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Dining Out: CHILI Brings Bold Sichuan Flavors to Midtown
June 17, 2025, 2:35.35 pm ET

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In the heart of Midtown Manhattan, CHILI (13 East 37th St) is redefining Chinese dining in NYC with a bold tribute to 1930s Sichuan. Hailed as one of the world’s best restaurants by Chef Sean Sherman in Condé Nast Traveler, this richly atmospheric spot—from Miki Niu and the late Joe Tsou (Meili, Wonderland Bar)—channels vintage elegance through tiffany lamps, retro posters, and a cinematic nod to In the Mood for Love. At the helm is Michelin-starred Executive Chef Peter He, who brings the flavors of his hometown Chengdu to life with vibrant dishes built on fragrant peppercorns, silky chili oil, and carefully layered spice.


Tea Smoked Duck with Crispy Rice

Chef He’s menu strikes a confident balance of tradition and innovation. Standouts include the Jellyfish Salad with celtuce and sweet-sour chili oil, Egg Yolk Buns with butter and sugar, and the fiery Red Style Chungking Braised Fish Stew with sole, tofu, and vermicelli. The cocktail list, dreamt up by Tsou, matches the drama with theatrical pours like the Bubble Dream—vodka and rose water beneath a smoke bubble—and the Chrysanthemum Pavilion with saffron liqueur and chrysanthemum tea. At CHILI, every bite and sip tells a story, inviting guests to taste the depth of Sichuan culture with unmatched style.
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