Taste of Chengdu

A long-standing restaurant in the Orlando area, Taste of Chengdu promises exactly that, as the expansive menu is singularly focused on Sichuan specialties. Chef Xiong “Tiger” Tang shows restraint in his use of spices, instead opting for depth and balance; while classics like mapo tofu are given a nuanced nudge. Heat-seekers will want to dig right in to the Sichuan cold noodles, a ramped up iteration that replaces the traditional thick sauce with a lighter vinegar-based, sesame-laced zing. More mellow dishes include a delicate white fish in a green pepper broth mixed with mushrooms, cucumber and baby bok choy, or a sautéed cabbage tossed in touch of oil with garlic and scallions that has just the right amount of crunch.