Chinese Restaurant Specializing in Sichuan Hot Pot Opens in San Diego
Shancheng Lameizi has officially opened in February on Convoy Street. The Sichuan hot spot specialist, about 15 minutes from La Jolla, serves up a variety of Sichuan — including its signature spicy hot pot.
Although its arrival to the San Diego area was first announced in 2019, Shancheng Lameizi recently opened its doors in early 2022, Eater reported earlier in February.
The new Convoy Center establishment, which is open for lunch and dinner daily, features tables with a central cauldron for simmering soups. Its signature spicy hot pot offering includes soups flavored with hot chiles, Sichuan peppercorns, bean sauce, and spices.
Customers can opt for three heat levels or milder broths flavored with pork bone or mushroom. Ingredients that can be cooked in the hot pot include beef, lamb shoulder, cuttlefish dumplings, tofu skin, or Chongqing tapioca noodles.
There are also a variety of free snack and dessert options — like fried sesame balls and rice porridge — at the condiment counter.
Although San Diego has its fair share of Sichuan hot pot restaurants, Shancheng Lameizi is a fancier option that seeks to offer additional amenities to guests. That includes everything from hair bands and cleaning cloths for glasses to new toothbrushes and toiletries in the restroom.
The restaurant itself features three dining rooms that are elaborately decorated with Chinese artwork and furniture.
Shancheng Lameizi has been around for nearly 30 years after first opening its first location in Beijing back in 1993. The chain now has more than 20 locations in Beijing. Since 2016, it has opened multiple branches in California and is renowned for serving up outstanding Sichuan hot pot specialties.
The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. You can find Shancheng Lameizi in Convoy Center at 4225 Convoy St, San Diego. Stop in for a spicy bite because this will surely be an addition to your must-go list of La Jolla restaurants.
About the author: Mike Peterson is a freelance journalist and writer based in North San Diego County. He’s written and worked for a number of local media outlets, including the San Diego Union-Tribune, the North Coast Current, and the Oceanside Blade.
The banner photo for this article is courtesy of Candice Woo / San Diego Eater