Crunchy fried chicken, dripping with spicy Sichuan-inspired sauces, loaded with toppings and sandwiched in a golden, brioche bun...drooling yet? It won't be long before you can taste those incredible flavours as Sichuan Fry opens up its doors in London Fields. Fans of John and Yee Li's Dumpling Shack pay attention as Sichuan fry is actually a buy-one-get-one free deal with the restaurant in two parts: Sichuan Fry and a new Dumpling Shack site.
Originally launched as just a special feature item on the menu at Dumpling Shack in Old Spitafields Market, the burger was such a hit that they've given the burger its own stage to shine on. In the running order you'll find The Classic: juicy chicken covered with a crunchy coating spiced with Sichuan peppercorns and chillies before covered in a sauce made for doubanjang and topped off with pickles. There'll also be The Vegan (panko-coated aubergine) with Sichuan sauce, honey mala sauce, pickled cucumbers and slaw; and The Hot and Mala Mapo that involves mapo sauce coated chicken.
In supporting roles, you'll find chicken wings and tenders as an alternative to the burgers as well as some imaginative vegan options. In terms of sides, it wouldn't be a burger restaurant without fries and Sichuan Fry are taking inspiration from a McDonald's concept in Asia known as 'shake shake fries' that are flavoured with various seasonings including seaweed powder; salt and pepper; and salted egg and chilli. You'll also be able to wash down all those spices with Hong Kong milk tea shakes.
Heading down into the basement space of this restaurant, you'll find the Dumpling Shack menu including their pork pan-fried soup dumplings alongside noodles and new dishes. Development chef Haydon Wong is bringing new delights like shallot sauce noodles, Hakka style braised beef rice bowls and vegan dumplings.