BEAVERTON, Ore. — After nearly two years of waiting, one of the Portland area’s most celebrated Chinese restaurants is finally making its comeback. Taste of Sichuan, a Beaverton favorite known for its bold and spicy Sichuan-style dishes, will reopen its doors this Sunday following a lengthy remodel prompted by a devastating kitchen fire.
A Long-Awaited Return
The restaurant, co-owned by Stacy Zhong and Dietmar Schimmel, has been closed since the fire forced a complete rebuild. Zhong explained that the extended closure wasn’t due to lack of effort but rather to delays with the restaurant’s insurance company. “It took much longer than we expected,” she said, adding that she’s grateful for the community’s patience and enthusiasm during the process.
When Taste of Sichuan first opened in 2011, it quickly became a standout in the metro area’s dining scene. Known for its authentic Sichuan flavors — the kind that bring both heat and tingling numbness to the palate — the restaurant drew diners from across the region. In its 2012 review, The Oregonian praised it as “one of the most exciting, satisfying and best Chinese restaurants in the metro area.”
Also Read
A Modern New Look
The remodel has completely transformed the restaurant’s interior. Gone is the recognizable décor left behind by the building’s former occupant, Marie Callender’s. Zhong said guests can expect a refreshed space that better matches the boldness of the food.
“I want to say I very much appreciate all the customers,” Zhong shared. “So many people reached out on Facebook, expressing their excitement. We’re thankful that they’ve waited for us this long.”
A Menu That Still Packs a Punch
Longtime fans will be pleased to hear that Taste of Sichuan’s signature dishes — particularly those on the “Wild Side” menu — are making a return. This part of the menu became a local legend, offering adventurous delicacies such as pig ears in chili oil, dry-cooked pork intestines, pickled frog, and spicy jellyfish.
But it’s the restaurant’s mapo tofu that won over many diners. As The Oregonian once described, it “attacks your nervous system with jabs and uppercuts,” a testament to the dish’s balance of heat and numbing sensation from Sichuan peppercorns — a hallmark of the cuisine.
From Bellevue Roots to Beaverton Success
Before founding Taste of Sichuan, Zhong and Schimmel operated Bamboo Garden in Bellevue, Washington — later renamed La Bu La. Though that restaurant closed in 2021, the Beaverton location has continued to hold a special place in the hearts of Portland-area diners.
Community Excitement Builds
The reopening marks the end of a long silence for one of the city’s top Chinese restaurants. As Zhong put it, “This is not just reopening a restaurant — it’s reconnecting with our community.”
With its remodeled interior, revived menu, and loyal fan base, Taste of Sichuan is ready once again to serve up the fiery, flavorful dishes that made it famous.
