Tucked inside the New World Mall, this vibrant Sichuan hotspot dazzles with upscale decor and a menu of meticulously crafted dishes that are as playful as they are flavorful.
"The Show: Seafood Crispy Rice Soup At this Sichuan restaurant in Flushing, a group dinner isn’t complete without big platters of mapo tofu, Tibet-style spare ribs served in a gilded birdcage, and the seafood crispy rice soup. A giant mound of crispy rice is served on top of a large bowl of shrimp- and baby-corn laden soup, and when it arrives at your table, your server will crack the rice open with the back of a spoon like an archaeologist. It’s not the most exciting, but it’s definitely strategic, because as soon as the rice is cracked into the soup it begins to lose its crunchiness. Eat it quickly—the combination of crispy rice and rich, smoky soup is what makes this dish special." - willa moore, molly fitzpatrick, sonal shah, will hartman
"Located on the second floor of the New World Mall in Flushing, DaXi is an ideal destination for a lavish group dinner. They’re all about elaborate presentations here. The juicy Tibet-style spare ribs are served in a gilded bird cage, and the house special rice with sweet cured sausage comes in a giant cast-iron crock. Our favorite dish, the seafood crispy rice soup, is the most photogenic—and delicious—of the bunch. Your server will present a big mound of crispy rice in a smoky, shrimp-flavored broth, before smashing it into bits at the table. Despite the fact that the entrance is across from a skincare store, the gold walls and cushy bird-print upholstery inside add enough formality for a casual celebration." - neha talreja, hannah albertine, diana kuan
"Unlike many other spicy retreats, DaXi Sichuan doesn’t always go for the jugular with that tongue-numbing one-two punch. Instead, this elegant spot on the second floor of the New World Mall shares a more nuanced approach to regional Chinese cuisine—imagine slivers of cold marinated duck in a pool of fiery chili-infused oil. Other dishes, like the pig ear and wild mushroom or cucumber roll showcase subtle flavors, while Tibet-style pork ribs dusted with peppercorns are tender and juicy. Even the straightforward house special, featuring a mix of fluffy rice, pork and potatoes, is known to satisfy many an appetite.Service is sporadic and at times food arrives at lightning speed, but on its best days, this kitchen is capable of delicious work." - Michelin Inspector
"Unlike many other spicy retreats, DaXi Sichuan doesn’t always go for the jugular with that tongue-numbing one-two punch. Instead, this elegant spot on the second floor of the New World Mall shares a more nuanced approach to regional Chinese cuisine—imagine slivers of cold marinated duck in a pool of fiery chili-infused oil. Other dishes, like the pig ear and wild mushroom or cucumber roll showcase subtle flavors, while Tibet-style pork ribs dusted with peppercorns are tender and juicy. Even the straightforward house special, featuring a mix of fluffy rice, pork and potatoes, is known to satisfy many an appetite.Service is sporadic and at times food arrives at lightning speed, but on its best days, this kitchen is capable of delicious work." - Michelin Inspector
"If you’re looking for an upscale dinner in Flushing, Daxi Sichuan on the second floor of the New World Mall is one of our favorites. It’s decorated to the nines, with gold walls, lantern-like light fixtures, and upholstery with bird patterns. We’d recommend the Tibet-style spare ribs served in a gilded birdcage as well as the house special rice with cured meat that comes in a giant cast-iron crock with a handle. But be sure to strategize your ordering around the brown sugar glutinous rice cakes for dessert. They're similar in shape to mozzarella sticks, and, technically speaking, work as aphrodisiacs. " - hannah albertine
