Pin Chuan, Shanghai

品川 Pin Chuan 桃江路47号近乌鲁木齐南路 47 Taojiang Lu (by Wulumuqi Nan Lu) +86 6437 9361 pinchuan-china.com

Sichuan cuisine is a special style of cooking that involved a pepper that numbs your mouth. Uncomfortable to most people, this strange feeling is unnerving and all the while provides an appealing sensation. Personally, I kinda like it.

With Yuxin may target purest and native Sichuanese. And on the other spectrum, South Beauty will fill the high-end void for the exuberant wealthy. Pin Chuan is fits a niche in Shanghai that appeals to foreigners and expats. WIth its contemporary decor and rustic French Concession mansion, the soft hues of green and white accent the main floor dining room. Upstairs, there’s a private dining, in rooms that used to be bedrooms.

Pin Chuan does not strive to authenticity, but more for appeal of their market. With planeloads of expats, Pin Chuan understand that spices need to be toned down exchange for more flavor (salty). In Shanghai, dishes tended to be more heavier with sauce, like the eggplant. Where they succeed though, is with their house specialities is more true. Both the chickens – the mouth-watering and crispy chicken with chilies & onions were favorites of the night. The thick broth with the island of boneless breast chicken were devoured first. The broth, spicy and peanuty, went great with rice. The crispy chicken, even with bones, was tempting for the faint at heart with the bright red chilies.

What to Order: Mouth Watering Chicken, Crispy Chicken with Chilies & Onions What not to Order: Any of the Tofu or non-spicy dishes

Rating 2 Pigs Price Range 2 $/¥/NT

Links Cityweekend, Smart Shanghai, Shanghai-Eats, SH-Reviews, Dining Secretary, Zagats