San Antonians, prepare your taste buds for a fight. The fiery flavors of authentic Sichuan cuisine will soon be available in Encino Park with the May 10 opening of Ping's Sichuan Kitchen at 2339 E. Evans Rd #103.

The new Chinese restaurant will serve a variety of regional classics like hui guo rou (twice-cooked pork) and dong po pork alongside Chinese-American favorites like cream cheese rangoon and orange chicken.

The menu also includes spicy chicken or shrimp, served either sliced or in a dry pot, as well as cumin beef, sliced fish with pepper mix, and various tofu dishes. There are also plenty of popular staples like egg rolls, fried rice, and hand-folded wontons for the less adventurous palate.

Born and raised in Chongqing, China, founder Ping Juan (who also goes by Joanne Xia) developed a love of food while walking the streets of her hometown and smelling the delicious aromas from the kitchen windows. She grew up watching her grandmother prepare dinner with love and care, an act that led her to become a restaurateur.

"At Ping's Sichuan Kitchen, we believe in serving more than just authentic food — we're creating an experience," says Juan. "Our menu is inspired by my ancestors' Sichuan recipes, which use bold and complex flavors. Menu choices include a wide range of meats, poultry, fish, vegetables, tofu, and various spices and herbs."

"These flavors became a part of me — a warm reminder of family and belonging," she continues. "They quietly planted the seeds of my dream: to create a restaurant that brings happiness and comfort to others, just as those meals did for me. Driven by this vision, I set aside my work and returned to my hometown to rediscover the essence of food and the culture that shaped me."

Juan chose to open her restaurant in the Northwest San Antonio area because of its rapid expansion. Before returning to her love of food, Juan opened the Nova Head Spa in Boerne.

Sichuan cuisine is known for its extreme spiciness, often based around the liberal use of garlic, chilies, and the famous numbing Sichuan pepper. The region where Juan grew up is widely considered one of Earth's best spots for food.

On May 16, a grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting will start at 4:30 pm with special guests including representatives from the San Antonio Women's Chamber of Commerce. Following the ribbon cutting will be a reception and a special Dragon Parade.