China Village
510.525.2285
1335 Solano Avenue
Albany, California 94706
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Using over 2000 years of time-honored Chinese culinary technique and only the highest quality ingredients.

China Village Szechuan Restaurant

China Village Szechuan Restaurant is a family-friendly, destination restaurant specializing in Szechuan cuisine. We offer an ample selection of classic Szechuan favorites, regional specialties and chef-inspired, Michelin recommended signature dishes. We use the highest quality local and sustainable ingredients that are available from Bay Area markets and purveyors.
chili_oil
We hand pick our chilis and spices and infuse all of our own oils, such as our roasted garlic, roasted onion and our many chili oils. We also roast all of our own chilis and prepare our chili mixes in-house, that includes our famous 1000 chili pepper spice and the renowned five spice blend that is used for our tender and succulent Pork Shoulder.

What is Szechuan cuisine?

Szechuan cuisine originates from the Sichuan province in southwest China. The complex flavors and cooking techniques produce seven flavor profiles: sweet; sour; bitter; hot; salty; aromatic and fragrant. The hot spices such as the red chili (different from the Mexican chili) stimulate the palate making it more sensitive to the flavor profiles. The primary ingredient is the Sichuan peppercorn. Other prominent ingredients are garlic, chili peppers, peanuts, sesame paste and ginger.

peppercornThe Sichuan Peppercorn

Sichuan Peppercorn is a berry that comes from the prickly ash tree. Despite the name, it is not related to the peppercorn or the chili pepper. It has a unique aroma with lemony overtones that create a tingly numbness in the mouth.

 

“Szechuan cuisine is about heart and soul. The heart passionately seeks out the highest quality spices and the soul is the chili oil.”

Hand-Crafted Beverages

China Village also boasts a beautifully renovated bar that offers hand-crafted beverages to compliment the fiery spice of Szechuan cuisine. China Village foodies can now cool down the palate with a Chinese Mule made with Chinese Baijiu, Ginger Beer, Cilantro, Lime and Ginger or a Chrysanthemum created with Dolin’s Dry Vermouth, Benedictine, Absinthe, Orange Peel and Chrysanthemum Flower. In addition, there is a respectable wine program.

Banquet Room

Our newly remodeled banquet room is perfect for that special event or Birthday. The banquet room seats up to 120 guests and Chef John is available to design a memorable and one-of-a-kind menu for your special occasion.

“A third class Szechuan cuisine chef has to taste the food, a second rate chef understands that color is more important than presentation. However, a first class chef doesn’t need to taste the food. He smells it and feels the way the spices react against his nose, mouth and tongue to know it is cooked to perfection.”

Our Philosophy

When I opened China Village almost 15 years ago, I wanted to present Chinese cuisine in the way that it is eaten in the best restaurants in China. My philosophy was to authentically represent 2000 years of culinary technique and ultimately to be an Ambassador for my culture and cuisine. At that time, Chinese cuisine in the Bay Area was considered Fast Food.
My goal was to change that perception and offer a more upscale menu using the highest quality ingredients and prepared with time-honored techniques. Although we use local and sustainable market products from theChef John Yao Bay Area and my ingredients are changed to reflect the wonderfully fresh and local products, I adhere rather strictly to the heritage of Szechuan preparation techniques. After 39 years of cooking professionally, it is still my hobby and I am crazy about it.

–Executive Chef/Owner John Yao

  • China Village Seasonal Specials

    January 27, 2014 / Jeff Yao / Specials / No Comments

    Featuring seasonal ingredients and Chef John’s personal suggestion, enhance your dining experience at China Village with our Chef Featured Specials. Take a look at our  Seasonal Special Menu and excite your palate.

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  • Fresh From The Tank Menu Specials

    November 15, 2013 / Jeff Yao / Specials / 2 Comments
    China-village-albany-seafood-specials

    Come in and treat yourself to our current menu specials – fresh from the tank!

    Choose from Lobster with Pan Fried Noodles, Spicy Mala Tofu Dungeness Crab, Sautéed Ginger Scallion Crab, Steamed Whole Fish with Scallions, or Manila Clams in Black Bean Sauce.

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  • China Village review: Spicy path to robust rewards

    September 4, 2013 / Jeff Yao / Press
    West-Style 1000 Pepper Fish Filet

    By Nicholas Boer – Published 4:46 pm, Wednesday, September 4, 2013 Quietly counting the chile peppers in my cumin lamb – “18, 19, 20” – I sensed the table of six behind me resting their chopsticks. “Punishment yields rewards,” a woman says. The host weighs in: “No, the reward comes first.” That reward is the robust flavor of John Yao’s Sichuan […]

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Famous Five Spice Hot and Spicy Pork Shoulder
Changsha Chicken Clay Pot

Pork Pot Sticker
Water Dumpling with Housemade Spicy Sauce

Cucumber Soup with Pork Meatballs
China Village Szechuan Restaurant Albany California Chef John Yao

China Village Szechuan Restaurant Albany California Chef John Yao
China Village Szechuan Restaurant Albany California Chef John Yao
China Village Szechuan Restaurant Albany California banqet area

China Village Szechuan Restaurant artwork Albany California Chef John Yao
China Village Szechuan Restaurant Albany California Chef John Yao
China Village Szechuan Restaurant Albany California Chef John Yao

Chinese Mule China Village Szechuan Restaurant
China Village Szechuan Restaurant artwork Albany California Chef John Yao
Chef John Yao owner of China Village Szechuan Restaurant

Roasted Garlic Pea Shoots
China Village Bloody Mary

© 2023 China Village | Rumspeed
  • About Us
  • Menu
  • Chef Bio
  • Banquets
  • Press
  • Contact