There are few good authentic Sichuan / Sechuan / Szechuan restaurants around so when you find a gem then it’s worth reporting. London has Hutong (albeit on the 33rd floor of The Shard – with elevated prices to match – but that’s another post). Amsterdam has China Si-Chuan Rest spelt exactly as it’s written on the outside of the restaurant – so who am I to change it?
China Si-Chuan Rest is located on the Warmoesstraat which runs parallel to the Amstel from the central railway station to Dam Square. Warmoes means chard, the leafy vegetable with brightly coloured stems. The narrow street is also colourful with lots of bars, cheap hotels, a coffee shop or two and lots of other restaurants.
If you adore spicy food then this is the place for you. If you’ve never tried Sichuan food before then be prepared to move out of your comfort zone. Yes, there will be more chillies on the plate than you’re likely to use in a whole year of home-cooking and no, you’re not expected to eat them! Somehow, the chillies add a depth of flavour to the dishes without completely overpowering them.
I can recommend the whole fish (Firefish and vegetables), the spicy Chinese broccoli and (pictured above) the chilli chicken (Sichuan sliced chicken) … and copious amounts of something cold and wet. You should be warned when ordering the firefish (a.k.a. scorpionfish); there’s another dish on the menu with the same number that contains the innards of some animal the waitress was unable to translate. Next time!
Where? China Si-Chuan Kitchen, Warmoesstraat 17, 1012 HT Amsterdam. Tel. 020-4207833
Why? Because Some Like it Hot