Asian Cuisine Express

Chinese restaurant · South Lawndale

Asian Cuisine Express

Chinese restaurant · South Lawndale

5

3823 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60623

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Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by Michael Tran
Asian Cuisine Express by Michael Tran
Asian Cuisine Express by Michael Tran
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null
Asian Cuisine Express by null

Highlights

This quirky spot serves up an unexpected mashup of fresh, flavorful Al Pastor tacos and classic Chinese takeout in a casual, friendly atmosphere.  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

3823 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60623 Get directions

asiancuisinechicago.com

$10–20 · Menu

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3823 W 31st St, Chicago, IL 60623 Get directions

+1 773 847 4883
asiancuisinechicago.com
AsianCuisineExpress

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 16, 2025

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@eater

Chicago’s Best Taco Restaurants

"When you first arrive at this Little Village restaurant, you might question if you’re in the right place — after all, its name suggests a focus on Asian cuisine. But you’re in the right place as customers will see after catching a glimpse of the prominently displayed trompo. Tacos al pastor are the highlight of the restaurant’s minimal Mexican offerings.  Unlike other executions of the dish that are soggy or cubed, at Asian Cuisine Express, al pastor tacos are thinly sliced. The charred-yet-juicy pieces of meat are served in small tortillas to maximize the bite-to-flavor ratio and closely represent what you would expect the dish to be. And don’t forget to order the pastor fried rice. This is a Chinese restaurant whose owners let the cooks have some fun. And the results are worth it." - Brenda Storch, Serena Maria Daniels

https://chicago.eater.com/maps/best-tacos-chicago-map
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@infatuation

The 19 Best $10 Meals In Chicago

"The best al pastor tacos in Chicago are at a small casual spot in Little Village called Asian Cuisine Express. No, that wasn’t a typo. In fact, as soon as you walk in you’ll see the staff expertly carving a giant trompo of pork rotating around a live fire. The paper-thin slices of al pastor have the perfect composition of crispy exterior and buttery fat—all complemented by fresh green onion and sweet grilled pineapple. But maybe the best part is that each taco is $2.50—we did the math, and $10 gets you four." - john ringor, veda kilaru

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/best-affordable-restaurants-chicago
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@infatuation

The Best Tacos In Chicago

"A name like “Asian Cuisine Express” might feel a little out of place on a Best Tacos guide. But this Little Village spot’s massive trompo of pork spinning around a live fire dispels any doubt that it belongs. And while Asian Cuisine Express does have a long list of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes, you come here for the best al pastor tacos in Chicago. The pork is sliced into paper-thin slivers that have the ideal ratio of crispy exterior to buttery fat, with a hint of sweetness from equally thin slices of charred pineapple. You can also just order a pound of al pastor for around $13. " - adrian kane, john ringor

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/chicago-best-tacos
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@infatuation

Asian Cuisine Express - Review - Little Village - Chicago - The Infatuation

"Don't let the restaurant's name and long sections of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai dishes on the menu throw you off: Come here for the best al pastor tacos in Chicago. Yes, you read that right. As soon as you walk into the small casual spot in Little Village you’ll see the staff expertly carving a massive trompo of pork rotating around a live fire. The paper-thin slices of al pastor have the perfect balance of crispy exterior and buttery fat—all complemented by fresh green onion and sweet grilled pineapple. And though it's not officially on the menu, ask for some al pastor fried rice." - John Ringor

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/reviews/asian-cuisine-express
View Postcard for Asian Cuisine Express
@eater

Chicago’s Dining Experts Share Their Best Meals of 2021 - Eater Chicago

"The city’s best al pastor tacos can be found at Asian Cuisine Express." - Ashok Selvam

https://chicago.eater.com/2022/1/5/22868311/year-in-eater-chicago-best-meal-2021
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Daniel Williams

Google
Really some of the best Tacos Al Pastor I’ve ever had! Absolutely amazing! Will be retiring asap to try some of their other menu items especially interested in the Pastor Pineapple Fried Rice, saw a few customers eating it and it looked delicious and well presented. Total unassuming spot and BYOB! Place is a gem. Heads up tho no Air Conditioning so the place is hot hot hot on a summer night or day it was 97 outside and prob just as hot inside lol I don’t know how they do it all day but it was well worth it. The salsas are great too the orange habanero is really tasty and spicy if ya like the heat! 🥵

Denise Patino

Google
Saw the restaurant all over social media stating this Asian restaurant has the best Al pastor tacos and fried rice. Couldn’t believe what I was hearing, Al pastor trompos at a Chinese restaurant? BELIEVE IT!! I went & had the best time. The food was so well done both cuisines!! Friendly staff & they were so busy!! People waiting 2hrs for a table. Well deserved recognition.

