For the fourth instalment of our Date Night series in Wan Chai (see our last one here), we head to Chengdu Bistro & Baijiu Bar Deng G. The Sichuan specialist celebrated its first anniversary since making its debut in September last year; Gafencu takes stock of where it is a year after it opened its doors.

Best for out-of-towner / traveller dates: Deng G

If your date is looking to try Chinese flavours, Deng G is a flexible and fun venue to go on a culinary adventure. The unassuming setup in Wan Chai’s up-and-coming neighbourhood is divided into two parts: downstairs for the Noodle Workshop and Baijiu Bar, while upstairs for Classic Sichuan dining with plush private room options.

What vibe you want for your night out is completely up to you, but we definitely have some recommendations as to what’s on offer.

For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of regional Chinese cuisine, Sichuan province is famous for its unique and characteristic Mala sauce. Mala involves simmering ingredients with peppercorns, chillies and various spices in oil. The effect is distinguished from Indian or Mexican spices by a mouth feel that is more numbing than burning in sensation.

Think you can handle the heat? Then by all means order from the Mala section of the menu. We had the Deep-fried Fish in Mala Sauce (HK$168), deliciously crisp with heaps of white rice. As Deng G is the only Baijiu** bar in Hong Kong, you might also want to pair your dish with a Baijiu cocktail concocted by award-winning mixologist Héktor Monroy.

A milder but equally delicious recommendation is the Kung Pao Chicken (HK$118), a sweeter dish filed under the “Lychee” (spicy and sweet) section of the menu. Other sections cover “Home” flavours (rustic farmhouse cooking), Sweet & Sour, Pepper Salt and Yu Xiang (aromatic/fragrant) among others.

**Editor’s Note: The infamous Baijiu is a strong, clear distilled spirit, usually with 40-60% alcohol content. It’s fermented from sorghum, rice or other grains. Often characterized and misunderstood as a hard-to-drink liquor, Baijiu can be as complex as a fine whiskey, judged on its colour, aroma and taste.

Deng G is part of the Elite Concepts Dining Group. 2/F 147 Queen’s Rd East, Wan Cha.i (852) 2609 2328. www.elite-concepts.com/en_US/dengg

Stay tuned for our final instalment of the Wan Chai Date Night series coming soon: the stylish and elegant Fishsteria just down the road!

Text: Julienne C. Raboca