Chong Qing Hot Pot — Restaurant in Chamblee

Seriously?

I could end it right there. I had all but given up on Chinese food in this city until I came across this place in someone else's review and bookmarked it.

I wasn't sure at first, as it was in what seemed like a random food court inside an odd building anchored by Oriental Pearl. But inside we went. Cool indoor garden, open greenhouse kind of feel. Old men set up at various tables playing...checkers? Chess? I'm not sure what the game was as I didn't recognize the pieces. But it was serious.

Hey - BRING CASH. We initially ordered and then realized it was cash only. The ATM in the food court didn't work. After leaving out to get gas/cash at the nearby QT, we returned, even more determined.

Don't be put off by the Chinese menu that will be staring you down. There are smaller take-out type menus that are in English.

We ordered the egg fried rice, Szechuan style fish and the Chong Qing Spicy Chicken. Not realizing the trough of food that was about to be brought to our table.

That fish - Lawdamercy! The spices, the heat, that broth - fabulous! The bowl was big enough to feed a good 3-4 people - for around $9! We would've been satisfied with that alone. The fried rice and spicy chicken were solid as well, although the chicken was a tad bit salty for us. It was still very flavorful.

There is unlimited steamed white rice and soup available (hot and sour and egg drop that day) as well....

I lived and worked in china and got accustomed to authentic Chinese food. Since coming back, my taste for Americanized Chinese food is no longer there. I simply cannot stand Americanized Chinese.

This place is legit. I’ve been to several authentic sichuan restaurants around the country and this place is easily as good or better than almost everyone I’ve been to.

They have my favorite sichuan dish on the menu…Ants climbing a tree and it’s just like I remember from eating it in China.

I’m here on business for one more night and I’m going back. Next time I’m in town for business, I’m going back. It’s. That. Good.

You’ll notice I gave the atmosphere 5 stars. I would assume most Americans would give it 1 because it’s, well, a food court. Thing is…it reminds me of the restaurants in the malls that I’d go to in china so…5 stars it is.

The facility even has a small garden in the middle which gave me pause. Don’t get me wrong, it’s no Suzhou garden but there’s something about it that is comforting.

Bottom line, you have to try this place. If you like Americanized Chinese food then I’m sure they have something you’ll like but I don’t know because I...

First of all, this place is inside the main part of the building. Access is through the main entrance. It's set in a food court, which I didn't anticipate. But it wasn't an issue. Visited on a Saturday around 6 p.m. Not many people were eating here, and there were plenty of seats available. Cleanliness was decent. A handful of the tables were dirty, but there were a few people cleaning up for the next guests to use. The food was very good and hot. It was also fresh, which was nice. The wait was around 15 minutes after we ordered. Our items came out one at a time, and you are allowed, however, much steamed rice as you needed. Food quality was higher than I expected, and the price is great for the amount of food you get! It's definitely worth it, and I will most likely return to try the other restaurants next to this one.

Also, if you want your food spicy, it will actually be spicy, which is a huge plus for me. I love spice! So just be warned if you're sensitive to spicy food because they do not shy from making your food spicy if you ask. Overall, it was a...