The city’s Chinese options have been growing exponentially since I’ve been monitoring the situation which, if I’m honest, I’ve been doing since long before I took this gig. I love it all, end to end, and am always keen on cuisines from provinces I’ve yet to sample, though I’m perpetually on the hunt for two in particular: the comfort of the Cantonese on which I cut my teeth as a kid and solid Sichuan to satisfy the mala maniac I’ve since become.
The list of goodies has surely grown in the 20 years I’ve been here (and even more, perhaps in the five I’ve been at the Sentinel), but for ages and enduringly, Chuan Lu Garden was my No. 1 (even here in the Foodie Awards). It’s where I’ve eaten most of my Christmas meals since moving here, in fact.
New owners took over in 2019, but the quality didn’t slip. In fact, Chuan Lu’s sleeker sister, Chuan Fu isn’t just offering up some of the classics you’ll find in Mills 50, it’s thrown the doors wide open to exciting new dishes, as well. Both the sliced beef and ox tongue and mixed ma la hot pot are musts for new guests with a penchant for fire, I’d venture.
Not everything here is so incendiary, but it’s all delicious, so feel free to walk the coals into a trip-like experience, courtesy of those magical little peppercorns and the fiery fruit from whence they come and know there are tasty “safe words” amid the menu for those less heat-motivated.
Critic’s Choice
Winner: Chuan Fu, 1035 N. Orlando Ave. in Winter Park, 321-972-3606; chuanfuorlando.com
Readers’ Choice
Winner: Taste of Chengdu, 4856 New Broad St. in Orlando, 407-839-1983; tasteofchengdufl.com
Runners-up: Chuan Lu Garden Orlando and Lam’s Garden
2024 Foodie Awards: Click here to see all the winners!
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