Tabelog ratingSichuan Hashoku (四川料理 巴蜀) offers a unique, almost academic exploration of Sichuan cuisine from its small dining room in Asakusa. Rather than a standard menu, the chef presents tasting courses that act as historical surveys of classic dishes. Guests consistently praise the comparative flights, such as a four-way tasting of bang-bang chicken or a side-by-side of two different eras of mapo tofu, which highlight the evolution of flavour and technique.
The showstopper for many reviewers is a signature dish of crispy fried rice topped with whole shrimp. The depth of flavour across the menu is a point of constant praise, as are the high-end ingredients like abalone, crab, and occasionally shark fin that appear in the more extensive courses. The chef's detailed explanations of each dish enhance the experience. However, visitors should be prepared for authentic heat; some dishes, particularly a 1970s-style mapo tofu, are described as intensely numbing and spicy. A few diners found the shorter, less expensive courses to be a bit light for the price.
Dinner courses recently cost reviewers between ¥11,000 and ¥13,200, with shorter introductory menus at ¥8,800 and special courses featuring rare ingredients like 佛跳牆 (Buddha-jumping wall soup) from ¥22,000. Lunch courses are around ¥6,600. For those seeking an expert-led journey through Sichuan's culinary history, the restaurant offers excellent value, though the standard courses are a better representation than the shortest introductory option.
- Reservations: Booking is strongly recommended. Reservations can be made by phone. A la carte dining is only offered on less busy days and requires a phone booking for the same or next day.
- Getting There: The restaurant is on the 1st floor of the Tera 21 Building in Asakusa, a 6- to 10-minute walk from Asakusa Station (serviced by the Ginza, Toei Asakusa, Tobu, and TX lines).
- Payment: Major credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners) are accepted. Electronic money and QR code payments are not.
- Seating & Guests: The dining room has 18 seats. There are no private rooms. Families with children or strollers are welcome but must reserve by phone to ensure appropriate seating is available.
- Practical Details: A seating fee of ¥550 per person applies. The restaurant is entirely non-smoking. Staff who speak Chinese are available.
