Chinese New Year Special – Red Chilli Review (LEEDS, UK)

As promised, here is Part 2 of 3 of a series of Chinese New Year related article. Just a little review to tingle your taste buds…

WHAT: Restaurant (Chinese)

ADDRESS: 6 Great George Street, Leeds, LS1 3DW

PHONE: 0113 242 9688

WEBSITE: redchillirestaurant.co.uk

HOW MANY TOBIES WOULD EAT HERE (out of 5)

MY STORY: Apart from family and friends, the thing that I missed most when I left China was without a doubt the food. Those of you who have been or lived there would know how much joy there is to be found in each glistening bite. I had largely given up hope on being able to find any proper zhongguo cai (Chinese food) in Leeds when I first got here, seeing as the city’s Chinese population is not as prominent as that of London or Manchester, and my own cooking is by no means ‘proper’. I have tried a few places around the Vicar Lane area, which were passable but nothing special.

But Red Chilli belongs in an entire different league altogether. It is, out of all the Chinese restaurants I’ve tried in England, by far the most authentic in taste, and impressive in menu choices. I’m yet to find a place outside China that does better ‘poached belly pork with garlic and chilli sauce’ than here. Plus you know a place is really good when a lot of Chinese people go dine there. It’s the perfect place to go if you want to impress your date, your friend from out of town, or even – as in my case – your mother. (I may not be able to cook amazing Chinese food, Ma, but I do know where to find it. And that’s got to count for something.)

Your eyes will get as much of a feast as your stomach with Red Chilli's almost psychedelic interior.

Specialising in Beijingese and Sichuanese food, their dishes are quite expensive if you were to compare it to the diddlysquat you’ll have to pay in Beijing or Sichuan, but of course, this is England. The portions are very generous, however, and everything is delicious. Expect to spend around £15 per person and walk out feeling like you need a few more pairs of legs to support your bloated stomach.  Most of the waiters here speak English, Cantonese and Mandarin, which is a comfort when the occasional bout of homesickness attacks.

Do make sure you get there early though, as there is almost always a queue crowding round the door. Aside from that, it’s thumbs up all the way!