Du Xiao Yue in Fremont stands as a vibrant testament to the rich culinary traditions of Sichuan cuisine, bringing bold flavors and authentic dishes right to the heart of the Bay Area. Known for its fiery, numbing spices and expertly balanced seasoning, the menu at Du Xiao Yue offers an expansive range of options that cater to both adventurous food lovers and those seeking comforting, familiar tastes.
Whether you are a fan of classic hot pots, tantalizing street food inspired appetizers, or indulgent noodle dishes, the Fremont location delivers an immersive dining experience that captures the essence of Sichuan’s gastronomic heritage.
Dining at Du Xiao Yue is more than just a meal; it’s an exploration of textures, aromas, and the interplay of heat and savory depth. The menu is thoughtfully curated to highlight signature dishes alongside innovative preparations, ensuring each visit uncovers new flavors.
From the delicate balance of spicy and sour in their soups to the bold, aromatic punch of stir-fried specialties, the Fremont menu encapsulates the diversity of Sichuan’s culinary landscape.
With an emphasis on freshness and authenticity, Du Xiao Yue sources quality ingredients and embraces traditional cooking methods that have been passed down through generations. This commitment to excellence resonates in every bite, making it a must-visit destination for anyone eager to experience the true taste of Sichuan in Northern California.
Appetizers and Small Plates
The appetizer section at Du Xiao Yue Fremont sets the tone for the meal with an array of small plates that showcase the vibrant flavors characteristic of Sichuan cuisine. These starters are designed to awaken the palate, combining textures from crispy to tender and tastes from spicy to tangy.
Popular selections include the Spicy Cumin Lamb Skewers, a perfect blend of aromatic cumin and chili that delivers a mouthwatering kick. Another favorite is the Cold Numbing Chicken, featuring tender chicken pieces tossed in a piquant sauce with Sichuan peppercorns, creating a distinctive numbing sensation that is both refreshing and addictive.
For those seeking a lighter option, the Pickled Vegetable Salad offers a crisp, tangy contrast, balancing the heat with its subtle sourness. The appetizers here are not just starters; they are a journey into the heart of Sichuan’s complex flavor profile.
Signature Starters
- Spicy Cumin Lamb Skewers: Grilled lamb marinated in cumin and chili for a smoky, spicy bite.
- Cold Numbing Chicken: Shredded chicken served cold with Sichuan pepper sauce, delivering a unique tingle.
- Pickled Vegetable Salad: Assorted pickled veggies offering a refreshing tartness.
- Dan Dan Noodles Appetizer: Mini portion of the classic spicy noodle dish, rich in sesame and chili oil.
“The appetizers at Du Xiao Yue are a masterclass in balancing spice and texture, each bite a perfect introduction to Sichuan’s bold flavors.”
Hot Pot Experience
The hot pot offerings at Du Xiao Yue Fremont are a cornerstone of their menu, inviting diners to engage in a communal and interactive style of dining. Hot pot represents a cultural ritual as much as a meal, where fresh ingredients are cooked tableside in bubbling, flavorful broth.
Du Xiao Yue provides a variety of broth bases, including the classic Spicy Sichuan Broth infused with chili peppers and peppercorns, and a milder Herbal Mushroom Broth for those preferring less heat. The flexibility allows guests to tailor their hot pot experience according to their spice tolerance and flavor preferences.
The menu offers an extensive selection of ingredients to cook, from thinly sliced meats like beef and lamb to fresh seafood, tofu, and a vibrant array of vegetables. This variety ensures both meat lovers and vegetarians can enjoy the rich diversity of the hot pot.
Broth Options and Ingredients
| Broth Type | Flavor Profile | Recommended For |
| Spicy Sichuan Broth | Fiery, numbing, aromatic | Spice enthusiasts |
| Herbal Mushroom Broth | Mild, earthy, fragrant | Light eaters and vegetarians |
| Tomato Broth | Tangy, slightly sweet | Those seeking a refreshing, non-spicy base |
- Thinly sliced beef and lamb
- Fresh shrimp and fish balls
- Assorted mushrooms and leafy greens
- Tofu varieties and noodles
“Hot pot at Du Xiao Yue is not just a meal; it’s a social experience that brings friends and family together through shared flavors and cooking.”
