Authentic Sichuan w/ retro Shanghai vibes. Spicy flavors, generous portions, and dishes crafted by skilled chefs—a must-try!
This Sichuan Chinese restaurant in Midtown East offers a vibrant and authentic culinary experience, with many citing it as a top-tier destination for flavorful and spicy dishes. The ambiance is often described as having a retro 1930s Shanghai vibe, adding to its unique charm. With generous portions and dishes prepared with skill, it's a go-to spot for those seeking bold Chinese flavors, including highly recommended options like Mapo Tofu and Chongqing Chicken.
This Sichuan Chinese restaurant is celebrated for its authentic and bold flavors, with customers frequently recommending dishes like Mapo Tofu, Chongqing Chicken, and Dan Dan Noodles. Portions are generally considered generous, and the cuisine is noted for being spicy and flavorful. While most feedback is highly positive, a few reviews mentioned minor issues with greasiness, dryness, or inconsistency in preparation for certain dishes.
"Highly recommended dishes include Mapo Tofu, Chongqing Chicken (also referred to as La zi chicken or Sichuan chicken), cumin lamb, twice-cooked pork, Dan Dan Noodles, spicy wontons, cucumber salad, and tea smoked duck fried rice."
Customers overwhelmingly praise the authentic and flavorful Sichuan cuisine, highlighting generous portions and a unique ambiance. While most feedback is positive, a few noted inconsistencies in dish quality or spice balance.
Important Note
One user reported that the three pepper chicken was wet/rubbery and the vermicelli was too dry, suggesting inconsistency. Another found the laziji dish disappointing. Spice levels can vary, and while generally good, some dishes might have minor critiques on spice balance or sweetness.
"Chili is mentioned as a Chinese restaurant near Midtown."
Positive"This user clarified that they were referring to the Sichuan restaurant, not the American chain, and commented on the lack of 'cultured folks'."
Neutral"Chili, a Sichuan restaurant (not the American chain), is described as one of the user's favorite restaurants in the city, offering good food at decent prices. Specific dishes like cumin lamb, carp, and twice-cooked pork are highly recommended."
Positive"This user confirmed that Chili serves excellent Szechuan food and was surprised by the downvote on the previous comment."
Positive"This user asked if Chili is close by, noting it serves excellent Szechuan."
Positive"CheLi is mentioned as another good option for soup dumplings (XLB) further south, and the establishment is also behind Mountain House, a recommended Szechuan restaurant."
Positive"Cumin Lamb at Chili was listed as a standout bite."
Positive"This user listed Meili as a recommended restaurant for large groups."
Positive"This commenter recommended Chili (Szechuan) as a good vegetarian-friendly option near the user's office. They specifically highlighted the Szechuan Cold Noodle and Ma Po Tofu as vegetarian dishes."
Positive"Chili's portions were noted as gargantuan when compared to Lunar."
Positive"Chili is recommended over Cafe China, as it was opened by the old chefs from Cafe China after they moved. The user states that Chili has now surpassed Cafe China in quality."
Positive"CHILI is recommended for spicy wontons."
Positive"CHILI is recommended for spicy wontons."
Positive"The user agreed that Chili's Kung Pao was good but noted that they might have used too much peppercorn and the sauce was a bit too sweet, otherwise enjoying the dish."
Neutral"The user mentioned ordering Kung Pao chicken from Chili and found it to be good, but not great."
Neutral"Chili on 37th is suggested as a dining option, with a note that its rice wine soup presentation creates a fine dining experience, despite the restaurant's casual interior."
Positive"In response to a negative experience, this commenter still loves Chili's mapo tofu and tea smoked duck fried rice."
Positive"Despite frequent recommendations, the commenter was very disappointed with the laziji at Chili, suggesting it might have been an off day."
Negative"Chili is mentioned as a dining option."
Positive"The commenter recommends Chili for Sichuan food, stating it is very tasty."
Positive
