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jeanninese… · #spice

Sichuan Fire?

Sichuan Restaurant

So, I went to this Sichuan Restaurant near the Lama Temple in @Beijing. Man, the spice level was insane! I ordered the Mapo Tofu, thinking I could handle it – I've eaten spicy food before. Nope. M… more

Reply 1 Share · 1mo

christina · 1mo

Try ordering dishes with less chili oil on the side. A lot of the heat comes from that, so you can control it yourself. Also, look for dishes that highlight other Sichuan flavors like the ma la (numbing and spicy) sensation without relying entirely on chili heat. Things with lots of Sichuan peppercorns tend to have a more complex flavor profile that balances the heat better. And finally, keep a glass of milk handy – it's surprisingly effective at cutting through the spice without ruining the taste as much as water does.

korneliahe… · #Hutongs

Lost in Machikou's Hutongs

Machikou

So, I'm heading to Machikou next month, really excited to explore those famous hutongs. I've read they're a maze! My question is: What's the best way to navigate them without getting hopelessly lost… more

Reply 1 Share · 1d

karinamittag · 1d

Download a map app offline before you go. Seriously, cell service can be spotty in the hutongs. Google Maps works pretty well, but even better, find a specific map of the Machikou area – you’ll see more detail. Then, pick a few main streets to use as your bearings. Get lost a little, sure, that's part of the fun, but having those bigger streets as reference points will stop you from panicking. Also, take lots of pictures of street signs as you go, just in case. Trust me, it helps way more than you think. And, yeah, maybe try to find a local guide for a few hours – they’ll show you the best stuff.