Restaurant: Sichuan Impression
Location: 18700 E Gale Ave, City of Industry, CA 91748. (626) 839-7899
Date: May 24, 2025
Cuisine: Sichuan
Rating: Great
This location was 19 Town, which was the same group’s more modern Sichuan. I guess that concept didn’t pan out so it has rebooted into another branch of Sichuan Impression. Sadly for us, but good for them, this branch is considerably better than our West LA one. This was probably the best SI meal I’ve had yet — and I love them all.
Sichuan Impression in City of Industry is a culinary gem that brings the fiery, bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine to Southern California. The dining concept is rooted in authenticity, offering a gastronomic journey through the Sichuan province of China. The experience is immersive, with dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Each plate is a testament to the region’s culinary traditions, with a focus on the iconic numbing and spicy flavors that Sichuan cuisine is renowned for.
The atmosphere at Sichuan Impression is warm and inviting, with a modern, minimalist decor that allows the food to take center stage. The ambiance is lively and bustling, reflecting the vibrant energy of Sichuan’s street food culture. The restaurant’s open kitchen design adds an interactive element to the dining experience, allowing guests to witness the culinary artistry in action.
What sets Sichuan Impression apart is its commitment to quality and authenticity. The restaurant sources high-quality ingredients and employs traditional cooking techniques to create dishes that are true to Sichuan’s culinary heritage. This dedication to authenticity has earned Sichuan Impression a loyal following and a notable reputation in the local dining scene. It serves as a culinary ambassador for Sichuan cuisine, introducing diners to the rich flavors and culinary traditions of this Chinese region. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious diner, Sichuan Impression offers an unforgettable dining experience that will leave a lasting impression.
Impressive Bean Jelly 锦城里凉粉. Green bean jelly, crushed peanuts, scallions. Really great version, slick and nice and tangy. The jelly is translucent and bouncy, with peanuts adding crunch and scallions bringing a fresh lift.
Grandma’s Pickled Cucumber 外婆腌黄瓜. Cucumber, dried chili, Sichuan peppercorns. This version of the dish has an unusual form factor, cut into strips. It was spicy and nicely crunchy—good enough that we ordered two. Bright vinegar tang and a gentle numbing from the peppercorns keep it lively.
Free Range Chili Chicken 凉拌乡村鸡. Chicken fillets on the bone, peanuts, and scallions. Pretty good version of this dish. I really enjoyed the chili-soaked onions underneath. The chicken is tender with a lively chili heat, the peanuts add crunch, and the dressing feels cool and punchy.
Impressive Cold Noodles 锦城里凉面. Egg noodles, sprouts, crushed peanuts, and scallions. Great chew and lots of good flavor.
Couple’s Sliced Beef in Chili Sauce “Fu-qi Fei-Pian”夫妻肺片. Beef, Beef Tripe, Beef Tendon, Celery, Scallions, Cilantro. Extremely pleasant, but not very much tripe. I would have liked a bit more heat and more cilantro flavor. Typically a chilled Sichuan appetizer, it’s slick with chili oil and tingling peppercorn, with silky beef, springy tendon, and a refreshing celery crunch.
Tender Bamboo Shoots in Chili Sauce 红油笋尖. These were super crunchy with great flavor.
Spicy Fried Squid Dry Pot 鲜鱿干锅. Fresh squid, potatoes, lotus root, baby bamboo shoots, and dried chilies. Really nice dish, full of great dry-pot flavor and a good, chewy texture.
Big Mouth Ginger Frog of Zigong 自贡仔姜大嘴蛙. Fresh bullfrog, baby ginger, fresh bell peppers, capsicum, Sichuan peppercorn, cilantro. The frog was very good and quite spicy. The frog itself was super tasty and juicy. Expect tender, springy meat with bright ginger aromatics and a lively, numbing heat from the peppercorns.
Boiled Fish with Rattan Pepper 藤椒鱼. Fresh boneless fish fillets, rattan peppers, fresh bell peppers, sprouts, and black fungus. Such a fabulous dish. Tender, with that green numbing heat.
“Xi-zhi” Wok-Fried Crab 吸指香辣蟹. Fresh stone crab, dried chilies, Sichuan peppercorns. This was one of the best chili crab dishes I’ve had. The meat wasn’t too dry, and the shell was soft enough to chew through.
Stir-Fried Chili Pork Trotters 香辣前蹄. Pork Trotters, Fresh Bell Peppers, Dried Chilies, Sesame. Another great dish. Tons of porky flavor and lots of collagen without that flaccid quality of the braised trotters. The wok heat adds a smoky kick, and the peppers stay pleasantly crisp.
Signature Braised Duck 招牌油卤鸭. The duck was very good. The skin was moderately crispy, and the meat had a nice smoky flavor.
Original Kung Pao Chicken 宫保鸡丁. Boneless chicken fillets, peanuts, scallions, dried chili. This was a weird version—so sweet! Almost like candy. I enjoyed it, but like a dessert and not spicy at all.
As the server brings the dish to the table, the vibrant hues of Kung Pao Chicken command attention, a symphony of crimson chilies, luminous golden morsels, and pristine white peanuts scattered like pearls throughout. The aroma is intoxicating, with a tantalizing hint of toasted Sichuan peppercorns that dances playfully in the air, mingling with the scent of tender chicken that tells of a meticulously prepared marinade. Each piece offers a satisfying crunch, enveloped in a glossy, slightly sticky sauce that clings tantalizingly to the palate. Upon the first bite, the sweet, tangy spark of hoisin and soy resonates, complemented by the uplifting warmth of spices, transforming the experience into a delightful exploration of intricate flavors and textures that linger long after the last morsel is savored.
Ma-po Tofu 麻婆豆腐. Tofu, minced beef, green garlic sprouts, and Sichuan peppercorn powder. The mapo was enjoyable and very savory, but missing that spicy fermented bean paste vibe that I really craved. Texture was fabulous, though. Silky tofu and a gentle mala tingle shine, with flavors that skew bright rather than deeply funky.
Taiwanese Lettuce (A-choy) A菜. Stir-fried with garlic. A fine version of this classic. Crisp-tender stems and silky leaves show a mild, pleasant bitterness, glossed with aromatic garlic.
Taro and bean soup. Actually, pretty tasty. The taro lends a silky, starchy body and subtle sweetness, while the beans add earthy depth and a soft, comforting bite.
Fried bean ball. Very hot. Golden and crisp outside, with a soft, savory bean interior.
The 2010 Domaine Duc de Magenta Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru Morgot is a striking white Burgundy that showcases the rich terroir of this renowned region. The wine exudes aromas of ripe pear and white flowers, interlaced with hints of minerality. On the palate, it offers a luscious texture with notes of hazelnut and a vibrant acidity, making it an exceptional companion for grilled seafood or creamy risottos.
The Louis Jadot 2010 Chassagne-Montrachet Premier Cru Clos de la Grande Risle is a testament to the finesse and complexity that can be achieved in this celebrated appellation. This vintage reveals enticing notes of citrus zest, toasted bread, and subtle oak, rounded out by a lively acidity. It pairs beautifully with rich dishes such as lobster thermidor or truffle-infused pasta, enhancing the gastronomic
The Joh. Jos. Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese 2019 from the Mosel region is a quintessential German Riesling that embodies elegance and finesse. With its bright notes of green apple, ripe peach, and a hint of honey, it dances gracefully on the palate, showcasing a vibrant acidity that balances the sweetness. This delightful wine pairs beautifully with spicy Asian cuisine or a rich, creamy cheese platter, enhancing the overall dining experience.
