Robowok Mini Bowls - USC
Restaurant · Exposition Park ·
Robotic woks cook authentic Asian flavors, fresh, delicious, affordable
Robotic woks cook authentic Asian flavors, fresh, delicious, affordable
"Operating out of a strip mall right across the street from the University of Southern California, this robot-powered fast-food Chinese spot lets machines handle only the cooking—done in rotating drums right behind the counter—while humans take over preparation and plating. As an affordable and quick option, it more than fits the bill, but don’t expect the same heart (or flavor) as your favorite neighborhood Chinese restaurant. Garlicky green beans and eggplant are an unexpected standout, with a gentle char on the edges and enough allium to scare off a vampire. Orange chicken offers a pleasant pop of actual citrus flavor and a coating that stays crisp even after cooling; some of the smaller pieces may not have the best sauce-to-crust-to-chicken ratio, but for $5.99 it’s not too much of an issue. Saucy egg and tomato stir-fry, a Chinese comfort food classic, feels most ideal over a bed of steamed white rice, with threads of scrambled eggs swimming between hunks of softened tomatoes for a hint of sweetness that contrasts the rest of the salty menu. Portions are intentionally small to let diners build their own combination plates, so don’t shy away from ordering a handful of dishes, with each item $6.99 or under. Parking can be a fiasco after work since it shares a lot with Smart & Final and Taco Bell; look for a few metered spots on nearby side streets to avoid the mayhem." - Rebecca Roland
"UCLA students have been spoiled withTigawokas an affordable lunch option, and now USC students have their own dupe. The place looks eerily identical, down to the font design, teal plateware, and use of robot-operated woks (hence the name). Dishes are served à la carte in mini bowls, and the menu appears nearly identical to Tigawok's, featuring mapo tofu, orange peel chicken, shredded potatoes, and braised pork over rice." - Cathy Park
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