Chicago Foodie Notes｜My Chengdu Friend Was Right

First tried this spot on a strong recommendation from my Chengdu-born friend, and was instantly hooked by their witty menu names. Craved their tofu pudding and spicy potato sticks ever since — so here I am again! Time to jot down the highlights for future cravings :) 🍜 Beef Noodles & Wontons in Chili Sauce Beef so tender it falls off the bone, noodles wonderfully chewy! The wontons were slightly overcooked — the wrappers almost “ran away” 😂 Broths for both dishes are quite similar, so pick one to save room for other stars. 🍢 Bon Bon Chicken (Po Po Ji) Chili oil-based but surprisingly light and refreshing! Who would’ve thought something that looks so bold could taste so clean — totally addictive. 🍲 Beef Mao Cai This steaming hot pot is perfect for winter! It makes you want to devour bowl after bowl of rice — ultimate comfort food satisfaction. 🍖 Cumin Pork Ribs Strong, aromatic cumin flavor — not often seen on ribs! Cumin lovers will adore these — they get tastier the more you chew. 🍮 Fermented Rice Tofu Pudding 10/10 must-order! Even if you’re stuffed, save room for this dessert. 🥤 Drinks Got the soy milk with a hint of peanut aroma — familiar and comforting. They serve lemon cucumber water that actually tastes like lemon + cucumber! Perfect after oily dishes — so refreshing and palate-cleansing. Love it! 📍 Da Mao Jia - Royal Highness Zhu 1217-1219 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL #LifeInUS #ChicagoEats #HiddenGems #SichuanFood #ComfortFood #FoodieDiary #MustTry