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28 years after opening its first outlet in 1995, 秋金川味小炒 (Qiu Jin Xiao Chao) has opened its first-ever overseas outlet at HarbourFront Centre, Singapore. The brand specialises in Sichuan-style cooked food and dishes that embody spice and robust flavours served in huge portions.
Some even consider the food at Qiu Jin Xiao Chao as the best of authentic Sichuan cuisine!
As adventurous as this may sound, I always attempt to try out a dish made with ‘spare parts’ at Sichuan restaurants. One item that I would go for here is their Homemade Chilli Fried Pork Ear Flap (S$12.80).
Possessing a snappy yet chewy texture, this particular organ tastes rather bland on its own and requires adequate seasoning. I instantly nod my head at any combination of chewy and spicy food, so those with similar taste buds will greatly appreciate this dish, too.
Diners can rest assured that only the best quality ingredients are used in their dishes. The Wagyu Mapo Tofu (S$14.80) is even made with A3 Wagyu beef. I mean, who can resist that! I didn’t even realise that this classic Chinese homestyle dish that is cooked in many Singaporean households is a part of Sichuan cuisine.
Its spicy and savoury sauce base is typically made with spicy bean sauce and chilli. This creates a flavour bomb that seasons the delicate soft tofu cubes and tender beef slices that are then added to the pot.
There is just something comforting about eating spicy food with hot rice. Qiu Jin Xiao Chao uses premium Wuchang rice which is usually more aromatic than regular rice grains.
The brand even mixes different vegetables into the rice to complement and enhance its flavours, and the perfect example is their Corn Rice. I reckon even those who usually abstain from the carbohydrate will down a couple of rice bowls of this.
To complete your Sichuan dining experience, order some unconventional Sichuan dishes such as their Cutted Chilli Boiled Beef (S$22.80), Sour & Spicy Golden Beef (S$15.80) and Zigong Stir-Fried Pork Belly (S$22.80).
I’m not sure about you but my Saturday dinner plans aresettled with Qiu Jin Xiao Chao!
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