Crocodile Palace's Gong Bao Chicken

Tastemaker

Jan. 20, 2024

Recently, this writer and her family loaded up on seven dishes from Traverse City's Crocodile Palace. All were delicious, and almost all of them required a glass of milk as a spice soother. (This coming from someone who carries a bottle of hot sauce wherever she goes, so you know it’s serious.) The fan favorite was the Gong Bao Chicken ($15), a dish featuring tender chicken served with jasmine rice, peanuts, scallions, and a delectable sauce of dark soy, ginger, and garlic. Oh—and the chili and sichuan peppercorn that give this meal three out of three hot peppers on the restaurant’s website. Yes, tears were shed, but we kept on eating. Find the Gong Bao Chicken—and some slightly less spicy options—at 124 Cochlin Street. Order online at crocodilepalace.com…and have that glass of milk at the ready.