Open Su-Th 11AM - 10PM, F-Sa 11AM - 11PM
(609) 890-7600 Website Google Maps
Gravitas: 
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For the most part, Chinese restaurants in Trenton and immediate neighbors are pretty dreary. They serve standard “Szechuan” menus, that are really American adaptations of Chinese cooking, often bearing little resemblance to the original. From the outside, Szechuan House looks like a pretty standard suburban Chinese restauarant, and at first glance, so does the menu. All of the standard Americanized items like Wonton Soup, General Tso’s Chicken and Chicken with Cashews can be found.
But look a little closer, and you’ll see a number of items that you never see on a “standard ” menu. Some frankly, sound pretty disgusting: Julienne Jellyfish, Pork Stomach with Chinese Pickle Soup, Sea Cucumber, Fish Head soup. But my rule is that if you don’t find at least a half dozen things that sound disgusting on a Chinese menu, you’re going to the wrong restaurant.
As it turns out, there’s plenty on the menu that’s both authentic and delicious.
At $18.95, the “Tea Smoke Duck” is reasonably priced, and delicious: it’s a whole, smoked duck, chopped into segments. There’s a number of great seafood dishes, including a Fresh Squid dish with Chinese Celery that’s artfully prepared. And many exotic sounding Szechuan delicacies, a few of which I’ve tried, and a bunch of which I can’t wait to sample. If you’re in the mood for something truly exotic, ask your host if there are any specials not on the menu. For example, they intermittently serve Frog.
The owners are gracious hosts…even funny; the service is attentive and the decor is perfectly pleasant. While you can take out, there’s no reason not to eat in. It’s BYOB.
Word is that the restaurant is filled with Chinese families on the weekends, complete with children running around and making noise. Anglos are advised to come during the week.
Szechuan House is one of a handful of restaurants we rate 5-hearts (gravitas).
What do you mean Anglos? Only white people can go?
I suppose you’re suggesting that the term “Anglo” is exclusionary, which I hadn’t thought about when I wrote it, and I suppose is correct. Still, this website celebrates diversity and inclusion, consistently and comprehensively. You can interpret “Anglo” in this context as shorthand for anyone who doesn’t want to dine with a bunch of noisy families.
Good to know! While we know it isn’t a Retro Roadmap type thing, Retro Roadhubs and I do love some authentic sichuan Chinese, and sometimes it’s the perfect flavorful pick me up after so much roadfood. Putting a pin in our map to check this out on our next jaunt – thanks for the tip!
Just wanted to add that they also have a plethora of vegetarian and vegan options. I had probably the best eggplant dish in my life there, and there are dozens of choices. Since most vegetarian Chinese food is also vegan (they don’t use a lot of dairy so eggs are all you have to watch out for), this is also vegan-friendly.
Ma Po Tufo, Boiled beef in hot oil, Sauted snowpea leaves, Chongqing Spicy Chicken are all amazing!
The food is great except for the wonton soup; very chewy. However, the pan-fried vegetable wontons are outstanding! The reviewer’s comment about the restaurant being filled with Chinese families is also accurate, which I find to be a good advertisement for the food.
We’ve been there three times now, and they serve beer. It’s the best Chinese food we’ve had outside of SF.
This place is fantastic. I have been hunting for a quality Chinese restaurant in the Trenton area and I’ve finally found it! The food is superb and reasonably priced. The attractive decor makes dining in relaxing and pleasant. The service is also impeccable. Be aware that when they tell you a dish is spicy, they mean it! Would be great for groups, bring a couple bottles of wine and enjoy!