Spicy Gangster is a Sichuan restaurant that specializes in Chongqing specialty dishes, located in Jing’an district, Shanghai.

Update Nov 2024: Spicy Gangster has moved to K11.

About Spicy Gangster

Spicy Gangster is a Sichuan restaurant in Shanghai specializing in Chongqing delicacies. Photo @ Nomfluence

It used to be on Yanping Lu, but it’s since relocated to Xinzha Lu. It also used to be difficult to book, but now it’s fairly easy to get a table, especially with their new location being slightly bigger.

Spicy Gangster is a Sichuan restaurant in Shanghai specializing in Chongqing delicacies. Photo @ Nomfluence

Some dishes require pre-order, like innards, certain whole fish, and prawns, ingredients that are sourced fresh for the day. Add the service account on WeChat (13166253023) for more details — they’re quick to respond, and will send the entire menu. FYI, they rarely accept walk-ins.

The Food

Those accustomed to Chongqing levels of spice will find Spicy Gangster a treat. Not every dish is fiery, thankfully. They do the classics well, like mapo tofu, yuxiang rousi, and “saliva chicken.” Order your rice from the get-go. You’ll need/want it.

Spicy Gangster is a Sichuan restaurant in Shanghai specializing in Chongqing delicacies. Photo @ Nomfluence

My favorite dish to start off with is the Sliced Pork with Garlic Sauce. Pork belly is boiled with aromatics, then sliced thin, doused with a garlic sauce flavored with soy sauce, black vinegar, and sesame oil. It’s simple and addictive.

Spicy Gangster is a Sichuan restaurant in Shanghai specializing in Chongqing delicacies. Photo @ Nomfluence
Sliced Pork with Garlic Sauce (大刀蒜泥白肉, ¥58)

The Century Egg is a nice little starter, too. The base is a mildly spiced sauce mix with burnt roasted peppers, and it’s topped with silken tofu.

Spicy Gangster is a Sichuan restaurant in Shanghai specializing in Chongqing delicacies. Photo @ Nomfluence
Century Egg (烧椒皮蛋, ¥38)

For sharing dishes, go for the Jiaohu Chicken. A whole chicken is stir-fried with leek, green chilies, dried red chilies, and peppercorns. It’s numb and spicy (7/10) and will have you picking the plate clean. A version with rabbit is also available.

Spicy Gangster is a Sichuan restaurant in Shanghai specializing in Chongqing delicacies. Photo @ Nomfluence
Jiaohu Chicken (椒麻鸡, ¥258)

The Mapo Tofu is fragrant, delicious, and comforting. It’s usually a 7/10, but I think it was closer to 9/10 last I went. Perhaps give them a shout if you’re not willing to tackle that level of intensity.

Spicy Gangster is a Sichuan restaurant in Shanghai specializing in Chongqing delicacies. Photo @ Nomfluence
Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐, ¥48)

I also recommend the Fish in Sour Soup. A whole fish is served in a sour-spicy broth flavored with green peppercorns, pickled yellow chilies, ginger, and garlic.

Spicy Gangster is a Sichuan restaurant in Shanghai specializing in Chongqing delicacies. Photo @ Nomfluence
Fish in Sour Soup (迷踪鱼, ¥268)

Another classic is the Yuxiang Rousi, a dish that has that “fish fragrance” or umami, but doesn’t involve any seafood products. It’s sweet, sour, savory, and only a tiny bit spicy.

Spicy Gangster is a Sichuan restaurant in Shanghai specializing in Chongqing delicacies. Photo @ Nomfluence
Yuxiang Rousi (鱼香肉丝, ¥58)
Spicy Gangster is a Sichuan restaurant in Shanghai specializing in Chongqing delicacies. Photo @ Nomfluence
Plum Juice (酸梅汤, ¥12) – To help with the burn.

I’ve always enjoyed Spicy Gangster. I don’t think it’s much of a hassle to pre-book and pre-order, especially once you have them on WeChat. It’s a solid neighborhood restaurant.


Spicy Gangster 不问江湖
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