China Sichuan to Go takeaway review: The aromatic duck alone is worth the trip
China Sichuan originally did takeaway more than 25 years ago, back when it was run by Kevin Hui's parents on Kilmacud Road in
Stillorgan
, Co Dublin.
During Covid, Kevin briefly revived a collection service out of Whelehan's Wines in Loughlinstown, but that ended when the main restaurant reopened. Still, demand for top-tier Chinese takeaway never went away. China Sichuan to Go is the response: a spin-off focused on lunch and early evening orders, serving a tight menu of dishes from the mothership – same technique, less formality. It opens from 8am on weekdays with coffee and pastries, and has a small retail section selling house-made sauces, dried noodles and a few well-chosen wines.
What did we order?
Wonton dumpling soup, crispy vegetarian dumplings, Sichuan aromatic duck, steamed rice, Chongqing chicken and Mapo tofu.
How was the service?
You order online, choose a collection time and show up. Ours was ready on the dot, piping hot and packed properly – no leaks, no waiting.
READ MORE
China Sichuan to Go has a small retail section within the takeaway
Was the food nice?
The wonton dumpling soup is a strong start: a clear broth with bok choi, spring onions, and dumplings stuffed with seasoned chicken and pork – light but satisfying. The crispy vegetarian dumplings are even better: golden, delicately spiced and filled with chopped cabbage and carrot.
The Sichuan aromatic duck is the star of the show. Two generous Silverhill duck breasts are served sliced, with a crunchy outside coating while staying juicy inside. It comes in a compartmentalised container, with cucumber, spring onion, a mellow plum sauce and two packs of pancakes to wrap it all up. The duck alone could feed two.
Chongqing chicken is spicy, salty and crunchy, a pile of deep-fried chicken pieces tossed with dried chillies, spring onions, cabbage and a scattering of cashew nuts. It's like a Sichuan version of popcorn chicken.
The Mapo tofu is also good. Cubes of soft tofu in a punchy, oily sauce of fermented bean paste, dried chilli and Sichuan peppercorns. It's fiery but not overwhelming, and great with steamed rice.
What about the packaging?
Everything is packed into a large paper bag. Plastic containers – recyclable but not ideal – are used for the main dishes, and the rice is in a cardboard container.
What did it cost?
€84.40 for dinner for three people: Wonton dumpling soup, €8.95; crispy vegetarian dumplings, €10.95; Sichuan aromatic duck, €27; Chong Qing chicken with steamed rice, €22; Mapo tofu, with steamed rice, €15.50.
Where does it deliver?
Takeaway only, open Mon-Fri, 8am-9pm; Sat-Sun, 3pm-9.30pm. Delivery is planned for September.
Would I order it again?
Yes. The duck alone is worth the trip. Everything else was well made and full of flavour.
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