Prompted by a discussion about Lao Sze Chuan on LTHForum, I was directed to a most amazing weekday lunch special at Spring World at the opposite end of the Chinatown Mall.
The lunch special includes:
- Hot & Sour Soup: A bit unlike other versions, with a much thinner broth (which I liked).
- One choice from Column A, the meat column, from which I chose a serviceable Chicken & Hot Peppers.
- One choice from column B, the veggie column, from which I chose Ma Po Tofu (listed as Tofu Szechuan Style. A very good version with a rich, spicy broth. The tofu was dotted with visible black beans, fresh scallion, and little bits of chilies and ginger. A classic dish prepared well. Delicious.
- A generous mound of steamed rice
- A pot of tea
All of this for the ridiculously low price of $3.95 (+ tax, tip). There are at least a dozen choices in each column. So if you can't find something to eat, you should probably leave Chinatown altogether.
The nice thing about this special is that the two entrees and rice are served in the same large dish which is kinda split into thirds. Near the end of your lunch, you'll have a whole new dish that lives on the invisible dividing line between the two entrees. For me, the Ma Po and the Chicken combined into an interesting new taste.
Thanks to the good people of LTHForum for their tip.
Spring World is located at 2109 S China Pl (NE end of the Chinatown Mall on Archer) 312-326-9966. Metered street parking is possible, or there is the large Chinatown parking lot which is cheap (or free) with validation.