Specials heat up at this Chinese eatery

Canton Crispy Chicken ($4.99 half a chicken, with purchase of one regular-priced entree) FILE PHOTO

Canton Seafood Restaurant always has been known, of course, for its Chinese cuisine from the Canton region. But now, it’s expanding to include other locales, namely the Sichuan region, which is known for its spicier foods.

“A lot of people like spicy food,” says manager He Gong. “And there are benefits to spicy foods.”

Indeed, studies have shown that consuming spicy foods can be associated with weight loss, lowering risk for cardiovascular disease and even helping you live longer.

New additions to Canton’s menu include Poached Beef in Hot Sichuan Chili ($13.99), which features sliced beef marinated in Canton Seafood signature sauces (the specifics of which remain a restaurant secret).

“The beef is very tender,” explains Gong.

Poached Beef in Hot Sichuan Chili ($13.99)ANTHONY CONSILLIO PHOTOS

Then it’s put into a hot chili sauce with cabbage and garnished with sesame oil, peppers, garlic, parsley, green onion and a black bean sauce.

If you prefer seafood, there’s Poached Fish Fillet in Hot Sichuan Chili ($13.99), which highlights sea bass in the hot chili sauce with all of the same garnishes.

“People just love these dishes,” Gong says. “We just introduced them last month, and they’re very popular. We’ve had people from Sichuan tell us they are exactly the same as in Sichuan.”

Poached Fish Fillet in Hot Sichuan Chili ($13.99)

If you don’t like it hot, the restaurant also can prepare these dishes with a more mild heat level.

If you’re looking to try these dishes, get in there soon — the $13.99 price is a spring special that only lasts through the end of the month. Regular price is $15.99.

If you prefer Canton’s classics, those still are all there, too, including its popular Canton Crispy Chicken. The chicken is just $4.99 for half a chicken, with the order of one entrée. Regular price is $12.99. “The skin is crispy, but inside it’s very juicy,” Gong says.

Canton Seafood Restaurant

923 Keeaumoku St., Honolulu
955-3388
Daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.