FAQ
Sichuan Food FAQ
Sichuan food is known for ma-la, chile, Sichuan peppercorn, doubanjiang, cold dishes, noodles, dry-fried dishes, and layered flavor patterns.
Questions
Is all Sichuan food very spicy?
No. Many dishes are spicy, but Sichuan cuisine also includes sweet-sour, garlicky, aromatic, cold, mild, and savory dishes.
What is ma-la?
Ma-la means numbing-spicy flavor, usually from Sichuan peppercorn and chile.
What is doubanjiang?
Doubanjiang is a fermented chile broad-bean paste central to many Sichuan dishes.
What should beginners order?
Mapo tofu, dry-fried green beans, cucumber salad, fish-fragrant eggplant, and rice make a useful first order.
What dietary issues are common?
Soy, wheat in sauces, sesame, peanuts, pork, garlic, and heavy chile oil are common signals to check.