Sichuan Impression excels in Sichuan cuisine, and its impressive menu has been recognized by Michelin and the LA Times. In fact, this year, it was included on the Michelin Guide for the fifth consecutive year. It stands out even against the rich cultural backdrop in the San Gabriel Valley, which has earned it the title of Restaurant of the Year at the Alhambra Chamber’s 2024 President’s Awards.
AA: Tell me about yourself and Sichuan Impression.
Kelly: I’m Kelly, the co-founder of Sichuan Impression. Together with my partner Lynn, who comes from a long family tradition in the culinary world, we started Sichuan Impression ten years ago. We now have three locations in Alhambra, Tustin, and West LA. Both of us are from Chengdu, Sichuan, known as the culinary capital of China. The Chinese name for Sichuan Impression is “锦城里 (Jin Cheng Li),” which comes from Chengdu’s nickname “锦官城 (Jin Guan Cheng).” Our goal has always been to elevate traditional Sichuan cuisine by sourcing high-quality ingredients while maintaining its authentic flavor. We blend traditional snacks, classic Sichuan dishes, regional specialties, and modern innovations to offer our customers a unique and flavorful culinary journey. We’re deeply honored to have been recognized by the Michelin Guide, the LA Times’ 101 Best Restaurants in LA, and most recently, Alhambra Chamber’s 2024 “Restaurant of the Year” award.
AA: Why did you choose Alhambra?
Kelly: Alhambra has long been a hub for Chinese cuisine, with a large Asian community that is very receptive to our food. Ten years ago, we opened our first location on Valley Blvd in Alhambra, and it turned out to be the perfect place to begin our journey. When we considered opening a new location, Alhambra was our natural choice again because the spirit of this city aligns so well with the identity of our restaurant. We’ve always felt fortunate to be part of this community.
AA: How do you feel about being Restaurant of the Year?
Kelly: We’ve been members of the Alhambra Chamber for several years, and during that time, we’ve received so much valuable information and support, especially during the renovation of our new location. Through various Chamber events and promotions, we’ve been able to attract more local customers and gain their loyalty. It’s a tremendous honor to be named “Restaurant of the Year” in a city with such a rich culinary scene. This recognition truly reflects the love and support we’ve received from the Alhambra community.
AA: What else would you like people to know about your business?
Kelly: In addition to our dine-in and individual take-out services, we also offer catering for corporate and private events. We provide free, convenient party trays for large orders, and we’re open to participating in special corporate events. We’ve catered for organizations like Caltech and have provided food for a 300-person LACDA Wellness/Benefits Event on September 26th. We’re always happy to get involved in more community events and contribute in any way we can. Feel free to contact us for more information!
