Sichuan cuisine is often known for its fiery heat and tongue-numbing mala intensity, but the Sichuan-themed buffet pop-up at Beach Road Kitchen surprised me in the best way possible. 

Instead of relying purely on spice, the dishes here delivered depth, aroma, and layered flavours that made every bite incredibly addictive.

Sichuan Buffet Pop-Up

Running from now till 30 June 2026 at Beach Road Kitchen in JW Marriott Singapore South Beach, this limited-time collaboration is curated by Executive Chef Mike Li from The St. Regis Chengdu. 

With over 20 years of culinary experience and Chongqing roots, Chef Li brings authentic Sichuan flavours to Singapore while keeping the dishes approachable even for diners with lower spice tolerance.

A Sichuan Buffet That Balances Heat and Flavour

As someone who cannot handle extreme spice very well, I was honestly impressed by how balanced the dishes were. Many spicy meals tend to feel one-dimensional after a while, but the dishes here were bold without overwhelming the palate.

The mala heat was definitely present, but it came with layers of smokiness, savouriness, fragrance, and richness that kept me going back for more.

My Favourite Dish: Braised Beef with Chili and Sichuan Peppercorn

The standout dish for me was easily the Braised Beef with Chili and Sichuan Peppercorn.

The beef was crispy on the outside yet tender inside, coated in fragrant spices and numbing peppercorns that delivered that addictive mala kick Sichuan cuisine is famous for. It had just enough heat to excite the palate without becoming unbearable.

Definitely one of those dishes where you tell yourself “just one more piece” repeatedly.

Other Highlights From the Buffet

Chilled Chicken in Chilli Oil

A classic Sichuan appetiser with fragrant chilli oil that slowly builds in heat. Refreshing yet surprisingly punchy.

Boiled Beef with Chopped Seared Pepper Sauce

Rich, savoury, and deeply aromatic with a smoky pepper finish that lingers pleasantly.

Signature Seafood on Ice with Artisanal Sichuan Dipping Sauce

One of the more unique pairings at the buffet. The custom Sichuan-style dipping sauce added a spicy, tangy twist to the fresh seafood.

Hot and Sour Seafood Chowder

Comforting and hearty with a sharp, peppery finish that wakes up the palate.

Kung Pao Shrimp with Cashew Nuts

Sweet, spicy, crunchy, and very easy to keep eating.

Sichuan Dan Dan Noodles

Rich, nutty, savoury, and properly addictive. One of the must-try staples at the buffet.

Charcoal-Grilled Sichuan Spiced Chicken & Pork Skewers

Smoky, juicy, and dangerously snackable. Perfect with the bold spice rub.

Even the Desserts Had a Mala Twist

The buffet continues the Sichuan theme all the way to dessert.

The Mala Choux Puff and Sichuan Spiced Soft Chocolate ended the meal with a subtle lingering heat that was surprisingly enjoyable instead of overpowering. It was a creative way to close off such a flavour-packed dinner.

Sichuan Dumpling Wrapping Workshop

I was invited to join Chef Mike Li’s hands-on Sichuan Dumpling Wrapping Workshop. It was interactive, fun, and gave a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind traditional Sichuan cooking.

TL;DR

The Sichuan-themed buffet pop-up at JW Marriott Singapore South Beach delivers bold yet balanced Sichuan flavours curated by Chef Mike Li from The St. Regis Chengdu. 

Despite the spice-forward menu, the dishes are flavourful and approachable even for those with lower spice tolerance. Standout dishes include the Braised Beef with Chili and Sichuan Peppercorn, Dan Dan Noodles, and Sichuan-spiced skewers, with creative mala-inspired desserts rounding off the experience. Available at Beach Road Kitchen till 30 June 2026.

This was one of the more memorable themed buffets I’ve had recently. Authentic Sichuan flavours that remain approachable, flavourful, and incredibly addictive without going overboard on spice.

Buffet Details

Pricing

• Monday to Friday: $78++/ adult; $39++/ child
• Saturday & Sunday: $88++/ adult; $44++/ child

Dinner

• Monday to Friday: $98++/ adult; $49++/ child
• Saturday & Sunday: $108++/ adult; $54++/ child

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dinners.