“Chinese Restaurant Lao-Tao” in Esaka

For today’s lunch I went to “Chinese Restaurant Lao-Tao”, a spot for Chinese cuisine in Esaka.
This widely popular restaurant draws diners from local and far off areas. I went there, thinking about eating an authentic mapo tofu.
For lunch I had a wallet-friendly combo and meal, but mapo tofu is only available a la carte, so I ordered it along with a rice set.
MAPO TOFU (¥1,200), extra spice (¥200), rice set (¥250).

The plate is piled high into a monstrous size that might be better eaten as a group than on your own!

First I’ll just go ahead and take a bite…

(ﾟДﾟ)Yummy!(ﾟДﾟ)Yummy!

It’s soooo good!!
A strong numbing feeling begins to take over your mouth!
The intense spice from the Sichuan pepper, paired with a little salt was ridiculous!
There’s no doubt, this surpasses the Mapo Tofu I’ve ever had else. If you’re into this type of food you’re about to get hooked.

Putting it on the rice…

(ﾟДﾟ)Yummy!(ﾟДﾟ)Yummy!

…and it’s sooo good!!
This inside of your mouth is so spicey and good that you almost can’t notice when you eat rice. Either way, it’s delicious.

The lunch menu has a line up of items that come at a great price.
You can order different dishes separately and share them around, or enjoy the wonderful rice set like me!

Located very conveniently and just out of Esaki Station, this spot had every table seat booked up, and just a few spots left by the counter!
This place is really a hit~!
I get the feelings that every dish on their menu is very high-end!
I plan to come back and try some other dishes.