Noodle Selections
Noodle dishes at Du Xiao Yue Fremont offer a comforting yet exciting array of options that highlight the versatility of Sichuan cuisine. Noodles serve as a canvas for rich sauces, bold spices, and fresh ingredients, making them a staple on the menu.
The famous Dan Dan Noodles are a must-try, featuring a spicy, sesame-based sauce topped with minced pork and scallions. This dish perfectly combines heat, savory depth, and a touch of sweetness, creating a memorable flavor profile.
Other noodle options include the Cold Sesame Noodles, which provide a refreshing alternative on warmer days with their creamy, nutty dressing. For heartier appetites, the Sichuan Beef Noodle Soup pairs tender beef with hand-pulled noodles in a fragrant, spicy broth.
Popular Noodle Dishes
- Dan Dan Noodles: Spicy, savory, and nutty with minced pork.
- Cold Sesame Noodles: Creamy, cool, and slightly sweet.
- Sichuan Beef Noodle Soup: Hearty broth with tender beef and fresh noodles.
- Chongqing Spicy Noodles: Extra spicy with chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns.
“Du Xiao Yue’s noodles combine traditional recipes with fresh, high-quality ingredients, making each bowl a celebration of Sichuan’s culinary artistry.”
Main Courses and Stir-Fries
The main course section of the Du Xiao Yue menu is a showcase of bold flavors and dynamic textures. Stir-fried dishes here are prepared with precision, balancing heat, sweetness, and umami to deliver satisfying meals that stand out.
Signature dishes like the Kung Pao Chicken feature tender chicken pieces stir-fried with peanuts, dried chilies, and a tangy sauce that exemplifies Sichuan’s flavor complexity. The Mapo Tofu is another highlight, presenting silky tofu cubes bathed in a spicy, fragrant sauce loaded with minced pork and fermented beans.
Vegetarian options are also well represented, with dishes like the Stir-fried Eggplant in Garlic Sauce providing a rich, savory experience without meat. The section is versatile, accommodating varying preferences while staying true to authentic flavors.
Noteworthy Entrées
- Kung Pao Chicken: Sweet, spicy, and crunchy with peanuts.
- Mapo Tofu: Silky tofu with a spicy, savory pork sauce.
- Stir-fried Eggplant: Tender eggplant in a garlicky chili sauce.
- Twice-Cooked Pork: Pork belly slices cooked twice for a crispy, flavorful finish.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Notes |
| Kung Pao Chicken | Chicken, peanuts, dried chilies | Spicy, sweet, savory |
| Mapo Tofu | Tofu, minced pork, chili bean paste | Spicy, numbing, rich |
| Stir-fried Eggplant | Eggplant, garlic, chili sauce | Savory, tangy, slightly spicy |
“The main courses at Du Xiao Yue capture the essence of Sichuan’s bold culinary spirit, expertly balancing heat and flavor in every dish.”
Seafood Offerings
Seafood dishes at Du Xiao Yue Fremont bring a fresh dimension to the menu, combining oceanic flavors with the distinctive spice profile of Sichuan cooking. These dishes are crafted to highlight the natural sweetness and texture of seafood while infusing the signature bold seasonings.
A standout dish is the Sichuan Spicy Fish Filet, featuring tender fish pieces cooked in a mouth-numbing chili broth that excites the senses. The Garlic Steamed Shrimp is a subtler option, where fresh shrimp are steamed to perfection and enhanced with fragrant garlic and scallions.
Shellfish lovers can also enjoy the Spicy Crab with Chili and Garlic, a dish that combines fresh crab with a rich, spicy sauce that is both robust and satisfying. The seafood section balances heat and freshness, appealing to diverse palates.
Popular Seafood Dishes
- Sichuan Spicy Fish Filet: Fish simmered in spicy, numbing broth.
- Garlic Steamed Shrimp: Lightly steamed shrimp with garlic and scallions.
- Spicy Crab with Chili and Garlic: Crab cooked in a fragrant, spicy sauce.
