SXY Szechuan: A Fiery Culinary Experience at Ala Moana Center

Nestled in the heart of Ala Moana Center, SXY Szechuan promises a bold experience for anyone craving authentic Szechuan flavors in Honolulu. If you’re a fan of spice, you’ll be in heaven! Our tai chi teacher recently brought us here for lunch. Being a regular patron of this particular restaurant and hailing from mainland China we trusted her to not steer us wrong, when it comes to Chinese cuisine.

Szechuan cuisine, a fiery dance of flavors, is a culinary whirlwind that will leave your taste buds tingling. This bold and spicy style of cooking, hailing from the Sichuan Province in southwestern China, is characterized by its liberal use of chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and fermented black beans. Think mouth-numbing heat, fragrant aromatics, and a symphony of complex flavors that will tantalize your senses. So, buckle up and prepare for a culinary adventure that will ignite your passion for spicy food.

We found the food to be fresh and presented with style. The flavors were an exciting change of pace from more traditional American-Chinese restaurants we’ve dined at around the island. The staff at SXY Szechuan were attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and ready to offer recommendations, especially useful if you’re new to Szechuan cuisine. They’re also quick to offer cooling suggestions if you find yourself overwhelmed by the spice—a necessity when enjoying authentic Szechuan flavors!

SXY Szechuan also caters to those with a lower tolerance for spice, so if anyone in your group doesn’t enjoy the burn they can still find dishes, like honey walnut shrimp, that are flavorful without the heat. Just let the staff know when ordering that you don’t want it spicy and they’ll make suggestions for you and have the kitchen adjust the spice level. For vegetarians, there are some solid options too like sautéed green beans and various tofu-based dishes, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.

The ambiance is warm & modern with table and booth seating, floor to ceiling windows, and sassy chile-inspired murals decorating the walls. We found the atmosphere simple and relaxed making it the perfect spot for a casual meal with friends or family. This is a great early lunch spot to sit-down and order immediately but you can expect it to be much busier during the evening dinner rush.

Known for their authentic Sichuan province style food the combination of spice, flavor, and ambiance at SXY Szechuan really makes it stand out. We feel it’s a must-try spot for anyone seeking a dynamic, delicious meal that excites the senses. Whether you’re a Szechuan fan or a first-timer, SXY Szechuan at Ala Moana Center is likely to leave a you wanting more.

by Honolulu Vibes