Tu-Anh N.
Yelp
WHEN: Sat @12pm
We were in the area to shop at MINT for gifts when we stumbled upon this gem. What caught my attention was the gorgeous logo sign on the window, which had me stop to look at the menu sign outside. Peeking through the window I liked what I saw--so simple yet it has this new modern feeling to it. Then when the door opened something smelled good! That's it, we now had lunch plans.
PARKING: We always park near the library which isn't far and it's free!
So you order at the counter, grab your number and sit down. I love their self serving station with all the cups, tap water, bowls, and utensils you need! You also have to bus your own dishes. I love their choice of cups and bowls by the way.
I appreciate the large sleek booth seatings, and they have smaller tables too. I love the choice of art and furniture, and the minimal decor of plants and other little decors.
SWEET & SPICY CHICKEN SANDWICH - $10
Crispy rice-battered chicken thigh, shredded cabbage and huhu sauce on their house made pineapple bun.
What had me was that it was served on a pineapple bun--how fun! I love those! The chicken Patty itself was huge, and all the sauces were amazing. I appreciated how even though there are spicy flavors, it was mild enough where I can handle the amount of heat, which I noticed in the menu they don't label it was spicy. Since it was battered and fried with rice--I'm guessing rice paper? It had more of a chewier crunch. It's not my favorite but it's not a big deal. Everything else about sandwich was (although really messy) REALLY good! Love it!!!
You can make this a combo for just $7 (worth $11 if it's actually the same portion) more you get the following:
WEST LAKE NEEF SOUP - $6
Minced beef, egg white, silken tofu, chicken broth, cilantro.
Although I don't think this pairs with the chicken sandwich, it's a damn solid soup on its own. There's plenty of both the minced need and tofu, and it's so good. It was rainy out so it hits the spot. Reminds me of egg drop soup but heartier.
RED TEA COLA - $5
Wild Tree Yunnan Red Tea, organic cane sugar, ginger, stair anise, spices. Made in house!
I don't drink soda but I saw how unique it sounded AND zigs made in house! If you look at their tap, the handles are terra cotta warriors! I thought that was neat. Oh yeah about the soda: it was simple, light tasting soda. I'm not really one to judge since I don't drink soda but it was worth trying out! I liked the star anise garnish. However, I was kinda surprised my drink wasn't served mostly to the top.
The other thing that stood out to me on the menu was the dessert and I got:
BOBA SOFT SERVE - $7
Banana oat-milk sort serve, Ceylon tea syrup, tapioca pearls, sesame crunch.
OMG SO GOOD! There was a very generous amount of boba (tapioca petals) and they were all sweet and soft! I was afraid by sitting on soft serve it would get hard but it didn't. The soft serve itself was so good and the banana flavor was subtle and actually nice! Who knew? I actually appreciate the sesame crunch as a topping as it gave the dessert some crunch and a slight salty accent flavoring! I actually hated that sesame crunch "candy" as a kid. Get it, it's such a wonderful treat even ima rainy day!
What's also cool is they have a playlist going on where if you like it, there's a small flyer with a QR code you can listen on your own via Spotify! Oh yeah I love their beading and overall look and design of your logo, menu, signs, and merch!
You know what's interesting? When I'm here, I felt like I was somewhere not in Mill Valley, and I think it's a good thing. I appreciate everything about Mamahuhu and I look forward to coming back.
Great food, great branding, great atmosphere, great music.