Lameizi originally published in foodanddrinkguides.com

According to Mr Li, Lameizi's charismatic owner, preparation is the key to Szechuan cuisine. The chefs arrive early to begin slicing, marinating, steaming and roasting. Peppers, spices and chillies are sourced direct from China's heavenly country—indeed Mr Li visits China four times a year ensuring the best produce reaches the discerning diner. This dedication has won Lameizi a legion of fans from both the Chinese community and tourists keen for a taste of home. Authenticity is stressed throughout from a smoky wood fungus featuring an underlying earthiness to crispy prawn starters served with a tasty dipping sauce. The mouth-watering chicken is a delicately spiced dish of steamed chicken breast and the sliced beef with Szechuan chilli pepper showcases the region's culinary attractions combining aroma, warmth and peppery flavour. It's refreshing to hear Lameizi's philosophy on cooking. Taking a holistic approach, they believe food should be healthy and nutritious as well as authentic and delicious. They don't use artificial flavour enhancers like MSG and the chefs are happy to dial down the chillies for western palettes. The service is always friendly, and the staff will guide those new to this cuisine through the regularly refreshed menu. Truly, Szechuan food should be more popular in England: it has the fieriness of Indian food, the inventiveness of Cantonese and the heartiness of Korean. Located on Chester St, just off Oxford Road, Lameizi is the Szechuan restaurant for those in the know. Prepare for your taste buds to tingle!

SUGGESTED MENU

Starters

Har Gau

Crispy wood fungus - sweet, underlying earthiness. smoky.

Crispy prawn

Mouth-watering chicken 

Mains

Chicken with dried chilli - dry, fiery, aromatic

Hot and sour shredded potato

Sliced beef with Szechuan chilli pepper 

Szechuan style seafood mix

(also available is the self-cook hot pot)

Fried rice.