Wa Jeal Sichuan Chili House
“I get takeout/delivery from these guys at least once a week and am NEVER disapointed.”
“The menu is bold and different, and offers several interesting options that you don't see in many restaurants on the Upper East Side.”
“Favorites:
Thousand Chili Chicken
Dan Dan noodles
Cold Sesame Noodles
Sesame Chicken
General Tso's Tofu
Sichuan Pork Dumplings
Steamed Broccoli with Garlic Chili Sauce
Vegetable Mu Shu”
Wa Jeal Sichuan Chili House
Takes Reservations: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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I think that the quality has gone down at Wa Jeal.
I've been coming here on and off for several years and it was one of my favorite Sichuan restaurants in NYC. However, my recent experiences have been mixed. I didn't find the food very spicy or fresh. Quite ordinary.
I always do take out so I cannot write about the service.
Maybe a new chef? It's just average food.
This is a good option if you are looking for a good spicy Chinese restaurant uptown. Really enjoyed the Tangerine flavored shrimp, very crispy and delicious. Though the pork with plum sauce was flavorless and dull. The fried rice is also decent. You can choose the level of heat on all dishes. Service is good. The restaurant is not very attractive but it is comfortable. Worth a visit.
Does anyone notice that the place becomes much more expensive now compared to before?
Food is good, but they raised the price quite a lot… …
The $$ should be changed to $$$ now I guess.
They have items on their menu I would love to try but for my first visit, I opted for the sweet & sour chicken. After all, if you're not getting that right you very likely will screw up other things. It was yummy. I'd definitely come back.
This is a very authentic, good quality restaurant. However, keep in mind that it is Sichuan cuisine. The food offered is different than the more common Cantonese or American Chinese stuff usually found. I am not a big fan of Sichuan food as the pungent flavors from the garlic and chili peppers is off-putting sometimes.
However, I tried several dishes and thought they were pretty good. Not too greasy and good portions. The Ma-Po Tofu was very spicy. It seems they do not tone it down for Americans. I also had some of the Sautee Beef Fillets. The pieces of beef were nice and moist. I could have done without the accompanying bamboo shoots though which didn't add anything.
This place has good Szechuan Chinese food. The food is rather authentic. If you don't like spicy food this type of Chinese food is not for you.
I don't like the spicy food so I ordered #30 beef fillet shiitake mushroom and bamboo shoots.
Living in UES, it's hard to find decent Sichaun restaurant. However, Wa Jeal is my boyfriend and my go to spot. We've probably ordered at least 30 times from here. Here's a few I'd recommend:
Mapo Tofu – pretty decent with good amount of spice.
Ox Tongue and Tripe Appetizer – one of my few favorites that Wa Jeal does well that other restaurants doesn't.
Chef's Ma Pal Diced Fish and Crispy Tofu – a bit salty for those that enjoy stronger flavors. Lots of proteins and pretty delicious.
Crispy fish fillet chef's special – one of our regulars that we order. The sauce isn't really spicy but the fish is so crispy. it's also delicious when combined with the sauce
I was craving shui zhu you the entire day. After walking for endless city hours, I was far too lazy for the subway and Chinatown. Wa Jeal was our chosen local option. While not super spicy, the entree was authentic and adequate. There's a huge price markup due to the UES location.