# Cooking Authentic Sichuan Dishes

**Language:** Chinese  
**CEFR Level:** A2  

> Join 子睿 and 语桐 to master the art of cooking authentic Sichuan dishes, one short conversation at a time. Each lesson trains your ear until you can follow every word and answer back.

**Setting:** In a community kitchen in Chengdu's Yulin neighborhood, two food professionals from different cities meet while attending a masterclass on authentic Sichuan home cooking. As they learn the secrets of Sichuan spices and techniques, they share practical tips and compare notes on regional culinary styles.

## Lessons

### 1. Sharing your background and goals

Yutong and Zirui introduce themselves at a cooking class, sharing where they are from and what dishes they hope to learn.

### 2. Explaining your motivations

Zirui explains why he wants to learn Sichuan cooking, and Yutong shares her interest in learning how to cook with Sichuan's famous chilies.

### 3. Comparing different regional cuisines

Yutong and Zirui compare the sweet flavors of Shanghai cuisine with the spicy flavors of Sichuan food while discussing the dishes they will cook today.

### 4. Expressing difficulty and offering encouragement

Yutong expresses her worries about cooking a difficult dish, but Zirui reassures her as they notice the fragrant spices prepared for their class.

### 5. Discussing cooking techniques

Yutong shares her appreciation for the aroma of Sichuan peppercorn, and Zirui explains the crucial role of oil temperature in Sichuan cooking.

### 6. Sharing culinary tips

Zirui explains how heating oil makes chili more fragrant, inspiring Yutong to try this technique in her own restaurant.

### 7. Discussing cooking plans

Yutong and Zirui talk about why people love spicy food, and Zirui shares his plan to prepare three specific dishes today.

### 8. Proposing to share a meal

Yutong suggests exchanging her fish dishes for Zirui's cooking, and they happily agree to share their food over a bowl of rice.

### 9. Politely offering a turn

子睿 and 语桐 prepare to cut the meat and tofu, politely deciding who should start first as their teacher arrives.

### 10. Asking for specific instructions

语桐 asks 子睿 how big to cut the tofu, and they discuss what it means for food to absorb flavor.

### 11. Expressing physical discomfort

While cutting chili peppers, 语桐 gets spicy fumes in her eyes, and 子睿 warns her not to rub them.

### 12. Checking if something is ready

语桐 checks if the pan is hot enough to add the oil, and 子睿 confirms it is ready to go.

### 13. Describing food flavors and aromas

语桐 appreciates the wonderful aroma and sound of the cooking dish, while 子睿 explains the essence of Sichuan cuisine before 语桐 thanks him for his guidance.

### 14. Expressing pleasure in meeting someone

子睿 expresses his delight in meeting 语桐, and they enthusiastically agree to have lunch together and enjoy the food they just prepared.