorably nicknamed 'Handy Nasty', implying a consistently poor experience."
Negative
