There is spicy food—and then there is the kind of restaurant where the chili peppers are part of the attraction.

Spicy Chinese Kitchen at 1585 Sepulveda Boulevard specializes in bold Hunan and Sichuan-style cooking, with a menu built around chilies, peppercorns, stir-fries and large dishes meant to land in the middle of the table. The restaurant highlights grilled fish, sautéed spicy beef and chili-covered fish dishes among its specialties.

One of the biggest menu centerpieces is the grilled fish, served with a substantial assortment of side ingredients soaking in the spicy broth. Another is Chengdu-style roast duck, while Hunan-style free-range chicken and house stir-fried beef offer plenty of heat without ordering an entire fish.

There are less intimidating choices, too—fried rice, noodles, vegetables and familiar chicken dishes—so the person at the table who doesn't consider sweating part of dinner still has options.

But spice is clearly the point here.

The restaurant’s own description promises “authentic Sichuan spicy cuisine,” and this is one Torrance stop where ordering something labeled spicy probably deserves to be taken seriously.

Bring friends. Order rice. And maybe don't make your first bite the biggest one.

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