Szechuan Restaurants in Rowland Heights, CA

“Compared to a few years ago, a few of the menu classics from Kawasanja are still there!And then the surprise is that there are a lot of new dishes too!“

“**4.3/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨ Uncle Chili Rowland Heights: Bold Spice That Packs Heat, But Oil Weighs It Down**

Tucked in the always-busy Hong Kong Plaza on Colima Road, **Uncle Chili** draws crowds with its fiery Sichuan signage and the constant aroma of chilies and numbing peppercorns spilling out the door 🌶️🔥. The interior is bright and modern—clean tables, big menu boards with mouthwatering photos, and a quick-moving counter setup. Service is genuinely solid: staff are attentive, explain spice levels patiently (1-5, with 3 already serious), and food arrives lightning-fast even during peak dinner rushes.

The **spicy dishes** deliver on heat— the boiled fish in green pepper sauce swims in vibrant red oil with explosive mala kick, tender slices soaking up that tongue-numbing buzz. The mapo tofu is silky and fragrant with Sichuan pepper, while the grilled whole fish crackles with cumin and chili rub. If you crave that face-tingling spice high, Uncle Chili absolutely satisfies; the flavors pop and the heat lingers just right.

That said, authenticity takes a hit for me. The oil pools are generous (classic Sichuan style), but here it feels heavier and slightly refined rather than the rustic, fermented depth I’ve had in Chengdu or even Flushing spots. After a few bites, the oiliness overshadowed the nuances, and I couldn’t finish portions I normally would—points deducted there, even though everything looked and felt clean.

Still, for Rowland Heights, it’s one of the bolder Sichuan options, great for spice chasers who don’t mind the grease factor. Solid execution, fair portions, and friendly vibes keep it in rotation. I’ll return, but probably stick to drier dishes next time or ask for less oil. Worth trying if you’re in the area and need a mala fix.“

“I came here for a meal and was really impressed! I ordered the Beef Fried Rice and the Hunan-Style Fried Pork Slices, and both dishes tasted very authentic. The flavors were rich, well-balanced, and just what I was hoping for. The service was friendly and the atmosphere felt welcoming, making it a great place to enjoy a good Chinese meal. I’d definitely come back again !“

“Thanks to my son in law we got to try a new spot. How Rowland Heights has changed since the 80’s. Just love the rich food scene. Be forewarned. Friday and Saturday nights the parking can be very challenging. Once seated service was quick. But here is how it works. You order your broth selection an some premium proteins online. The rest is pretty much self service from the various refrigerators. Seafood, beef tendon, beef with cilantro, gizzards, plenty of mushrooms, and veggies. You select what you want and take it back to your table and immerse in the broth. Feels very cafe style which I just enjoyed. Totally a find. I will be back.“

“Clean, friendly & attentive staff, lots of options for ingredients, good classic bone soup, tomato soup, mushroom soup but my favorite is the stir-fried spicy wok (麻辣香鍋)🌶️🌶️🌶️, so much that I’ve been coming here weekly.“