An Gee (Immagee_angee)

Google
The best Al pastor tacos you can find in Chicago! Their combination fried rice is also absolutely amazing! This place is the spot wen you need your taco and fried rice needs met!

Teodoro Partida

Google
The tacos are deceptively good, and some of the best Szechuan chicken I’ve ever had. Great fusion style restaurant all around.

Reuben

Google
My son and I were working on cars together. He said let's go get tacos. He took us on a 40 minute drive to Asian Cuisine Express. He told me to trust him. The al Pastor is absolutely fantastic. The asada is great also. He also got some fried rice to go. They do, do Asian food.

LaRen Merritt

Google
Al Pastor Fried Rice was delicious very flavorful and did not need any sauce it was packed with flavor. The Al Pastor tacos were delicious as well. The only downside was it was pretty cold in the establishment most people were eating with their coats on but the food was delicious!!

Nickolas Demertzis

Google
You walk in here and you see exactly what you're getting, delicious, painfully cheap tacos. Most taquerias will grill marinated pork on a grill or flattop and call it a day for Al pastor, not here, properly layered Al pastor on a spit with pineapple on top as well. I spent 5 bucks on 3 tacos, which is a Monday only deal, this is absurdly cheap especially when you consider some places will charge up to 5 for one taco. The Al pastor was well seasoned, had a great crust and was covered with cilantro, onion and fresh pineapple. The pickled cauliflower was also sour, just enough of a crunch and a great contrast between bites of Al pastor. Highly recommend would go back on a Monday.

Michael Chang

Google
Asian Cuisine Express Grill is a certified Chicago Institution. Tacos Al Pastor are flavorful, paired with a decadent selection of Mexican, Texmex and Chinese Fare. This restaurant is a testament to the strong bond between the Chinese and Mexican Communities in Chicago and the social & culinary brilliance we can bring to the world when we work across difference.
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Jose C.

Yelp
What exactly are you expecting out of a Chinese restaurant in Little Village? Chinese food? I don't think so...try again. Tacos. Especially their Al pastor tacos. That's the main attraction at this Chinese joint on 31st Street. I will admit, the place is a little run and a bit unorganized. We arrived right at opening, but the place looked closed. The OPEN signed weren't lit up and they still had a sign that said they were closed. I believe the lady thats in charge of all of this was probably running late. We had sat down and one of the cooks took our order. Shorty after a lady came in turned on the open sig, flip the closed sign to open, and brought our food to our table. My wife ordered their General Tso. While it was good, it took the longest to come out and it wasn't anything special about the. I ordered three Al Pastor tacos and one carne asada. The carne asada didn't have much flavor and wouldn't order it again. But the Al pastor tacos are definitely one of the best al pastor tacos in the city. The meat was cooked perfectly and was topped off with a slice of pineapple, cebolla y cilantro. The meat was juicy and very flavorful. They're also a dollar on Mondays, so they're definitely worth checking out. Will definitely be returning.
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Cecilia X.

Yelp
I mean they do top notch tacos and good American Chinese food, what else could you want?? as soon as they pulled out the pineapple with the al pastor I knew they meant business. the 1lb al pastor is honestly such an experience but all the tacos are really good. this is a true hole in the wall and the seating reflects that-- there's about 4 tables. the staff is really really friendly!
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Mel C.

Yelp
First I have to say at first sight you feel you are in mexico w/those taquitos and the meat shaved... ufff it's worth the drive flavor is there and atmosphere as well.
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Tiffany K.

Yelp
Omg I got influenced by tikkytokky yet again and it worked!!! Rachel sent me the reel showing the magnificent taco power of Asian cuisine express and long story short I basically cancelled a whole flight for these tacos. So worth it though, they are too cheap and too good, juicy and delicious, we left already fantasizing about the next time we get to go. Got fried Oreos to finish off, bone apple teef

Jacqueline R.

Yelp
NO NO NO. Don't do it. Terrible food- hard rice, was like eating plastic, mushy reheated mushy noodles, and the shrimp boiled and then fried multiple times over- refrigerated then heated- it's like eating rubber bands. The place is dirty- vegetables on floor near the bathroom in a black crate right by the back door which is directly steps to the ally. I spoke to the cook about the food and he got angry and hung up on me. They acknowledged the hard rice, but said it's because they normally make the food the day before so it gets softer????? DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY. This place is gross and has extremely terrible service- entirely disrespectful and should not be cooking or working in the service industry.

Sam G.

