Heat isn’t all about how high up the Scoville Scale you can climb. Ma la, the tingly sensation produced by Sichuan peppercorns, pairs with chiles for a singular burn that spice lovers quickly learn to crave. These are our favorite places in NoVA for a numbing wall of flame, courtesy of the southwestern Chinese province.
Fahrenheit Asian
Order this: Spicy beef noodle soup, mapo tofu
1313 Dolley Madison Blvd., Ste. 103, McLean
Hong Kong Palace
Order this: Dan dan noodles, cumin ribs
6387 Seven Corners Shopping Ctr., Falls Church
Hot Peppercorn Asian Cuisine & Bar
Order this: Lamb dry pot, diced chicken with chile pepper (la zi ji)
6396 Springfield Plaza, Springfield
Kungfu Kitchen
Order this: Sichuan chicken dry noodles, Chongqing poached fish
3221 Duke St., Alexandria
Uncle Liu’s Hot Pot
Order this: Diced rabbit with spicy sauce, hot pot
2972 Gallows Rd., Falls Church
This story originally appeared in our January issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
