KAOKAO Grill
Restaurant · College Avenue ·
Smoked char siu pork, chicken, and flavorful sides.
Smoked char siu pork, chicken, and flavorful sides.
"KaoKao Grill founder Tony Huang comes from a restaurant family — the folks behind Huangcheng Noodle House — and he’s drawing inspiration from big, backyard barbecues at this “East meets West” barbecue joint. Try the 24-hour brined char siu, which gets grilled over charcoal before being smoked over oak and cherry woods for five to six hours." - Eater Staff
"KaoKao Grill founder Tony Huang comes from a restaurant family — the folks behind Huangcheng Noodle House — and he’s drawing inspiration from big, backyard barbecues at this “East meets West” barbecue joint. Try the 24-hour brined char siu, which gets grilled over charcoal before being smoked over oak and cherry woods for five to six hours." - Lauren Saria, Dianne de Guzman, Eater Staff
"I picked up a Sichuan five-spice roast duck for Lunar New Year and found the bird beautifully balanced — anise and clove notes present but not overpowering, a distinctive smoked finish and tender, not dry meat — and the holiday meal kit (bao, house sauce, julienned cucumber and scallions) made it an especially memorable feast since the duck is only available on select holidays." - Paolo Bicchieri
"Kaokao Grill in Berkeley is offering a pre-sale of its popular five-spice smoked ducks for Lunar New Year, with ducks sold at $75 each and an optional meal kit for 4–6 people (including 12 bao, prepped green onion and cucumbers, and house spread sauce) available for an additional $25; pre-orders are open with three pickup times set for Sunday, January 22." - Dianne de Guzman
"In the East Bay, Kaokao Grill was a surprise hit for me: despite a low-key opening it’s gained attention for smoked char siu and chicken dishes, with a compact menu that knocks its offerings out of the park at a good price." - Eater Staff