Photo by Neidy Gutierrez / SOC Images.
Grove Street in Downtown Jersey City is known for its eateries.
From homegrown restaurants to mainstream chain stores, there’s an abundance of places to choose from. But if you slip away from the Newark Pedestrian Plaza and walk towards Bay Street, you’ll find Grand Sichuan on 342 Grove Street, a restaurant that’s over 30-years-old, and whose story began in China.
Jane and Lex, the owners of Grand Sichuan, are continuing the legacy of serving authentic Sichuan dishes and are now mixing in the taste of Spice Spirit, a staple eatery whose home is in Beijing, China. Jane told Slice of Culture that alongside her husband, who was Spice Spirit’s executive chef, they can continue bringing flavors of Chinese culture home to the New Jersey community.
“Food is a core part of culture,” Jane said. “By serving authentic Sichuan dishes and decorating our restaurant with Chinese design elements, we allow local customers to experience Chinese culture without leaving New Jersey.”
大四川*麻辣诱惑出品 – Grand Sichuan x Spice Spirit
The name “Grand Sichuan 大四川” represents the variety of authentic Sichuan dishes to choose from—like ChongQing Noodle with Mince Pork 豌豆肉酱重庆小面 and Chengdu Dan Dan Noodle 成都担担面—but the deeper meaning is the idea of “inclusiveness and diversity,” similar to a Chinese saying, “the sea accepts all rivers,” according to Jane.
For “Spice Spirit 麻辣诱惑出品” it literally translates to “spicy temptation.” Spice Spirit was originally started in 1998 in Beijing, China and became known for its crawfish, which was previously ranked as No. 1 in the city. Lex, a native of Chongqing, China, worked at Spice Spirit for over 15 years before stepping into the role of executive chef, where he helped serve other signature dishes like spicy frog 自贡仔姜田鸡.
Jane earned an MBA from New York University and worked in multiple industries like healthcare, education and real estate. After marrying Lex, she wanted to work with him, and opening a restaurant became a “natural choice.”
The couple has been working on offering even more than their expansive menu including:
- Mapo tofu 麻婆豆腐
- Mountain Spicy Chicken 哥乐山辣子鸡
- Dry Pot Pig Intestines 干锅肥肠
For their signature and traditional dishes, they said they stay authentic with the flavors. With their American-Chinese food, they adjust flavors to locals’ taste. Some American-Chinese items include General Tso’s Chicken 左宗鸡 and Pork Fried Dumpling 猪肉锅贴.
They source locally for their fresh ingredients and many of their spices are imported directly from Sichuan. Their crawfish, however, are air-shipped from Louisiana.
Grand Sichuan has long been named one of the best restaurants in New Jersey, by publications like NJ.com and EATER NY, but the experience can be seen beyond their “great ambiance” and “delicious” meals.
Walking in, you’re greeted with a smile and welcoming hand. Red adorns the walls, which are decorated with framed sceneries, traditional Chinese lettering and small revered animals that are meant to exuberate good luck.
In the back of the restaurant, you get a peek into the kitchen chefs’ world. Then out comes an embellished dish that holds a mixture of bold and intricate flavors, dropping you into the roots of Chinese culture. The restaurant’s team—which consists of local Chinese and Mexican staff who are bilingual—encourages you to enjoy the experience.
Their New Chapter
Jane also told Slice of Culture that along with staying true to their authentic flavors, they will also continue to embrace being locals’ “go-to kitchen” thanks to their prices, environment and service.
Grand Sichuan also sponsors local organizations and participates in Chinese and American seasonal promotions. On Oct. 6, in celebration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, customers who dine-in will receive a free labubu moon cake.
You can visit their restaurant from Monday to Friday between 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. plus Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. You can also check out their New Jersey location for Spice Spirit at 88 Watchung Avenue in North Plainfield.
