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Welcome to Little Chengdu

Little Chengdu is a vibrant Szechuan culinary haven located in Millbrae, California. Dedicated to delivering authentic flavors, the restaurant thrives on bold, spicy dishes. From the melt-in-your-mouth Ma Po Tofu to the crispy, addictive Spicy Beef, each dish is a testament to the chef’s expertise, drawing from a heritage that includes running The Little Sichuan. The inviting ambiance, paired with excellent service and outdoor seating options, creates an experience that feels both casual and special. Whether you're a fan of Sichuan classics or seeking new flavors, Little Chengdu promises a journey that ignites the senses and satisfies cravings for heat and richness.

Little Chengdu: Reviews & Ratings

Sherry F.
Sherry F.

Intestine Soup - huge portions of pork blood, tripe, and fish. Intestine were good but wish there were more pieces. Broth was perhaps on the the more milder side, wish there was a stronger kick and fragrance Dong po Pork - not your classic dong po pork. It did not just came with the pork belly, for $21, it comes with the classic pork belly for the gooey texture + and entire shank for the lean meat! gigantic portion size. The garlic sauce drenched all over the dish is the most flavorful thing of the meal.

Merry K.
Merry K.

Good bye, Yummy Szechuan. Hello Little ChengDu. We found out that the chef/owner used to run The Little Sichuan on San Mateo. Happy dance!!!!! This is our place for spicy food now. Must order: Crispy Spicy Beef. The beef was jerky like. Then tons of crispy peppers and peanuts. Cannot describe that first bite with a scoop of steam "white lie". I dare you, order it extra spicy! We had Boiled Fish, Sichuan Eggplants, Spicy Chicken Wings. All of them were really good and addicting!

Geoff Y.
Geoff Y.

Unpleasant dining room and stressfully clunky service, but the food is solid. Beef tendon is great and the mapo tofu is the best I've had. If you want to splurge with a big group the whole fish in chilis is unforgettable.

Linwei Y.
Linwei Y.

My go-to Sichuan restaurant in the area. We always order the kidney with pickled ginger and spicy cold beef&beef tripe. We've tried their grilled whole fish, twice cooked pork, mapo tofu, etc The only con is that parking is extremely hard to find

Leanne Y.
Leanne Y.

Service was excellent, friendly, accommodating and attentive! Food was good and different. We ordered the tomato beef chow mein, the tea smoked duck and the mu shu shrimp. All good! I was so excited to try their food that I forgot to take photos of the duck and mu shu shrimp. Would have been nice to have more shrimp. Came with 4 pancakes. Many of the dishes were spicy. We found a handful of dishes that weren't spicy. Enjoyed the dining experience!

Alice H.
Alice H.

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.

Andrea Z.
Andrea Z.

Walked in as a group of 4 on a Monday night around 6:30pm, restaurant was full and had a waitlist going. It took about 15 minutes for a table to become availible. Menu is availible through a QR code but you still order with the servers. Food: Spicy Sichuan Cold Noodles - pretty good, large helping of noodles topped with a cucumbers, ground pork and a spicy soy based dressing, this was pretty spicy but a nice way to start the meal Sichuan Spicy Crispy Beef - delicious, beef slices were fried with a lot of chili peppers and peanuts, this was spicy but not over bearing, texture of the meat was similar to a juicy beef jerky which made for a really interesting eating experience, definitely worth ordering Tea Smoked Duck - pretty good, this dish did take a while to come out compared to the other dishes but when it arrive it was super hot and skin was crispy, nice smoky salty flavor, duck was juicy and tender, very tasty Dry-Cooked String beans - well seasoned and flavorful, green beans were a tad bit soft and overcooked from our perspective but still a nice vegetable dish to round out the meal Service fine, restaurant was slammed so it took a few minutes to place our order. Restaurant seemed a little bit short staffed but majority of the food once ordered placed came out quick with the exception of the duck which took a bit longer. Overall good Sichuan style chinese restaurant, dishes were a generous portion and flavors were great. Definitely get the crispy beef and the tea smoked duck these were unique and delicious. Also there might be a bit of a wait but tables turn quickly.

Location

  • Little Chengdu
    213 El Camino Real Millbrae, CA 94030 United States Hotline: (650) 651-7039

Welcome to the culinary journey of Little Chengdu, a vibrant gem nestled in the heart of Millbrae, California. Specializing in authentic Szechuan cuisine, this establishment captures the essence of bold flavors and spice that are the hallmarks of this rich culinary tradition. Located at 213 El Camino Real, Little Chengdu is easily accessible and offers a diverse range of amenities that cater to everyone – from takeout and delivery options to outdoor seating for those who prefer to enjoy their meals al fresco.

As you step inside, you'll be enveloped in a cozy atmosphere with a casual vibe—a perfect setting for a dinner filled with delightful flavors. With moderate noise and a layout that accommodates guests requiring wheelchair access, Little Chengdu ensures comfort for all diners. The option for free Wi-Fi and Happy Hour specials adds an extra layer of convenience for those looking to unwind or work in a lively environment.

The menu is a revealing journey through the iconic dishes of Szechuan cooking. Hot and Sour Soup, priced at $16, offers a tantalizing start with its spicy warmth. For those who adore vegetables, delight in the Family Style Tofu and Spicy Shredded Potato, both available for $21, each infused with the signature heat that Szechuan is renowned for. If pasta is more to your liking, the Sichuan Spicy Cold Noodle and Hot Noodle with Peanut Sauce are must-tries, perfectly priced at $17.

  • Crispy Spicy Beef: A customer favorite, this dish is a harmony of textures featuring beef that possesses a jerky-like quality, generously combined with crispy peppers and peanuts.
  • Boiled Fish: A staple in Szechuan cuisine, this dish is essential for those seeking a memorable, spicy experience.
  • Mapo Tofu: Consistently praised as one of the best by diners, its perfect balance of spice and texture embodies the authentic taste of the region.

While guests have praised the food's solid flavors, some have noted the dining room environment as less than ideal. However, this does not detract from the culinary artistry displayed through each plate. The personal touches, like friendly waiter service, enhance the experience tremendously. From enormous portion sizes—like the Dong Po Pork featuring both tender pork belly and lean shank—to the comforting richness of the Kidney with Pickled Ginger, there is no shortage of choices for those who seek satisfying and spicy dishes.

Little Chengdu stands out as a top destination for Szechuan lovers, drawing loyal customers with its authentic flavors and welcoming demeanor. It’s a place where food enthusiasts can rejoice in the fiery, bold offerings that make Szechuan cuisine a true culinary treasure. Whether you dine in, take out, or savor the meal outdoors, Little Chengdu promises an experience that tantalizes the palate and warms the spirit.

For more information or to place an order, give them a call at (650) 651-7039. Discover why they are fast becoming a favorite among spice lovers in the area!