Restaurant Sichuan Cuisine 川香阁 (Kuala Lumpur)

Open till 2am, this small restaurant doles out food big on flavour! Best-sellers include the Sichuan Spicy Chicken Dice (RM42) and Sichuan Boiled Fish with Pickled Cabbage (RM40), both of which go well with the Egg Rice (RM16). It's also a one-stop shop for Sichuan barbecue after 6pm, with a variety spanning goodies like Lean Sliced Pork (RM5) and Yellow Croaker Fish (RM8).
Photo by Burppler Alison K

Simple, satisfying and super savoury. If you’re here and looking for another soup option, get this.

The table declared this the best dish of the night! Super sour, spicy and oily, but oh wow was it good. The soup is loaded with fish slices – generous amounts for its price, and lots of pickled cabbage that adds a bit of crunch. I’ve found the perfect soup to have on wet and cold day.

No idea what’s in the dumplings but I think it’s minced pork and chives. The dumpling skin is thicker than normal but I enjoyed it. It’s flavourful on its own but try it with the spicy-sour oil too. Just a tad will do as it’s really tangy.

It’s my first time having a proper Sichuan meal, and I really enjoyed it! Recommended as one of the most-ordered plates, this chicken dish was spicy and fragrant. And the tingly feeling from the peppercorn is one you’ll have to get used to – your tongue will feel a bit numb but it’s worth it! I do wish there were more pieces with meat instead of bones.