




Chengdu Taste Honolulu
About
Sichuan Heat in the Heart of Honolulu
Stepping into Chengdu Taste, you immediately notice the shift in the air. The heavy, intoxicating scent of Sichuan peppercorns—that signature floral, numbing aroma known as ma-la—cuts through the humidity of the Kapiolani corridor. This isn't your standard island takeout spot; it is a serious destination for those who crave the bold, aggressive flavors of authentic southwestern Chinese cuisine.
A Culinary Departure from the Tropics
The space is functional and efficient, designed for diners who prioritize palate-stretching heat over elaborate decor. You will hear the rhythmic clatter of heavy woks and the occasional cough from a nearby table tackling a particularly spicy bowl. It is the kind of place where the music is kept low so the focus remains entirely on the conversation and the table full of sharing-style plates.
The Essential Menu Selections
Chef Tony Xu’s influence is felt throughout the menu, which serves as a masterclass in regional spice profiles. The Toothpick Lamb is mandatory—small, succulent morsels of cumin-crusted meat that disappear almost as quickly as they arrive. Pair this with the Chengdu Fried Rice or the classic Mapo Tofu, which provides that essential, tongue-tingling numbing sensation that defines the region’s cooking. The chili oil used here has a depth and complexity that lingers, offering a savory, nutty finish that rounds out the intense heat.
Know Before You Go
The atmosphere is bustling, especially during peak lunch hours when office workers from the surrounding business district fill the tables. Parking in this part of Honolulu can be a bit of a localized sport, so arrive a few minutes early to scout a spot nearby. If you have a low tolerance for spice, do not be afraid to ask for a adjustment; the kitchen is well-versed in navigating requests to ensure your meal is enjoyable rather than overwhelming. It remains one of the few spots in Hawaii where you can experience the unadulterated fire of Chengdu-style cooking without compromise.
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Amenities & Features
Location
808 Sheridan St Ste 209, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96814-2345
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 22 community reviewsJeffrey A. “jam” McGuireGoogle Maps
Recently
Delicious, authentic Szechuan cuisine. No nonsense, large portions. Worth repeat visits.
suyee nandarGoogle Maps
Recently
In Honolulu, where there are so many restaurants, it’s really hard to choose a good one. This time, though, the choice was absolutely right, and I’m extremely satisfied. Every dish was spot on, and I’d say the mapo tofu is the best dish at this restaurant. My rating is 10000/10000.
Leon Jiang (xiaoyaoworm)Google Maps
Recently
To be honest the food is so authentic and the price is way more reasonable. Everytime when I visited oahu I will visit here. The pig feet 霸王肘子I ordered this time is huge. We ordered four dishes and it is double meal for we as two people. Strongly recommended
Frannie ChiniGoogle Maps
Recently
We had a reservation for a big party and were seated right on the dot—no waiting around. Ordered a ton of dishes, and every single one was delicious. Authentic flavors, bold Sichuan spice, and everything came out hot and fresh. The servers were also super attentive, which can be rare for a large table. They checked in often, refilled waters, and made sure we had everything we needed. If you’re looking for solid Chengdu-style food in Hawaii and have a group, don’t hesitate. Can’t wait to go back!
Matthew CGoogle Maps
Recently
Skip passport and visa, this is the closest to the popular dishes from Sichuan. Highly recommend. Recommend BYOB, because these dishes pairs well with cold beers.
Alexander WiesnerGoogle Maps
Recently
Amazing Chinese food! So authentic! The eggplant was my favorite! Also, the green beans were so good! I would go back!
Laura ZachariaGoogle Maps
Recently
Spicy and non-spicy foods which are all delicious! Love the lamb cumin less spicy, the tofu skin with scallions not spicy, the crispy rice with shrimp, and the fried mochi! The cold noodles with garlic sauce was a little too spicy for me though. You order through the app, and when you push order the server gets a bell ring and the kitchen gets the order. Efficient and so fast too!
Nicole WangGoogle Maps
Recently
Visited many times, some dishes are authentic while some are not! One of the most signature Sichuan dishes, chilli diced chicken has not even reached the average, while the month watering chicken is excellent. The fried chicken gristle was very good as usual tho. Parking is not that easy there as well. ------- Visited again in 2025, having something different, something I usually don't order for Sichuan food. It turned out to be very unsatisfactory. The Dongpo Hock was too spicy which is supposed to be soy sauce braised to be authentic. Tried their chitlins(intestines) many times but first time try in boiled hot sauce, very greasy and the intestines didn't seem to be cleaned properly this time. The Bobo chicken tastes good but without chicken feet is very disappointing. The most terrible dish this time was the sauté eggplant with spicy garlic sauce, I tried that before and it was good, but this time, I think they used over mature eggplant, the skin of the eggplant tasted like a cow skin, very plastic like, hard to bite, can be the worst dish I've ever tried here. Overall, the quality of the foods here can be very unstable. Very pitiful.
IR WgGoogle Maps
Recently
Dinner at this restaurant was a good experience! Authentic Chinese, Sichuan cuisine indeed. Food quality was good, flavourful for the most number of dishes ordered. The hot and sour soup could have been more on the sour side, but it tasted more peppery somehow. The ong choy with fermented beancurd was rather tasty. So were the shrimp fried rice and twice cooked pork. The sautéed potato strips with red chilli and vinegar could have been more tangy as well. Overall, a wonderful dining place which can remind one of comfort Chinese homecooked cuisine.
Monica MarianesGoogle Maps
Recently
We got the beef griddle and it was tasty and the portion was huge. On the side, we also had the wonton and the tantan noodle. The noodle was amazingly cooked al dente. The chew of the noodle and the dressing were great. The wonton’s skin was a little on the thicker side. Overall, food was delicious and greatly priced. The place is kept very clean and spacious. Service was good.
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