Noodles, Meat, Spice, and Everything Nice! When it comes to Chinese food in the Midwest, Chicago’s Lao Sze Chuan is a standout. This Illinois restaurant has earned a reputation for serving some of the best Chinese food in the United States, according to a list compiled by Mashed.
- Signature spicy dishes
- Endless variety of meats
- Impressive sampling of Sichuan cuisine
Mashed recommended trying their three chili chicken dish among an array of other impressive menu items. Lao Sze Chuan opened in 1998 as a standalone restaurant in the Chinatown district of Chicago. Since then, it has grown to include locations throughout Illinois, as well as Connecticut and Minnesota.
| Lao Sze Chuan | Chicago, Illinois | 1998 |
| Locations: | Illinois, Connecticut, Minnesota |
According to Serious Eats, Sichuan cooking is a type of cuisine originating from China’s Sichuan Province that is known for its high heat and spice levels. Lao Sze Chuan offers an impressive sampling of this cuisine with a dizzyingly immense menu. Within it, you’ll find plenty of spicy dishes, the perfect antidotes for braving the Chicago cold.
“Lao Sze Chuan’s three chili chicken dish is one of the best in the city for doing just that.” – Eater Chicago
In fact, Eater Chicago ranked Lao Sze Chuan’s three chili chicken dish as one of the best in the city for doing just that. The dish is a masterclass in balancing heat and flavor, with a perfectly cooked chicken breast served in a savory sauce that’s both spicy and sweet.
- Sichuan cuisine
- Characteristics:
- High heat and spice levels
- Use of chili peppers and other spicy ingredients
- Balance of flavors, including sweet, sour, and salty
The menu at Lao Sze Chuan is a testament to the diversity and richness of Sichuan cuisine. From classic dishes like Kung Pao chicken to more modern creations, there’s something for every taste and preference. Highlights of the menu:
* Spicy Szechuan hot pot
* Twice-cooked pork
* Mapo tofu
* Chaozhou-style wontons
While Lao Sze Chuan’s menu is certainly extensive, the service is always friendly and attentive. The restaurant’s owners, a family of immigrants from Sichuan Province, are passionate about their cuisine and dedicated to sharing it with their community.
- Family-owned and operated
- Immigrants from Sichuan Province
- Passionate about Sichuan cuisine
In short, Lao Sze Chuan is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for authentic, delicious Chinese food in the Midwest. With its impressive menu, friendly service, and commitment to Sichuan cuisine, this Illinois restaurant is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
