This is the original, separated from the 7 location Grand Sichuan chain known throughout the city. I'm not gonna talk about the other GS locations as I've had mixed experiences. This is about the OG. A lot of things look fantastic here (especially the tea smoked duck which I just must try), but I'm just going to talk about one dish, which I've had twice now: the hot pot.
When you walk into the spot (right next to one of the Boston-NY Chinatown bus companies) during dinner time, you will likely find every table occupied and a line out the door. And what is on nearly every table? A steaming pot of broth and piles of lovelies waiting to be cooked.
This shit is all about the SPICY. You've got two options for broth: a basic chicken broth and a red vulcan broth with chilies and peppercorns below. You can do one or get a divided bowl. Witness the fire -
It is really fucking hot - you'll love it and beg for water several times during your meal. The veggies and meat are of good quality and fresh. The napa is crisp, clean and a must get. The beef, as seen below, is in nicely marbled, thin strips. Pork dumplings are another good meat choice. Tofu did not fare well; we do not recommend.
This is food for sharing and for conversing over.
Bring a nalgene or something. You'll need it.
Info:
125 Canal St. Open 7 days,
And here you can definitely see the shiny surface caused by all that rendered fat. Of course it has been pocked by drops of Sriracha. The accoutrements weren't quite as fresh as the aforementioned Xe Lua but I found the broth tastier. And that pinnacle of energizing beveridges, the Vietnamese coffee, was delish. It is super cheap too. A strong pho option.
