Kristina Zhao and Brandon Lalaine, the power couple behind Dashi – Chinese Kitchen and Bar and Sichuan House, two of San Antonio’s premier destinations for authentic Sichuan cuisine.

Kristina shares her entrepreneurial journey, from growing up around her father’s Asian grocery store, Asia Market, to working in marketing in Dallas, and eventually returning to San Antonio to help build Sichuan House from the ground up. She emphasizes how food is deeply rooted in culture and tradition, and how her restaurants aim to bring the authentic flavors of Sichuan to Texas.

Brandon discusses the unique spices and culinary techniques that make Sichuan food stand out—such as the mouth-numbing mala sensation—and how Dashi elevates the dining experience with a full craft cocktail program and a space designed for community, art, and culture.

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