240 Legacy Dr #302
Plano, TX 75023
(972) 517-1374

Hot. Chili. Oil. This bastion of Sichuanese cuisine in Far North Plano bests my original source for spicy Chinese food (Sichuanese Restaurant off Coit). I’m revisiting this spot in another review due to my close proximity to Little Sichuan, and their success in keeping up the good food. One of my favorite appetizers are the Chengdu dumplings, which never fails to leave me with a smile. On past visits I’ve sampled the dry sauteed beef, guaranteed to fire up the taste buds, various veggie dishes such as the Garlicky water spinach, pork with string beans, and eggplant dishes, and the five-alarm-tripping beef with cabbage in spicy chili sauce. Even the milder options on the menu, such as their asparagus soup, fried rice, and garlic chicken were memorable. One thing to remember is to balance the hot with the tame, so that you don’t scorch your tongue off before the meal is finished. It’s also prolly a good idea to order more steamed rice, as I love drenching my rice in chili sauce. Thankfully, the staff is quick on refilling glasses of water. The downside to dining here: a cash-only policy if your check totals less than $30.

214 W Campbell Rd
Richardson, TX 75080
(214) 575-2100

An Indian restaurant that delivers? You mean I can order my Indian food online too? Rarely does an Indian restaurant astonish me as much as Mumtaz does. But it’s true! You can order your meals online and pick it up–or have it delivered. I had to visit Mumtaz to give it a try…and as luck would have it, I visited on a Monday when the buffet only costs $5.99. They had a modest buffet, with a balance of meats and veggies…and there wasn’t an option I didn’t try. They had the juiciest tandoori chicken that I’ve ever had…and their goat curry was simply delicious, and not bony like other places I’ve tried. I enjoyed everything about their buffet…including their signature puddings and…who would’ve thought I would go crazy over cream of wheat? But it was so buttery delicious, I helped myself to another serving. Mumtaz is quite a gem of a discovery, and it seems other patrons think so too…the place appears packed every day for lunch. I can’t wait to try their dinner menu!

5290 Belt Line Rd Ste 144
Dallas, TX 75254
(972) 960-2999

Chow Thai is a billed as Thai fusion restaurant, and the billing is apt. For the most part I stuck with the decidedly Thai offerings on the menu, though I made up my mind that on future visits to try out their sea bass preparations. My dinner companion recommended the place because he had frequented Chow Thai regularly for lunch when he worked in the area. I had completely missed this little restaurant when I lived nearby. Thankfully I had an opportunity to finally visit. As usual, I ordered my old standby: Tom Kha Soup, which was capably executed. I will never complain of chicken coconut soup rendered so well (perhaps I should hook myself to a tom kha IV from now on). My companion had the White Pepper and Garlic Seafood while I stuck to my guns and ordered Panang Curry Beef. Again, both entrees were perfectly executed and delicious. To top off the meal, we devoured their sticky rice with custard, which my partner hadn’t tried before. It was a pleasing sweet ending to a delightful meal.