Flavor Elevated at China Chili

The Place: China Chili
The Location: 302 E. Flower Street, Phoenix
The Dish: Orange Chicken and Szechwan Green Beans
By: Laura Stoddard

I’m about to make a statement that some people may not agree with but that I feel to be 100% true: China Chili has the best Chinese food in Phoenix.

Yep. I said it. I know, some of you are raising your hands going, ‘Nuh uh. THIS place is the best.’ Well, right on! Please share your place with me so that I can go try it (and compare it to China Chili), because I loveth Chinese food, and will eat it whenever possible.

So what makes this unassuming place in Midtown so great? The restaurant itself isn’t necessarily anything to rave about. The interior space is one large dining room, spattered with the typical artwork and decor you see in other Chinese restaurants (the blinged out chandeliers add a little something extra though). The furnishings are basic and the place mats are simple paper. The parking isn’t great (mostly because the lot is always full). The servers even seem a little brusk–but that’s simply because there are so many people waiting to get a table; they need to keep things streamlined. They seat you, serve you, and bill you in record speed. So what makes this place worthy of my ‘Best’ award? It comes down to one simple thing: flavor.

At China Chili, they use quality ingredients, traditional preparation and cooking methods, and bold flavors. Vegetables are properly crisp. The garnishes (like sliced scallions, carrots and peppers) add texture and color. The sauces are powerful and aromatic. And the meat they serve, whether white chicken or beef, is perfectly tender and seemingly infused with flavor.

Dishes can be served spicy or mild, and the lunch specials include rice (either Jasmine, fried or brown), an egg roll and the soup of the day. The dinner menu is extensive, with abundant options of seafood, chicken, duck, pork and beef, tofu, and vegetables. I’m confident that you will be satisfied and pleasantly surprised by whichever dish(es) you choose. I’ve been to China Chili dozens of times, and usually try different plates, but the one I tend to go back to is their Orange Chicken. BEST Orange Chicken I’ve ever had. Go try! You’ll see!

China Chili is open Monday-Thursday 11 am to 9 pm, Friday 11 am to 10 pm, Saturday, 12 pm to 10 pm, and Sunday 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

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