とんちゃん
In March 2020, during my visit back to Sapporo, I went around trying out different restaurants. I found a Chinese restaurant on the first floor of a building with a sign for Mapo Tofu, so it must be a Chinese restaurant. The sign was handwritten, indicating that it was probably run by a Chinese person. As I entered the restaurant, I was greeted by a Chinese lady saying "Welcome!" so I responded with "你好" (hello in Chinese). The restaurant had counter seats, small tables for two, and even a tatami room at the back. It was a popular spot with a good number of customers. The walls were lined with liquor bottles, creating a lively izakaya atmosphere. Smoking was allowed, which may not be ideal for non-smokers. The lunch menu featured a dish called "Panda Set Meal" which seemed like a playful name. Despite the name, the set meal was quite substantial, offering a choice of six Chinese dishes including Mapo Tofu and Sweet and Sour Pork. The price was reasonable at 750 yen. I decided to go with the Panda Set Meal with Sweet and Sour Pork. The set meal included Sweet and Sour Pork, rice, soup, pickles, and salad. The main dish, Sweet and Sour Pork, was a stir-fry of cabbage and pork belly in a sweet and savory sauce. It had a Japanese twist to it, which may not be what you expect from Sichuan cuisine. The portion of rice was generous and the side dishes like salad, soup, and pickles were also ample. The pickles were spicy and delicious, adding a nice kick to the meal. Overall, the food was tasty and the cost performance was good, making it a popular spot. I later found out that it was known for its delicious Sichuan cuisine. I look forward to trying their Mapo Tofu next time, although the only downside might be the cigarette smoke. Thank you for the meal.