Mala Youhuo (Spice Spirit) 麻辣诱惑

You’ll be reminded of the ubiquity of chili in Sichuan cuisine by the peppery aroma that tickles the nostrils as you enter this stylish restaurant. Spice Spirit attracts a young, affluent crowd that clearly doesn’t mind the wait for a table – reserving ahead is advised, even on weeknights. This being a Sichuan restaurant, the mouth numbing shuizhu yu (fish cooked in an oily, peppercorn-laden soup) is the must-order dish. We also recommend the pleasingly light Chili Loves Chicken (xiao mijiao aishang xiao gongji), which pairs slightly browned, pre-fried chicken cubes with flavorsome bamboo in – you guessed it – chili oil. Also try the curry crab. Voted "Outstanding Sichuan" in the Beijinger's 2011 Restaurant Awards.