Pairing Kung Pao Chicken correctly — a note on chrysanthemum tea

Most people overlook how much the right drink changes Kung Pao Chicken. I ordered it with chrysanthemum tea and the aromatic and complex elements of the dish sharpened considerably against the pairing. five-spice in particular became more prominent in a good way.

Chinese cuisine encompasses eight major regional schools with distinct ingredients and techniques. The a street stall in Chengdu is where you learn these pairings — they evolved together. If you've been having Kung Pao Chicken with the wrong drink, try it correctly once. It's a genuinely different experience. The restaurant deserves credit for getting this right.