Kelly K.
Yelp
If you're in the mood for Korean-Chinese fusion food in Gardena, this is a great place to try. This place has always been our default to feed a large group. Parking can get crazy during rush hour, but you can do street parking if available. Most of their dishes can be shared family style. Also, a great place to celebrate for special occasions and holidays. This is one of the few places that opens during major holidays. I'd call just to make sure as things can change.
The Food: Again portions are meant for family style. Our usual go-tos are 1. giang-jang mein (black bean noodle), 2. giang-pong (spicy seafood-pork noodle soup), 3. sweet-sour pork (tang soo yook) or shrimp (gaong-poong tang soo yook), 4. Mongolian beef, and 5. steamed buns. The top 3 ranked as mentioned above are a must for us on every visit. It's pretty filling. The rest for pure gluttony.
1. Giang-jang mein (black bean noodle) - this is a popular must-try for a Korean-Chinese fusion. The black bean sauce includes sautéed diced pork and veggies. It's very savory. Fave for all ages especially my kids. Portions are huge. You can request to have them split the portion in half for 2 ppl if one is much.
2. Giang-pong (spicy seafood-pork noodle soup) - if you're craving something spicy, seafoody and soupy, this one's perfect. This spicy noodle soup has chopped veggies, squid, and pork. Portion is huge so it's def. shareable. You can split this in half with someone else in exchange for their other half bowl of giang-jang mein. Best of both worlds.
3. Sweet and sour pork or fried shrimp - both are great side dishes to pair with your main dish. It's savory and sweet. FYI, the sweet and sour pork is more on the sweeter side with chunks of pineapple. My kids love it. The fried shrimp version is slightly sweet but a bit of spiciness from the red chili peppers in it. Sharing is caring on these ones as well.
4. Mongolian beef - my wife's fave. The sautéed meat with green onion is cooked to perfection. Eating it by itself may be on the salty side, so balance it out with a bed of white rice (upon request).
5. Steamed buns - oh... can't leave without trying their freshly steamed buns. It's soft with a slight hint of sweetness. You can sometimes catch yourself unknowingly dipping the bun into the sweet and sour pork sauce and bopping your head uncontrollably while biting into it. I won't judge you if you do.
The Service: Service is quick. Food comes out quick. Don't expect them to bring you hot towels or salt bae your Mongolian beef. This is NOT that place. Just come here to eat.
The Ambiance: The inside may feel like your typical Asian hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Foods usually taste the best in such places. If you're expecting a 5-star uppity restaurant, I'd advise you to keep Yelping to find one. Otherwise, come here to gorge yourself with some good ol' Korean-Chinese comfort food.
All in all, if you're looking for a good Korean-Chinese fusion restaurant in Gardena, def. try out this place. Portions are huge enough to feed a large group. They are usually open majors holidays but call ahead to double check. You're welcome.