Chilli Cool China

Prepare your palate for a sensory explosion. You are entering the world of Chilli Cool, or 'Zhao Sho' in Chinese—a name that is itself a clever pun. …

Let us begin with the star of the show: the Sichuan peppercorn. Despite its name, this isn't a pepper at all; it belongs to the citrus family. …

One of the most iconic and perhaps challenging dishes you will encounter here is the spicy rabbit's head, or 'ma-la-too-tou.' While it may seem ancient, this dish is actually a relatively modern innovation, appearing about 100…

No journey through Sichuan flavors is complete without the 'bubbly, fiery bowl of history' that is Hot Pot. Chengdu and Chongqing are the global capitals of this dish, with over 20,000 restaurants dedicated to the art of boiling…

Sichuan is also a 'noodle lover's paradise,' and at Chilli Cool, the noodles are king. You must try the Dan-Dan noodles—a classic street food dish consisting of minced spiced pork, pickled vegetables, and a deep pool of chili oil…

As you move toward the grilled items, you will encounter the intoxicating aroma of cumin. This spice is a direct legacy of the Silk Road, which originated here in China and brought Persian and Middle Eastern influences to Sichuan…

After the 'flavor overdose' of the spicy dishes, the Sichuanese often turn to sweet or cooling items for balance. One such delicacy is glutinous rice steamed with kidney beans and date paste—a 'gooey and warm' pudding that…

As you leave Chilli Cool, your mouth might still be 'tingling' from the Sichuan peppercorns, and you may be wearing a 'sweat of joy' from the chilis. You have experienced more than just a meal; you have participated in a…