Yelp
The tacos are incredible. I'd be curious to try the Chinese food, but it really seems like the tacos are the star. I saw some negative reviews about the service, but everyone was SO kind when we were there. I'll definitely be back
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Steve O.

Yelp
Their al pastor is possibly the best taco in Chicago, and it's a steal at $2, so it's pretty incredible they knock it down to $1 on Monday. These motherfuckers sling it, I mean they do not waver in the face of very high demand, kudos to both back of house and front, I see no basis for complaint, the woman who doesn't realize it's a health code violation to bring a fuckin' dog into a restaurant and gives ACE a bad review simply for acting in its best interest, if you know her, disown her. She deserves to be the world's loneliest person.
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Esteban P.

Yelp
This place is a bit of an oddity but the food is legit. Delicious tacos al pastor, with a variety of well made pan-Asian options like gyoza and pad thai. The restaurant feels and looks like a casual Chinese restaurant you would find in Mexico proper. Service was a bit lacking and the food takes a while to get on the table aside from the tacos. Would love to come back and try some more options.
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Greg H.

Yelp
This place was super good and a great value. We had the Tacos del Pastor. For a pound of meat with all the fixings it was $17. Glad I split that with my son. They had great salsa and everything was so fresh and fun. My wife went with the chicken pad thai lunch special. Lots of food for under $7 with a drink.
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Elvin C.

Yelp
Great al pastor tacos off the trompo as they should be with a little pineapple along with choices of three salsas and pickled toppings (habanero/radish/onion or the carrot/cauliflower/jalapeno mix). Instead of the bottled water that'll cost you the same, consider the canned milk tea with boba. Not as good as freshly made, but better than bottled water. Or go with something else from the variety that they have on display at the counter. Also got the aquachiles that the chef moderated the heat for preemptively seeing our mixed age table. Still had a bit of spice but everyone was able to enjoy it. Was going to try the clam soup, but they were out. Instead, we got another round of al pastor tacos for the table. The tacos are $1.50 each and $1 on Monday special. Call ahead to confirm hours since it seems there's a lack of agreement online what their hours are.

Purple R.

Yelp
This place has a waiting time of a hour for pickup at times the food is ok but not worth the hour wait the food is never consistent it never tastes the same then when you call they make you wait up to 10mins on the phone before taking the order and when they finally answer it's so loud you have to repeat your order 5 times before they get it right I spoke up so the young lady on the phone could hear me after repeating my order back to me incorrectly over 5 times had the nerve to got a attitude with me telling me she's not the one to be yelling at which is completely unprofessional all I was trying to do was make sure she got the order correct I don't recommend this place unless you want to wait a hour to eat bland Asian food.
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Lucy K.

Yelp
It's a small place. Wonderful place for gathering. All the workers are friendly and treated u like friends. My favorite is noodle soup (I try different noodle soups every time). It's a very tasty and great portion. The $1 taco Al pastor Monday Special is a knockdown. The only thing is u need to beware that u call ahead to place ur to go order or got time to wait for a table, since they are very busy on Monday. Well, who does not want a good deal! What can u get for $1 in this days now!

Jaeleen T.

Yelp
The server was excellent and so was the food, the only thing we did not like was that we got up to talk to the guy making the tacos to tell him we had messed up our order so he wouldn't make it and the so called " manager " said " let the guy know he can't walk up to the chef, he has to tell his server what he wants there and then." In a rude tone. Mind you we did that so it could be easier for the chef. Another problem was some people they knew came after us and their food was out first ?? Manager needs some manners.
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Destani D.

Yelp
$1 al pastor tacos on Mondays might be the best deal in Chicago. Don't sleep on these tacos

Michelle R.

Yelp
Unprofessional and unkind owners. If you do not welcome pets, then please POST A SIGN on your doors! We are not mind readers to know if you welcome dogs or not. I was carrying my dog while picking up tacos (my dog was in my arms at all times and she is a tiny dog) Cash in hand ready to pay only to be told by the Asian Owner that I can not be in there with my dog. She then said GET HER OUT OF HERE to her husband, the cook. The owner then claims that my 7 tacos were not ready after waiting over 20 minutes. I've been a client since you opened your doors years ago but thanks to your lack of professionalism, I'll take my business and money to other smaller businesses who know how to speak to their clients and treat them with respect. GO ELSEWHERE. These owners do not know how to treat their clients!

Jose G.

Yelp
I waited an hour. The service is lacking a lot. I wanted to try this place because of a TikTok that I saw and honestly waiting an hour to try the Monday tacos wasn't worth it!! Plus I asked for two tacos with no pineapple and they all included pineapple.
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Chan S.

