Chinese Cuisine, some say, is the best in the world and Sichuan cuisine, many say, is the best in China. From the world famous kungpao chicken to the world renowned hotpot, the best Sichuan chefs have made their way to the capital to find success, and have turned Beijing into the second home for Sichuan tastes. From super to semi-spicy, these top Beijing restaurants are sure to spice up your life.

Chuanban

Chuanban restaurant remains one of the best known and most competitively priced Sichuan restaurants in the city. Their Sichuan cuisine is legendary among locals, crowds are thick, lines are long, and even this doesn't begin to express the fervor at which their food is desired. Start with peppered mutton, venture on with their Saliva Chicken, and finish with a one of many peppery soups.

• 5 Gongyuantoutiao, Jianguomen Dajie, Dongcheng District

Boiled Fish

With its very fitting name, Boiled Fish's fresh water fish and seafood dishes drip with wafts of seafood freshness yet add a unique and fiery Sichuan kick. Priced at an acceptable 10 dollars (U.S) per person everyone can eat a little more. Beyond its tongue tickling spicy boiled fish (shuizhu yu /shway-joo yoo/), shrimp with scallion, and peppered seaweed are also crowd pleasers, like kungpao chicken and peppered rice.

• 1 Floor Huaqiao Cun Office Building, 24 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Dongcheng District

Yuxiang Renjia

The spiciest, pepper laden dishes that attract only the brave of heart and stomach with the hot, peppery, spicy soup being one it main attractions. Its mouthwatering Chengdu-style menu is deeper than just a 'peppery surface'. Green peppers, bell peppers, and chili peppers allow visitors a range of spiciness, from mild to "abnormally" spicy. With a ten to fifteen dollar per person price tag invite yourself to, literally, the hottest place in town.

• Cuiwei Road Branch: 4/F, Capial Mall, 12 Cuiwei Road, Haidian District

• Sanyuaqiao Branch: 3/F, Building B, Tianyuangang Center, 2-C, North Road of East Third Ring Road, Chaoyang District

PRICEY

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At a hundred dollars for two, this locale puts a pinch on the pocket, but provides the stomach a 'full-filling' feeling. Experience the chilled and iced appetizers, Chinese puddings and frosted cake desserts, as well as the peppered pork chops, onion knotted chicken tenders, and pineapple rice that keep customers coming back for more.

• N4-36, Third Floor, Taikoo Li North, Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District

Xialabaren Grand Restaurant

Culinary creativity is the best way to describe this Sichuan-migrant-owned restaurant. Taste this appetizing artwork that includes smoked Sichuan bacon, duck doused in cherry red peppers, and braised lamb knotted in onions, and those are just appetizers. Slightly more pricey than most, just over fifty dollars for two, Xialabaren Grand Restaurant is definitely worth the price of admission.

• 141 Xizhimenwai Jie, Xicheng District

VARIETY

Meizhou Dongpo

Weibohao, Zhongguancun Nanjie, Haidian DistrictBeijing's one stop shop for mouth watering snacks, Meizhou Dongpo has the widest variety of Sichuan snacks outside of the Panda capital itself. Sichuan Crab Dumplings, Roast Peppered Duck Buns and Bamboo Shoot Steak are just a few of the countless snacks that leave customers addicted. And open after midnight, Meizhou is perfect for those late night cravings.

Tao Ran Ju

Tao Ran Ju is a one of a kind restaurant that has everything and gets it from everywhere. The distinct tastes of Shanghai, Guangzhou, the Northeast, and Sichuan are sauteed, broiled and barbecued by chefs from each of these culinary locales. The Sichuan cuisine includes the perfectly tempered boiled fish, kungpao chicken, and hot and spicy Soup. At 10 to 15 dollars per person, its an affordable and tempting destination.

• 11 Xicui Lu, Haidian District

Source: www.chinahighlights.com