This was my first time returning to China Chilcano “post-pandemic,” but it made me remember why I loved it so much to begin with. They’re currently offering an amazing happy hour Monday through Friday from 4-6PM. It’s called Pisco Hour…because they’re offering various Pisco cocktails + a medley of delicious bites you’ll undoubtedly love.
You may be tempted to grab a beer ($5) or a glass of wine ($6), but I highly suggest getting their pisco punch (SO GOOD) or trying one of their sour variations.
They give you the option of adding a macerado to your sour or Chilcano for an extra $1, and you definitely want to take advantage. I tried their maracuya (passionfruit puree), and it was nothing short of sublime, like I let out an audible “mmMMmmm.”
As for bites, they were generous enough to let me try all 5 dishes. And I can honestly tell you that they were all delicious. So, here’s what’s available:
- Dancing Yucca ($6): yucca fries topped with aji amarillo mayo, kabayaki sauce, and bonito flakes
- Sui Mai Pollo ($5): chicken, scallion, cloud ear mushroom, aji amarillo with black vinegar chicha de jora dipping sauce
- Jam Lu Wantán ($5): crispy shrimp-pork dumpling, hoisin-tamarind sauce, furikake
- Sánguche de Pescado ($6): fish of the day, fried lotus bun, rocoto-ponzu mayo, salsa criolla
- Ji Song Chifero ($10): stir-fry chicken, soy sauce, lettuce cup, crispy sweet potato
It’s hard to pick favorites, but for me, the fried fish bun was the star of the show. Now that means a lot coming from me because I don’t really eat fish. Judge me all you want, but I had a scarring experience back in the day, and I still haven’t recovered fully.
With that said, I devoured the bun whole and contemplated getting another. It was just so perfectly cooked, and the flavors were like a symphony of nomtastic goodness.
The crispy shrimp-pork dumplings were a close second though, and I loved that they came with hoisin dipping sauce. I walked in thinking I’d have a few small bites…but left after eating ALL of said dumplings + much more. Too much more.
I have zero regrets though. I guess my diet can start next week? Anyways, I’m really looking forward to going back and dining there again. If you’re looking for a fab happy hour in the city, China Chilcano is an absolute must. Highly, HIGHLY recommend, and parking actually wasn’t too bad at 4!
For more on food, make sure to browse this tab and follow my second blog, Nomtastic Foods for more content. I didn’t get to post on Monday because I was in NYC, but things should be consistent moving forward now. ALSO, make sure you guys come say hi at the REDEYE night market this Saturday. I’ll be there from start to finish – along with China Chilcano – so come get your grub on!
charming and lovely forever for you and i don’t want to miss together make love.