Yao Yao Menu Overview
Located in the heart of Chicago's Armour Square neighborhood, Yao Yao offers an authentic taste of Szechuan cuisine renowned for its vibrant, bold flavors and fresh ingredients. This Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant is a must-visit for food enthusiasts seeking a dynamic Chinese dining experience with a menu that masterfully balances spice, sourness, and umami.
Starters
Kick off your meal with a selection of tantalizing starters that showcase classic Szechuan spices and textures. Highlights include the tender and flavorful Spicy Chicken, infused with chili peppers, garlic, and Szechuan peppercorns for a mouth-tingling experience. The Garlic Eggplant offers a creamy yet spicy bite, perfectly balancing the softness of eggplant with aromatic garlic and peppercorns. Crispy Chicken Wings come paired with dough twists for a delightful crunch, while Szechuan Wontons drenched in chili oil provide a spicy, garlicky punch. For a refreshing contrast, the Smacked Cucumber Salad and Cucumber with Jellyfish combine cool crispness with chili oil heat and fragrant peppercorns.
Mains
Yao Yao's mains are a celebration of rich Szechuan culinary traditions. The legendary Pickled Fish XL features largemouth bass fillets simmered with pickled mustard greens, chili peppers, and signature Szechuan peppercorns, delivering a robust sour and spicy flavor that’s perfect for sharing. Indulge in the Golden Fried Crispy Pork, where perfectly battered pork slices achieve an irresistible crunch paired with fragrant garlic and chili. The Spiced Beef & Maw Szechuan Style is a classic, packing layers of bold spice and tender beef slices. Vegetarians will appreciate the Eggplant in Garlic Sauce, a soft and creamy dish bursting with chili and peppercorn essence. Adventurous diners can try the Spicy Gluttonous Bullfrog, a unique offering with fragrant spices. Other crowd-pleasers include the Dry Pot Cabbage, stir-fried with garlic and chili for a hearty veggie option, and the Chicken Lo Mein, a comforting bowl of egg noodles, chicken, and vegetables in savory soy sauce.
Rice and Noodles
Complete your meal with flavorful rice and noodle dishes such as the Yao Yao Fried Rice with Preserved Pork, combining savory preserved pork with eggs, vegetables, and soy sauce for a satisfying savory finish. The Shrimp Fried Rice offers plump shrimp mingled with fragrant rice and vegetables, while the Shrimp with Broccoli is a delightful stir-fry blending fresh shrimp, crunchy broccoli, garlic, and ginger.
Desserts and Drinks
After savoring the spicy and savory dishes, indulge in Yao Yao's desserts which offer refreshing and unique flavors to round out your meal. While the menu does not feature alcoholic beverages, the focus remains on delivering authentic Chinese flavors that shine through expertly crafted dishes.
Specialties to Try
- Pickled Fish XL: A generous, spicy dish combining tender largemouth bass and pickled mustard greens with a signature sour kick.
- Spicy Chicken: Tender chicken pieces bursting with heat from chili and fragrant Szechuan peppercorns.
- Garlic Eggplant: A creamy, flavorful vegetable dish with bold garlic and chili notes.
