Chef Xiong - Taste of Szechuan

“I have been to many many Chinese and Sichuanese restaurants in Chicago.”

I have been to many many Chinese and Sichuanese restaurants in Chicago. Chef Xiong’s is hands down the best I have had and super authentic. Chef Xiong himself is very friendly and always comes out the kitchen periodically to greet the customers and asking for feedback. His staff are always very attentive. I recommend dine in if you can, because food comes out the most fresh and tasty that way. The chef himself is also trained in Sichuanese cuisine and is very knowledgeable when it comes to cooking. His restaurant is my go to restaurant when I have friends visiting in town or when I organize a get together. My friends(Chinese and Non-Asians) all love his food SO much!!

Xinyu Zhuang

Jan 2026

“We would like to have some dumplings or seafood noodles for lunch on our last day of this Chicago Christmas trip.”

We would like to have some dumplings or seafood noodles for lunch on our last day of this Chicago Christmas trip. However, those restaurants were quite full during lunchtime. I was surprised this authentic Szechuan restaurant had a lot of seats. Honestly, their spicy food was amazing and authentic. We got a lot of spicy dumplings and popcorn chicken, even though our stomach had got hurt by spicy hotpot. We definitely will come back and have more spicy food with stronger stomachs. A free bowl of rice came with entrees. Their service was great. Some American Chinese dishes and chef specials were also available.

Vincent Lam

Jan 2026

“First timer at Chef Xiong and was impressed.”

First timer at Chef Xiong and was impressed! The authenticity of the Sichuan cuisine was on point. Definitely recommend the spicy fried chicken, green beans, and mapo tofu. Prices are very reasonable for the portions you get as well. The dining room is also warm and inviting. Would definitely return when in the area.

Kevin F

Dec 2025

“Good vibes and good food.”

Good vibes and good food! It was my first time trying Szechuan food and I really enjoyed it! Plus the service was really good and our waiter was very attentive

Elaina Gurung

Dec 2025

“I was sad Sichuan Cuisine had closed but relieved the folks behind it opened Chef Xiong.”

I was sad Sichuan Cuisine had closed but relieved the folks behind it opened Chef Xiong. Everything I get here with my family is consistently good: Toothpick lamb, Chongqing popcorn chicken, Fish fillet in pickled vegetable soup. I would love to explore more of their menu and always look forward to dining here.

Sue Kwong

Nov 2025

“Solid Chinese food.”

Solid Chinese food! We ordered the twice cooked pork, cucumber salad, and the lamb. I think the lamb was probably the strongest dish: the lamb was super flavorful and juicy. While their spicy cucumber salad definitely had quite the kick, I also found it quite refreshing, which I appreciated. The pork might have been the weakest dish, though even there the meat was quite tasty. Also appreciated that it wasn’t hard to get a table on a Friday night - definitely recommend for anyone looking for their fix for spice/Chinese food!

Zachary Zhu

Nov 2025

“Aah Chef Xiong is always so delicious and a must-go whenever I'm visiting Chicago.”

Aah Chef Xiong is always so delicious and a must-go whenever I'm visiting Chicago. It's usually not too busy whenever I come (never had to queue before), but I feel like it is much more deserving of ~social media fame~ than some of the suggestions I see online nowadays. I digress. Honestly all their dishes I've tried have been fantastic, so some highlights: -- Szechuan jelly noodle w black bean sauce (青椒豆豉涼粉) have a wonderfully springy/chewy texture, and I love that you can taste the fresh flavour of the noodles themselves. The chili bean sauce was sooo yummy -- definitely has a kick — and I love the crisp (clean!) spicy flavour that pairs well with the refreshing taste of the jelly noodles. -- Chongqing popcorn chicken (重慶辣子雞) - maybe my favourite dish here (a bit hard to say, since everything was so good). It comes in a really cute chicken-shaped basket. The chicken bites were really crispy without having too oily of an exterior, and the generous portion of chilli peppers made it Really Quite spicy. -- Kung pao chicken (宮保雞丁) is always a classic and Chef Xiong's is no different. I loved the slightly sweet sauce (I​ definitely prefer it to the Cantonese/southern-style kung pao chicken), and the savoury juicy flavour of the chicken pieces was great, too. -- For a non-spicy contrast I like to order the Chinese jajangmyeon (炸醬麵) - the noodles were perfectly cooked, meat sauce rich and filling, and it gave our burning taste buds periodic breaks in between everything else. It's also really inexpensive for the huge portion size. -- I've also tried smaller dishes like the mapo tofu (麻婆豆腐) and wontons in chilli sauce (紅油抄手), which are all delicious too, though I think they don't stand out as much as the other dishes I mentioned. Overall, I can't recommend this restaurant enough. I loved everything we ordered, and the price point for the large portions and deliciously authentic food is just the cherry on top. Already thinking about my next visit here :)

Matthew Ho

Aug 2025

“Could be better. Nice interior friendly staff and mediocre food Twice cooked pork. Pork tasted...”

Could be better. Nice interior friendly staff and mediocre food Twice cooked pork. Pork tasted old. I thought about out right returning it. It was shame because veggies tasted fine and knife work was impressive. Uniformly thin slices. A bit salty. Mr and Mrs Cold dish with decent numb. Meat was tough despite being thin A bit salty. I would order different menu if I visit again

asdf

Aug 2025

“As soon you walk in you are welcomed and seated quickly.”

As soon you walk in you are welcomed and seated quickly. The restaurant is decorated so beautifully and the wine glasses on the table were a nice touch. Very classy! We actually met Chef Xiong and he is very kind and professional. The food was amazing!!!!! My family and I enjoyed everything. The service was fast and friendly and the restaurant appeared to be spotless. The menu has a really good selection and we will be stopping by again to try out some new items on it. Best wishes to you Chef Xiong :)

Cynthia Jing

May 2025

“Although the restaurant looks a little worn outside from the sign being hit by a truck or some such...”

Although the restaurant looks a little worn outside from the sign being hit by a truck or some such accident, the food is great. If you like the Mala flavor, that effervescent nearly electrical buzz of Szechuan green peppers, this is the place for you. The interior has a California seventies vibe with the flat span of cloud shadows spaced with a lattice acting for windows while the brass bird sculptures ride the winds of the imagination. This minimal but effective decoration is countered with the kungfu panda figurines display at the bar. Four dishes we tried, all satisfying. Tongue and green peppers and broth, the flavor was deep and bright, the beef very tender and the surface taste buzzed my lips for a sustained period, feeling like exploding pop rocks. The duck in sherataki jelly was slightly milder and the jelly noodles probably accounted for that, the braised duck was a variety of chopped pieces that require a little work for the nook and cranny aspect of this dish, a little messy, completely authentic. Two smaller dishes continued to inspire: the cold noodles in sesame sauce give some relief of sweetness but continue the adventure of mouth fire and the pork filled dumplings in red chili sauce was gone before I was ready to say goodbye.

PanHerne Channel

Apr 2025

“This restaurant is absolutely amazing.”

This restaurant is absolutely amazing! The food is incredibly delicious, especially their chicken, beef, and fish dishes. Each one is prepared to perfection, bursting with authentic Sichuan flavors. If you're a fan of Sichuan cuisine, this is a must-try spot. Highly recommend everyone to come and experience it!

Jiarui Cai

Nov 2024

“Ummmm everything was delicious.”

Ummmm everything was delicious. I’m so glad we came. It was so flavorful and the dishes came out in perfect timing!! Ordered the - green beans - mapo tofu - pork fried rice - Chongqing popcorn chicken (not pictured) - Mongolian beef

Lizzie M

Nov 2024