Fuli Szechuan Restaurant 127, NanJing Road, Taichung (Embassy of National Military Hero ) (04) 2222-7890 Hours: 11 am-2 pm, 5-9 pm Parking available in the building basement

A Hundred Tastes of Szechuan

By Uvia Chang / Translated by Kelly Chao

       Just the thought of Szechuan food is often enough to bring spicy sensations to our tongues. While some would-be diners may be put off by this reputation for spiciness, Szechwan food isn't all hot but, rather, focuses on the variety of spices. Thus, it is said of this food, "One dish, one style. A hundred dishes, a hundred tastes."

       The Fuli Szechuan Restaurant, which originally hails from Taoyuan, is currently located at the former location of Lotus Garden Restaurant, next to the Embassy of National Military Hero. Although the new restaurant has simple Chinese decorations with nothing real fancy, everything is attractive and in good taste. The roomy interior, with plenty of space between tables, combines with bright and warm crystal lights to make diners feel cozy while eating.

Fuli's original Taoyuan eatery has been running for 30 years and has received public acclaim for the skill of its cooking and quality. This has led to a chain of restaurants opening in Taipei, Chungli and Taichung. Diners interested in trying a wide variety of flavors should not miss this restaurant, which serves up a full range of confections, dumplings, soups, Szechuan delicacies and other home-style dishes. There are also different menu combinations for various occasions, including family get-togethers, wedding banquets and group feasts.

       There are more than 20 types of cold dishes. Prices for assorted seafood dishes range from NT$100 to NT$600. One special item is Sliced Eels with Mashed Garlic (NT$200). The sliced eels are put in boiling water first and then taken out to cool down. These are delicious with the special-made garlic sauce. Spicy "Mauto" (hairy stomach) (NT$ 190), Spicy Tofu and intestines are other popular Szechwan dishes.

       If you and your friends don't want to spend too much money, you should check out Fuli's Monday-to-Friday special set meals. These include three courses with soup for NT$500 (NT$750 on weekends and holidays), five courses with soup for NT$1,000, and seven courses with soup for NT$1,500.

The restaurant also has set-menu business-lunch-type deals for people during working days. This menu includes homemade pork, shrimp with eggs and soup, for a total of only NT$100 per person. However, even more special are the restaurant's wedding banquet specials. For a table with 10 to 12 people, 12 courses are provided. Most of these are traditional Szechuan dishes, but not all are spicy. Prices is from NT$5,000 to NT$8,000.

       With tidy uniforms and nice attitudes, the well-trained staff at Fuli always satisfies the customer' s requests. Whether you're looking for a warm and slightly-extravagant wedding banquet or simply a good Szechuan meal, this place is a great choice.