Fodor's Expert Review Asia Cafe

This no-frills favorite of off-duty chefs keeps its diehard Sichuan fans satisfied. The unassuming strip mall location in far northwest Austin might look rundown, but the order-at-the-counter joint serves up reliably authentic specialties, like the palate-tingling Asia Eggplant and the Chicken Delight (kou shui ji, bone-in, chilled chicken slices in a spicy sauce). Sichuan peppercorns and fiery red oil are used liberally, so be prepared. Take-out is available.