- Salt and Pepper Squid: Crispy fried squid with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
“Seafood dishes at Du Xiao Yue expertly marry freshness with fiery Sichuan spice, offering a taste experience that is both bold and nuanced.”
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Du Xiao Yue Fremont is attentive to the needs of vegetarian and vegan diners, offering a variety of dishes that maintain the restaurant’s hallmark flavors without relying on meat or animal products. These options are thoughtfully prepared to ensure that plant-based diners enjoy an equally rich and satisfying meal.
Vegetarian dishes like Mapo Tofu (Vegan Version) use plant-based alternatives to recreate the iconic spicy tofu dish without compromising on flavor. The Stir-fried Seasonal Vegetables highlight fresh produce cooked with garlic and chili for a simple yet flavorful plate.
Other vegan highlights include the Cold Spicy Cucumber Salad, a refreshing dish with a tangy, spicy dressing that complements the heat of the cuisine. These selections demonstrate that vegetarian and vegan dishes can be just as complex and delicious as their meat-based counterparts.
Highlighted Plant-Based Dishes
- Mapo Tofu (Vegan): Spicy tofu with plant-based protein and chili bean paste.
- Stir-fried Seasonal Vegetables: Fresh vegetables sautéed with garlic and chili.
- Cold Spicy Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumbers with a spicy, tangy dressing.
- Dan Dan Noodles (Vegan Version): Noodles with sesame and chili sauce, no meat.
| Dish | Ingredients | Dietary Notes |
| Mapo Tofu (Vegan) | Tofu, plant protein, chili bean paste | Vegan, gluten-free option available |
| Cold Spicy Cucumber Salad | Cucumber, chili oil, garlic, vinegar | Vegan, gluten-free |
| Dan Dan Noodles (Vegan) | Noodles, sesame paste, chili oil | Vegan |
“Du Xiao Yue honors plant-based diets by crafting vegetarian dishes that are rich in flavor and authentic to Sichuan culinary traditions.”
Desserts and Beverages
Completing the dining experience, Du Xiao Yue Fremont offers a curated selection of desserts and beverages that provide a satisfying finish to the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine. Sweet options are designed to cool the palate and offer a contrast to the spicy main courses.
Popular dessert choices include the Sweet Red Bean Soup, a traditional East Asian dessert that is mildly sweet and comforting. The Chilled Mango Pudding provides a refreshing, creamy treat with tropical notes that lighten the meal.
The beverage menu complements the food with a variety of teas, including Jasmine Green Tea and Chrysanthemum Tea, which are perfect for soothing the palate. For those interested in something stronger, Du Xiao Yue also offers select Chinese beers and specialty cocktails that pair well with spicy dishes.
Beverage and Dessert Highlights
- Sweet Red Bean Soup: Warm, mildly sweet dessert soup.
- Chilled Mango Pudding: Creamy and refreshing mango dessert.
- Jasmine Green Tea: Fragrant tea that aids digestion.
- Chinese Beers: Light beers that balance spicy flavors.
“The dessert and beverage offerings at Du Xiao Yue thoughtfully balance the intensity of Sichuan flavors, leaving diners with a well-rounded and satisfying conclusion to their meal.”
Conclusion
Du Xiao Yue Fremont presents an exceptional menu that embodies the heart and soul of Sichuan cuisine, skillfully balancing tradition and innovation. Each section of the menu offers a distinctive experience—from bold appetizers and interactive hot pots to comforting noodles and vibrant seafood dishes.
The restaurant’s commitment to authentic flavors and fresh ingredients shines through every dish, ensuring a memorable dining adventure.
Attention to dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan options, further demonstrates Du Xiao Yue’s dedication to inclusivity without sacrificing flavor or authenticity. The carefully crafted desserts and beverages provide a perfect counterpoint to the intense, spicy dishes, rounding out the meal with balance and grace.
Whether you are a seasoned aficionado of Sichuan food or a newcomer eager to explore its rich culinary heritage, Du Xiao Yue Fremont’s menu offers something for everyone. The thoughtful composition of dishes invites patrons to savor the complexity of Sichuan cooking, making each visit not just a meal but a celebration of flavor and culture.
