Ali k
Google
Cheng Du Street Food, a hidden gem I discovered thanks to Grok's tip, is a genuine treasure trove for any spicy food aficionado. I would have never thought such a place existed! Stepping inside is like being transported to the bustling backstreets of Chengdu, the capital of China's Szechuan (Sichuan) province. This region is globally famous for its bold, complex flavours, especially the "mala" (numbing and spicy) combination derived from chili peppers and Szechuan peppercorns.
The food here is a celebration of classic Szechuan cuisine, which is known for its "seven basic flavours": sour, pungent, hot, sweet, bitter, aromatic, and salty. Staples include dishes made with pork, chicken, beef, duck, rabbit, fish, and seafood, often featuring potent spice blends. The restaurant offers a great range, from non-spicy options to serious heat, ensuring everyone can find something delicious.
I ordered a couple of dishes to get a good sense of the menu: the Vegetable Fried Rice, the Stir Fried Beef Slice with Chilli, and the Stir Fried Beef with Mushrooms and Green Onion.
Stir Fried Beef Slice with Chilli (9/10)
This dish was the star of the show. It was an insane symphony of flavours that perfectly embodies the Szechuan experience. The numbing and cooling effect of the Szechuan peppercorns was perfectly balanced by the clean, potent heat from the chili. The snap of the onion provided a wonderful textural contrast, and the aroma alone was intoxicating. This dish hit a perfect level of heat, leaving a satisfying buzz.
The only minor downside was the beef slices were slightly dry. For a perfect score, I would have loved them to be more moist and saucy, allowing them to truly soak up the fiery essence of the sauce.
Stir Fried Beef with Mushrooms and Green Onion (9/10)
While not spicy, this was a delicious and well-executed alternative. The dish was beautifully saucy and glossy, a testament to good wok technique. The onion and ginger worked together and created a deep, savoury foundation that made this meal incredibly satisfying.
Vegetable Fried Rice (8/10)
The fried rice was a delicious, well-prepared side. The medley of fresh vegetables was well-balanced and not overpowering.
The dish was a tad on the dry side. A little more moisture or a splash of savoury sauce would elevate this dish to a top-tier fried rice.
The restaurant’s back-street décor successfully creates a unique and immersive dining atmosphere. It felt clean and well-maintained.
The service truly sets Cheng Du Street Food apart. Klay and Jennifer were fantastic—helpful, efficient, and genuinely passionate about explaining the dishes and the process. The service was fast and attentive, and the thoughtful additions were a delightful surprise: offering a bib and moist towelette at the start of the meal (a nod to the potential mess of spicy food) and mouthwash at the end show an incredible attention to detail. The washrooms were clean and well-stocked, which is always a plus.
The drink menu is also interesting, featuring a great selection of Chinese beverages alongside standard soft drinks.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience. Cheng Du Street Food is a must-visit for its authentic Szechuan flavours and exceptional service. I'm already planning my return trip to explore the rest of their exciting menu!
