Turn up the heat at Hong Kong’s best Sichuan restaurants

Contrary to popular belief, hua jiao – the famed Sichuan “peppercorn” that makes your lips go numb – is not a peppercorn. It’s actually the seed pod of the prickly ash tree, which grows in the countryside a few hours southwest of Chengdu in Sichuan province in the Chinese Mainland. 
 
Whatever its origin, it still gives a serious jolt, and the irreplaceable heat and unique flavour is central to one of the most popular global cuisines. Unsurprisingly, Hong Kong is packed with restaurants of all kinds, and among them you’ll find some of the best spicy Sichuan dishes. So, for your culinary benefit, we visited our favourites and emerged full, satisfied and unscathed to share our shortlist.

Sijie

Ask most foodies in Hong Kong to recommend their favourite Sichuan place and chances are Sijie makes the cut. This no-frills private kitchen has a reputation for being one of the best in the city for serious spice lovers. And it pulls no punches – from the classic Sichuan cold noodles to salt-and-pepper shrimp and mapo tofu, all washed down with ice-cold beer. It’s a fun place for big groups as it can often get quite rowdy in here, plus it’s always best to order more dishes to share. 
 
10/F, Bartlock Centre, 3 Yiu Wa Street, Causeway Bay 

Grand Majestic Sichuan 

With its deep-red velvet banquettes and elaborate wallpaper, this establishment is all about opulence. Grand Majestic Sichuan enlisted renowned Sichuan culinary expert Fuchsia Dunlop to curate the menu, which includes classics such as dan dan noodles and fish soup with pickled mustard greens, as well as banquet-style, flaming maotai chicken – finished tableside (make sure to order in advance!). Don’t miss the Majestic Garden bar , where you can try Sichuan-inspired cocktails.  

Shop 301, Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central

Deng G 

If you’re looking for authentic Chengdu-style Sichuan food, Deng G in K11 Musea is sure to please. Helmed by Deng Huadong – a Chengdu native who’s devoted his career to studying Sichuan fare – the menu is a journey through the myriad flavour profiles of this multifaceted cuisine. In short, it’s more than just mind-numbing spice. Try the duck’s blood with tripe in hot and sour soup, or the sliced pork kidney in garlic and chili. 

412–413, 4/F, K11 Musea, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Chili Fagara 

Low-key Chili Fagara is known for gluten-free and halal dishes, as well as an extensive vegan and vegetarian menu. Dishes are divided into “ma” (numbing), “la” (spicy) and “tang” (neutral) flavours, and we recommend ordering from each to ensure a balanced medley of flavour profiles. For a perfectly proportioned feast, start with a numbing “mouthwatering chicken”, followed by vegetable dumplings in spicy peanut sauce, and finish with Sichuan-style tea-smoked duck. 

7 Old Bailey Street, Central

Yu

This popular hole-in-the-wall in Causeway Bay is the ideal pit stop for a fiery and filling Sichuan meal that won’t break the bank. The set meals are good value and allow solo diners to try a selection of Yu’s most popular dishes. Opt for the signature tasting menu, which includes a portion of chilled spicy chicken, vegetarian sides and Yu’s signature hot and sour potato noodles, plus dessert. Alternatively, keep it simple with a bowl of cold noodles with chicken and sesame. 
 
G/F, Yiu Wa Street, Causeway Bay 

Chuan Yue Lou 

Located in a commercial building in Mid-Levels, Chuan Yue Lou is known for Sichuan-style hotpot as well as private rooms for business meetings and celebrations. Food-wise, seafood is their speciality. Order a large bowl of Sichuan-style stewed fish marinating in a broth of large red chillis with slippery potato noodles, or go for the classic mapo tofu, elevated with lobster in spicy umami sauce.

7/F, Coda Plaza, 51 Garden Road, Mid-Levels

River Sichuan

This unassuming joint in Sai Ying Pun has a reputation for fiery Chongqing-style dishes – from Chongqing street noodles to deep-fried diced chicken (or beef, prawn or frog) nestled in a mountain of aromatic fried chillis. If all that spice sounds intimidating, fear not. There’s a non-spicy section of the menu that will help ease the heat. Try the signature sliced pork with crispy rice, homemade braised tofu in broth, or the crowd-pleasing sweet and sour chicken.  
 
G/F, 62 Centre Street, Sai Ying Pun

Tai Er 

This wildly popular chain has more than 500 outlets worldwide (mostly in China), with four branches in Hong Kong’s busiest malls: K11, Airside, New Town Plaza and MOKO. It offers everything from classic fish with mustard greens to a range of Sichuan-style snacks, such as cold “saliva chicken”, shrimp dumplings, and spicy beef with peppers. Be sure to save room for a refreshing bowl of ice jelly served with watermelon and coconut milk – a perfect sweet treat to cool down your burning mouth. 

Multiple locations, including Shop 249, Level 2, New Town Plaza, Phase 1, 18-19 Sha Tin Centre Street, Sha Tin