Miriam P.
Yelp
I've been going to Szechuan Delight for however many years that they've been open, which I'm guessing is over 20 years. It's a standard dine-in Chinese restaurant. There's nothing exceptional about the setting, but they make a particular dish that is exceptional, and I've never come across it anywhere else in NYC, and I have definitely tried.
My standing order is Crispy Fish with brown rice and a side of broccoli sautéed in fresh garlic... it's perfection... if Anthony Bordain was still alive, I would campaign to get him to try it... it's that good... the fish is an entire grouper deep fried and served over a garlic ginger sauce with peas and carrots...
I'm not sure if the broccoli the way I order it is even on the menu... it could be that my order is so consistent that they just prepare it that way for me. Friends have gone on their own, and they've gotten a brown garlic sauce. My 9-year-old nephew, who was a typical vegetable-hating child, loved it.
Be patient. It takes about 20 minutes because it's made to order. Don't order it to go. The packaging reduces its crispness.
I've hosted multiple dinner parties there over the years, and my guests have always loved it.
Please note that if they can't find good-sized fish at the market, they won't buy them. Yes, I now call in advance to see if they have it.
If you can't get it on the day you arrive, try their coconut curry soup. It's also excellent.
Enjoy.