Little Chengdu: Authentic Szechuan Cuisine in Millbrae

Flew into SFO early on Sunday morning and was hangry! So decided to checkout Little Chengdu at the next exit. Parking was tricky but we got lucky. Otherwise you’ll have to go around the block to keep looking for someone pulling out if you go at rush hours especially on weekends. Very unique dishes you won’t find at other Chinese places. The best are their signature fish in hot tray items! We got one and it was amazing. Added an egg yoke friend shrimp, and a sautéed vege dish. Both also very good. Took home the many leftovers and finished those off the next day. Can’t wait to go back when I’m in the peninsula!

I should have taken a picture of the menu because I didn’t remember any of the names lol. I went to this place two times so far and I kind of like it. The service was good and they served the food pretty quick too. I know Szechuan cuisine is very spicy in general and I normally can’t stand it, but I really like the taste in this place. And they would serve you some orange slices at the end of your meal which is really nice! And there are parking spots around the area. Definitely will go back to this restaurant :)

Tasty sichuan food with the characteristic mouth-numbing chilies. You order through online website as they don’t have traditional menus.

This is official my favorite Chinese restaurant in the Bay Area. Their 松鼠桂鱼（pine fried fish with tomato sauce) is absolutely fantastic. We were just walking past one day and saw they have 松鼠桂鱼on their menu, so we decided to give it a try. It was the BEST we’ve had in the United States. It is my bf’s favorite Chinese dish since childhood. They do a great job. The flavor is just the right amount of sweet and sour. The fish is fried very well - not too much dough, a lot of fish meat, and most impressive of all - ALL BONES ARE REMOVED! We’ve been regular customer of theirs since then. All their other dishes are all super authentic and the price is much more reasonable than a lot of Chinese restaurants in South Bay.

Charming Chinese restaurant in Millbrae that focuses on the Sichuan cuisine. The Mapo tofu was delicious, and the cold spicy noodles were superb. Beef noodle soup was surprisingly good as well. Fast and efficient service. Interior is small, so not ideal for large parties. Parking can be challenging, as the free parking lot fills up fast and is shared with several other local businesses.

We arrive at the restaurant after six o'clock in the afternoon, so we don't have to wait. Order directly by scanning the code and ordering online, and then a waiter will confirm the menu and spicy degree. They serve food quickly and taste good. When we left, the restaurant was full and there were people waiting to into the restaurant.

Mildly Sichuan, a toned down mala likely resulting from a more Cantonese clientele. Spicy tripe appetizer, earth spice fragrant and slightly numbing. Eggplant side dish, expertly stir-fried. Unassuming and neutral, nothing out-of-the-ordinary. Good for those seeking Sichuan flavor without the mind-numbing.

Went back to "Little Chengdu," which used to be "Little Sichuan" in San Mateo. Happy they're open again after the pandemic. The new place is smaller but feels cozy. Had a nice surprise when my partner debated a third dish; I remembered their big portions, so I said no. The Cold Noodle was still big enough for both of us! My favorite, the Sichuan Spicy Cold Noodle, was as good as always. Big portion, tasty sauce—satisfying. Tried Tea Smoked Duck for the first time, and it was better than expected. Tastes like smoked turkey with a hint of tea. Smelled a bit smoky, but the flavor was excellent, not too bitter. Just a heads up, parking around the area might be a bit difficult.