There’s a new flavor in town, and it’s just what Savannah’s been missing.
Reviews indicate that this “top-notch,” “elevated” Chinese fare “rivals what you would find in bigger cities” like New York. Why? Because E-Tang was founded by a group of chefs who worked for many years in Manhattan and Flushing — the most famous Chinatowns in the world. In 2021, they relocated down south to bring the spicy, aromatic bliss of Sichuan cuisine to Savannah.
So what is Sichuan (sounds like si-shwaan) food? It originates from China’s Sichuan Province, Chengdu. The city received the honor of UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2011. Its key flavor is the intense and fragrant Sichuan pepper, and other commonly used spices include garlic, chili peppers, ginger and star anise. While it’s generally considered quite spicy, “we serve a lot of non-spicy food as well,” says Owner David Xin. “And you can order our menu items at different levels of heat.” If you’re not sure just how spicy to go, E-Tang’s staff is well qualified to help guide your decision.
“We train our staff for a long time, and we cook for them every day before opening. They have all tasted every dish, so they know exactly what each one looks like and tastes like,” David adds. Popular dishes include their Twice Cooked Pork Belly with garlic leaf and green pepper, Crispy Duck, the Fish Fillet with tofu in spicy sauce, Griddle Cooked Beef with Mixed Veggies and the Crispy Spicy Chicken, lightly fried and bejeweled with red chili peppers, green onions and sesame oil. Bonus: dumplings are handmade each day right there in the restaurant!
Aglow with traditional Chinese lanterns and paper umbrella lamps, E-Tang’s tasteful and spacious interior is the perfect place to settle into a comfy booth and enjoy some of the world’s most celebrated dishes.
The restaurant’s decor features layered reds, intricate screens and decorative walls. It references the Tang Dynasty’s Imperial Palace. This era was the beating heart of a “golden age” historians consider the height of Chinese civilization. It’s beautiful.
It’s also conveniently located right next door to the Savannah Scene office on Oglethorpe and open for lunch and dinner every day from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. “We’re here to bring the best, most authentic flavors to Savannah’s Historic District,” says David. “We’re serious about quality, and we really care about the customer experience.”
So, are you ready to give your tastebuds the kick they’ve been waiting for? Get thee to E-Tang!
By Dani Ray
E-Tang
513 Oglethorpe Ave #H
(912) 335-1993
www.etangfood.com
