PETALING JAYA, Feb 20 — At the SS2 area, there seems to be an influx of Chinese influenced eateries. One of them is Lucky Pot that serves a mix of Hunan and Sichuan dishes. It also has a branch at Kepong.

Getting a table at this popular place can be risky if you walk in during dinner time so book ahead. Aim for a late dinner, say about 8pm or more, as things are less hectic.

If you didn't make a booking, you can try to queue for a table.

If you're a large group, there are various dishes ideal for sharing. There's fried fish served in a pot with broth kept warm over a stove that can be shared. If you prefer poached fish, opt for the paper wrapped version as it is served with a choice of different flavours.

You can also have the classic Sichuan boiled fish here where smooth fish slices are poached in a broth that is spicy and addictive. The restaurant also offers their own boiled fish version with pumpkin and sauerkraut soup.

For smaller groups, go for their popular eats like the La Zi Ji or Spicy Chicken. It's a fiery combination of deep fried chicken cubes, tossed with an abundance of dried Sichuan peppers, peanuts, onions and Sichuan peppercorns.

You won't be able to stop eating this dish also known as mala chicken as it's tasty with a slight numbing sensation to your tongue.

I liked how this version used boneless chicken as other places tend to use bone-in pieces that makes it a little messier to eat. Each piece of chicken in the dish was perfectly crispy too. The small portion of this dish is RM45, while a large portion is RM68.

Another recommended dish is their Cumin Lamb. You have pieces of seared lamb coated with cumin spice that gives it a bold flavour. Balance it out with the sliced onions it is served with.

The meat is tender and delicious, making it another addictive dish. A small portion is RM40. For bigger groups, go for the large portion for RM65.

If you go through the reviews on Google, everyone raves about the Delicious Beijing Cabbage (RM20 for a small portion and RM35 for a large one). It's a simple dish but elevated by loads of lard croutons to give it a flavour boost.

The menu also has non-spicy dishes, if you wish to balance out the heat levels for your meal. A good option is the Minced Meat Homemade Tofu (RM20 for a small portion). The soft, creamy beancurd is topped with stir fried minced pork that offers comfort from the numbing flavours.

You also have various BBQ meat and vegetable skewers too, which is good with beer.

There's also an opportunity to play a lucky draw to win a chance to get free BBQ lamb skewers on your next visit. You will need to like their Facebook page to qualify for the draw.

Overall, the place definitely delivers dishes that are packed with flavour. Service is fast and efficient too. It definitely warrants another visit to try the rest of their vast menu.

Lucky Pot, No 185, Jalan SS224 (next to Uncle Don's), Petaling Jaya. Open: 12pm to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm. Tel:019-5768749. Facebook: @ss2luckypot

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