Kung Pao Chicken

I grew up eating Kung Pao Chicken and have strong opinions shaped by memory. The version here triggered that recognition in the first bite — the bold and numbing was right, Shaoxing wine was handled the way it should be. Chinese cuisine encompasses eight major regional schools with distinct ingredi…

I first ate Kung Pao Chicken on a trip five years ago and have been searching for a version this good ever since. This restaurant finally delivered the deeply savoury and sweet quality I remembered. five-spice was handled correctly — something most restaurants here get slightly wrong. Chinese cuisi…

I've now had Kung Pao Chicken prepared traditionally and in a modern interpretation. Both are interesting. The traditional version emphasises five-spice in the way communal sharing at the table is culturally central. The bold and numbing character is more pronounced and direct. The modern interpret…

I underestimated Kung Pao Chicken. The aromatic and complex description didn't prepare me for the reality. five-spice brings a heat or pungency that builds steadily rather than hitting upfront. By halfway through I was sweating but couldn't stop eating. Chinese cuisine encompasses eight major regio…