Our go-to’s @ SI west LA:
Smoked pig ears: like pig ear bacon, comes with an addictive chili powder mix on the side. Good share dish.
Juicy steamed chicken in chili sauce: Looks insipid but the chicken and young bamboo shoot are served in a savory broth topped with toasty chili oil. This is a gem.
Boiled fish with rattan pepper: West LA’s version was more nuanced and layered than SISGV’s.
Sliced Kidneys: (cold appetizer) These are delicious. They don’t taste too strongly of “kidney” (if you know what I mean) They’re cut in a way to make them tender and seasoned with Sichuan pepper.