Yelp
The place is a small mom and pop place. I went in based on the reviews, and I almost had second thoughts. I asked myself, why would there be a Mexican hostess and cook? I wasn't really into it at one point. I almost stepped out. Mexican music was being played. Again, why is this happening? I've always had mixed experiences at many different restaurants. It turns out, there are different pockets of ethnic groups in the Chicago neighborhoods. This restaurant turns out to be in a predominantly Mexican/Hispanic neighborhood. That pretty much answered my previous questions. On towards the food! I ordered Tempura shrimp and vegetables as an entree and the General Yao's Chicken. I took a star off because it took then quite a bit to serve the appetizer. I had waited about 10 minutes! And I was the only customer. They had about 5 tables. It was clean, I give them that. My opinion started to change once the food arrived. The tempura was hot and fresh! The dipping sauce was ok, and wasn't too sweet. I slowly enjoyed the appetizer. Again, it was freshly made and hot! Next came the entree. I ordered the General Tso's Chicken. I've had this dish many times. It's fried and breaded chicken. The chicken is then covered in a slightly spiced sauce. I wasn't impressed with the spice level, but the food again was hot and fresh. Steamed rice came as a side dish. The dinner portions was large. I ended up taking it back to my hotel room. It was still delicious a second time around. In conclusion, I was surprised with the quantity and quality of the food here. The main thing, I liked from this restaurant, was that the food was hot and fresh. It may take longer than you would expect, but hey! You can't rush good food!
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Noel R.

Yelp
So this spot is in the heart of the Little Village/South Lawndale community, which kind of lowered my expectations of the chinese/thai food quality. Just being honest. They quickly proved me wrong. I have ordered a handful of times, and have been pleasantly surprised by the amount of food per "dish", and the overall flavor and quality. Chicken Lo mein, Hunan Chicken, Mongolian Beef, and the fried rice have all been very tasty. Like I mentioned, portions are plentiful, a large can feed at least 2, if not 3 people. We eat family style, plenty to go around. Fast, quick, pain free service via phone. Have not tried their Mexican food yet, there are more options for that around here, but I will someday...

Claudia L.

Yelp
after calling and waiting for a while, the owner accused us of not paying for our food. If we really wanted to do that, do you think I'd only order a pound. My husband is black, therefore we must be stealing right! Instead of asking his employee, us. Ask your employee or look at your cameras. Not going here ever again. They are racist
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Lewis V.

Yelp
I've passed by many times but never considered it until my friend recommended me this place. I wasn't sure what to expect but since I've been craving Pad Thai and have been too lazy to drive to my favorite place. I thought I'd give them a try. Wow, I was surprised at how good the food tasted. My overall expectations were surpassed and I'm glad to have found a place within walking distance. Plus, the people who worked there were very friendly and I was greeted by All the minute I walked in. The dishes I ordered for pickup were Pad Thai, Beef Chow Fun, Honey Mustard Chicken, Shrimp Fried Rice (not pictured here) and Crab Rangoon. Although I went there because I wanted Pad Thai, I really liked the Chow Fun and Honey Mustard chicken more and the Crab Rangoon was to die for. The only bad thing was the opening hours. They open at 3 pm but I guess it's understandable due to Covid hours, I just wish they opened earlier so I can enjoy their food for lunch and even dinner.
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Ting L.

Yelp
This place is legit. Although we did not dine-in, their service had been superb. We placed our orders calling-in, great phone etiquette, the lady who picked up the phone was police and super nice - Black Peppered Chicken and Beef Chow Fun. Food was ready within 10 mins. The food came with rice, soda/water, vege/pork spring rolls of choice! Hubby went inside to pick up the food, said that the service was really nice and everyone greeted him. Came home, opened the food - both dishes were really good. Needless to say, this is going to be our to-go Chinese express place. It's so much better than your "typical" Chinese express restaurant. Give it a try!
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Miguel A.

Yelp
Best Chinese food in the little village area ! Defenetly recommend this place , I've tried a few things on their menu and haven't been disappointed ! Fresh ingredients , great welcoming people !
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Edvin A.

Yelp
Unfortunately I have to give this place one star. This review has nothing to do with the food. I tried placing my order by phone so I could pick it up and go. However, no one answered the phone, I thought they might've been busy since it was 12pm and their menu and Facebook page says they open at 11am. I gave them a few minutes and called again, still no answer. I decided I would stop by and order there to go since the reviews here had plenty of 5 stars. To my surprise when I arrived the restaurant wasn't open. I understand they are a small family restaurant and maybe they had some type of emergency, but shouldn't there be some type of plan in case they aren't able to open. There wasn't even a sign on the door. I'm not in the restaurant business so I don't know how these things work. Maybe I'll try again some other time.
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Viktor C.

