A bit of spice is always nice and a little more is even better. Red Almond from the trend-setting Aqua Group brings spicy Sichuan to the heart of Causeway Bay at the newly opened Hysan Place.

It serves traditional Sichuan cuisine with its signature "ma-la" flavors, and tongue-numbing heat is what many fans look forward to. The thinly cut pork belly with parsley and scallion is not ma-la and is a good order to help balance the meal. The spicy grilled meat on sticks (chicken, beef, and lamb) are all tender, tasty, and definitely ma-la. The soft tofu with sour and spicy sauce made with silky tofu has a chili sauce spicy enough to make it very interesting. Donna Mah

Red Almond, 1402 Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. 852-2155-2872