Home chefs always look for bold new flavors to drive their passion for cooking. At the same time, a traditional style of Chinese cuisine has been enjoying increased popularity on the global stage. Already massively popular in China, Sichuan (or Szechwan) cuisine has gained mainstream appeal in the United States and other countries for its spicy and authentic flavor.

History and Defining Traits of Sichuan Cuisine

Sometimes called the “Country of Heaven” or the “Land of Abundance,” Sichuan has been known for its unique flavors since ancient times—and there has always been an emphasis on spices. The area’s abundant natural resources have enabled the region to create flavorful banquets throughout history. Still, the modern, interconnected age has carried its unique tastes as far as the average home kitchen.

Sichuan cuisine is defined by the liberal use of spices, primarily chili peppers and garlic. These spices are combined in dishes like Kung Pao chicken, Yuxiang shredded pork, Sichuan-style hot pot, Fuqi Feipian, Dan Dan Mian, and many more. The remarkable sophistication of Sichuan cuisine has even led the province’s capital city, Chengdu, to be recognized by UNESCO as a city of gastronomy in 2011.

An Already Popular Set of Spices

Many home cooks may not even know they are using traditional Sichuan spices to prepare their meals, as the region’s most popular ingredients have already gained mainstream appeal. These include many flavorful hot pot bases, chili crisp, and mala seasonings, to name a few. What might be called the “Sichuan Flavor Boom” has spread globally, introducing a newfound variety to home kitchens.

Chef-Driven Sichuan Brands

At the same time, a notable trend of chef-driven brands has begun to make the most authentic Sichuan flavors more accessible. Numerous popular chefs specializing in Sichuan cuisine have designed brands that keep home kitchens informed on the many uses of Sichuan flavors and the traditional dishes that make them shine. A chef-driven brand is likelier to consider authentic quality first, making their products especially popular.

A leader in this movement, Fly By Jing is a brand known for providing chef-crafted, high-quality Sichuan pantry staples. Their products bring authentic heat and depth to everyday meals. This year, Fly By Jing launched their Year of the Snake set, which features four chili crisp flavors, a vegan Fire Hot Pot base, and a Chili Crisp Vinaigrette.

“Fly By Jing’s new Lunar New Year set brings the best of Sichuan flavors to home kitchens, making it easy to elevate any meal,” said Amy Watsky of Fly By Jing.

A New Mainstay of Western Kitchens

The Lunar New Year’s celebrations of food and tradition have proven to be a perfect time to enjoy the flavors of Sichuan cuisine. As home cooks experiment with heat, spice, and umami during festivities or in their regular meals, Sichuan flavors have begun to find a permanent place in Western home kitchens.

The spread of global cuisine has witnessed the dramatic rise of Sichuan-style cooking on the world stage, and for good reason. The bold spices and unique flavors don’t just make for enjoyable, traditional restaurant dishes—Sichuan cuisine’s taste can be translated to everyday meals with remarkable ease. This is a big reason why Sichuan cuisine has become so popular.

A Chance to Experiment With Bold New Flavors

For home cooks who have held off on trying new and exciting flavors from around the world, Sichuan spices might be just the thing to make a change. Experimenting with new flavors enhances any home kitchen, and one of the most popular of recent years is a good place to start.