China Star - Authentic Chinese Szechuan Cuisine

China Star
9600 Main St # G
Fairfax, VA 22031-3798
www.chinastarfood.com

Exterior of Restaurant

China Star is one of my favorite chinese restaurants.  This is not just any chinese restaurant though.  It is Szechuan style, meaning it's spicy!  If you like heat this is the place to go!  They serve up authentic chinese dishes, but also have the typical americanized dishes like "Happy Family" or fried rice.

Mapo Tofu

We usually get mapo tofu and scallion fried fish.  The mapo tofu is wonderful and just out of this world!  It is a tofu based dish with a fiery sauce with bits of ground pork.  You can see the chili oil glistening on the top.  Sometimes the mapo tofu may seem a little salty but it pairs perfectly with the white rice.  Although uncomfirmed, I'm also positive that the tofu is homemade.  The tofu has such a soft and silky texture that I've yet to find in a regular asian market.  I once tried the mapo tofu at Hong Kong Palace in Falls Church because it is also supposed to be a Szechuan style restaurant but it really had nothing at all on China Star.  We've also tried several other items on the menu including the sparerib with tofu and seaweed soup, crabmeat with asparagus chowder, and lamb in sizzling pot.  They were ok but not our favorites.

Scallion Fried Fish

We first discovered the scallion fried fish by asking the waiter for a recommended fish dish.  The fish is battered and deep fried and is garnished with chili peppers, cilantro, watercress.  I think there is tumeric in the batter to give it that slightly yellow color.  The fish is a little spicy with a nice crust.   We tried to emulate this dish using a catfish that we caught at Burke Lake.  The dish was pretty close, but I think we should leave it to the pros.

The verdict?  Definitely, definitely, definitely if you're in Fairfax come try China Star!  Heck, even if you're not in Fairfax drive over here to eat.  You won't be disappointed!