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Szechuan

/ˈsɛtʃ.wɑːn/ Chinese Origin Food & Drink

Original Word

四川

Mandarin (Sìchuān)

Entered English

19th century

First recorded usage in English

The Story Behind "Szechuan"

From Mandarin 'Sìchuān' (四川), literally 'four rivers', a province in southwestern China known for its spicy cuisine. The name has become synonymous with a style of hot and numbing cooking.

Example Usage

"The Szechuan peppercorns give the dish its distinctive numbing heat."

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