Yelp
Good news they are back...My creamy spicy shrimp jones was fullfilled
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Elijah M.

Yelp
This place was amazing! It is new! but after seeing all 5 star reviews I took a look, and WOW! this is really as good as it gets, top notch world class food service and freshness. We have the Shrimp and veggie tempura, 3 shrimp were HUGE and the shell was removed so youu can eat the whole thing, perfect batter and crispness! veggies were super fresh! We also had the Japanese pot stickers, forgot what they called them, perfectly pan-fried, we savored the flavor on these! The entrees were also remarkable, again lots of food! I swear the 2 of us now have food for the week! and YES! they are close to our house and deliver! LOVE this place!!! This is our new Place for Asian food! I went here yesterday for my birthday! And this is by far the best place I have eaten at ever!! SO many special things about it! Authentic Asian Food fried up fast! Did I forget to mention the prices are LOW! unique dipping sauces for each appetizer we got, they had a hot sauce, one drop was all I could try, hottest sauce ever! be careful! This place is PERFECT! only trouble is they dont have any knives? Bring your own knife, and its also BYOB! Not a big place, and once everyone discovers this place, there is going to be a line down the block! I am not kidding! The Cook and staff, all 2 of them, not so good on the english, but so polite so sweet! best service ever, this place made me feel good when I walked in! I love the bamboo! if you go anywhere this year for a bite to eat this is the place! I hope they never change! and as critical as I am on food and restaurants, there is nothing this place can do better! simply the best here for small $ :) best Birthday dinner ever! @ Asian Cuisine Express. This is my new #1 favorite place to eat! and I only have been there once! I'll be eating my leftovers for a week! :D they even brought us 2 little containers to take our sauces home, without the need to ask! Check google maps for my pictures!

Daisy V.

Yelp
Their food is good but they're very unprofessional and never answer the phone. They also have false advertisement . They say they open @3pm but I was outside waiting until 3:30 and they never opened this happened twice. They open whenever they feel like it, how do they want to keep running a business that way? This would be a great restaurant if they took their business a little more seriously. Will not give it another try..
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Salvador G.

Yelp
Please don't support & never order from Asian Cuisine Express. Today I called to verify an order that was placed over an hour ago & the manager cursed me out for no reason and hung up on me. I called back thinking it was a prank, but it wasn't! Horrible service and experience

Carlos T.

Yelp
Delicious food, delivered quickly. Combination Fried Rice was good thick cuts of steak, chicken was lean and good too. Put some hot sauce on there and you're in business baby!
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Jay W.

Yelp
Very good Chinese food. Shezuan beef, giyoza and crab rangoon we're all tasty. If you are in the area and looking for Chinese I'd go here.
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Carmen P.

Yelp
We always try and look for a good "Chinese food" restaurant. And idk how my husband came across this place today....but OMG! It's really good! And it's super near by and deliver! please keep it up! By far the best near me!
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Jose C.

Yelp
Great place nearby, food is ready quickly and has a great taste. Also, it stands out from other Asian restaurants in that it includes Korean and Thai food! If you enjoy spicy food you'll love this place but keep in mind that they rank their spice from 1 to 10, I'm good at 2 or 3.
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Lulu M.

Yelp
My friends and I checked this place out and it had really good and service was phenomenal. I do recommend this plus the dessert was amazing.
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Alex R.

Yelp
I have been ordering from here since day one. The food is greatly cooked unlike other Asian restuarnts they actually take the time to make you great tasting and well cooked food. The shrimp fried rice and egg rolls are fire! I love this place since it's a block away from my house and always great customer service. Always showing the love and dedication in their food. A real true Asian Restaurant that is not in Chinatown !! But in a Mexican neighborhood! Love their food.
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Lezlie V.

Yelp
Out of all the asian take out places around the area. this is by far one of the best! The chef is trained in fine dining! So he definitely knows what he's doing. The food is taken out quick. They serve one size SHRIMP! And its Jumbo! They do stuff of the menu as well!! My favorite dish was Black Pepper Chicken and Combination Fried Rice! This place is worth checking out.

GeeGee A.

Yelp
Wow I am absolutely amazed by this place. I was driving passed and got a little lost which brought me here since I was a bit hungry. I decided to eat inside. Although the inside wasn't elegant. It was very clean. The food was amazing. The way it was served to me I was in shock. As if I was in a upscale restaurant. If you have not tried it. You have too.