I tried to recall where I had it before when my out-to-eat buddy Andrew declared “This is it!”
Recognition flashed and I remembered that was what we tasted in the fried chicken wings we ordered from in Garapan a few months back before the Native Restaurant in Garapan closed down.
The strange tingling, numbing and buzzing sensation felt like a thousand black ants were crawling and biting the inside of your mouth. The chef did not tell us what it was when we asked him so that we stopped eating and thought we were poisoned.
My buddy Eric had been raving about the spicy fish with Sichuan pepper the whole week as if anybody’s stay on island would not be complete without trying it, so off we went very late on Saturday evening to try it.
Like most traditional Chinese dishes, skinned tilapia was served in a huge bowl, floating in an oily sauce, topped with bits and pieces of red chili pepper, chopped green onions and seeds of Sichuan pepper. We ordered rice to go with it.
After biting into the Sichuan pepper followed by my first spoonful of soup, I felt my tongue immediately go from numb to hot then to burning hot as the mixed flavors of the soup penetrated my taste buds. The blended flavors penetrated deep into the white tilapia slices which would prompt you to whistle or sip cold water.
For spicy food lovers, Dakeyi Canton Kitchen’s fish in a spicy soup base with vegetables (number 013 in the new menu) is one item you must try.
The tingly numbness wears off after a few minutes and you will be tempted to have another spoonful to experience it all over again.
Information from the internet showed that Sichuan pepper, also known in Chinese as hua jiao literally means “flower pepper” and is widely grown and consumed in Asia as a spice. Despite the similarity, Sichuan pepper is not related to chili peppers or black pepper.
Language may be a barrier if you don’t speak or understand Chinese at the Dakeyi Canton Kitchen but the new menu now comes with pictures and English descriptions. I ordered sesame balls or “butchi” some months back and had a very hard time explaining what I wanted so that I had to ask for pen and paper and draw before the food staff understood.
Dakeyi Canton Kitchen may not be that attractive on the outside, but step inside and you will be introduced into a new world where food and flavors matter. Two huge aquariums placed on both sides of the door with various fish in each are added attractions to the restaurant. The spacious interior holds round tables for bigger groups and glass-topped tables for smaller groups.
You can choose from over a hundred Chinese favorites including assorted seafood such as lobster, shrimp, crabs, fish, beef, pork and chicken dishes, Peking duck or roasted duck, noodles and ramen, assorted vegetables, hot pot, fried rice choices, and other dishes cooked in a variety of ways.
For dessert, available are radish cake, Ham Sui Kao, sweet chestnut cake, pumpkin pie and more. Most of the main dishes are within the $10 to $25 range.
If you have not ventured into the delights of Chinese cuisine, it may be time to get out of your comfortable zone and start expanding your culinary experience.
For reservation or inquiries, visit Dakeyi Canton Kitchen beside Jonny’s Bar in Garapan or call 233-4825.
