Cherylynn N.
Yelp
Goodbye, Loi's.
Hello, Steam Rice Roll King.
In college and in my early 20s, Loi's was a Sunday staple for cheap eats. Before they closed in August 2023, Loi's was the only place in the city where you can get a bowl of phở for under $10.
I hope the owners are enjoying their well-deserved retirement and have chilled out. Tho their bickering and yelling will forever remain in my memory.
Opening on 1/13/24, Steam Rice Roll King is offering takeout only.
M E N U
Cantonese Breakfast Fare.
Specialty: Cheung Fun - Rice Noodle Rolls ($7.50-$10). For each cheung fun, you get two free add-ins: corn, lettuce, green onion, parsley, mushroom, bean sprout, or pickled cabbage. You can add egg/salted egg yolk for $1.50.
They also have Jook (porridge), Rice Cakes, and Housemade Soy Milk.
CASH ONLY.
There's a Wells Fargo ATM half a block away.
Count your change! I didn't think to and it wasn't until I returned home did I realize I was shorted $10.
F O O D
I ordered three cheung fun and choose corn, green onion, and parsley for the free add-ins. They're served with a side of sweet soy. No chili oil available at the moment.
Ever so slightly translucent, the cheung fun is soft but the texture could be improved. Large portion but not as thin, smooth, and slippery with a stretchy, chewy bounce...which is my preference.
* 牛腩腸粉 Beef Brisket Roll w/ corn, green onion ($9): http://tinyurl.com/589btjnp
Best of the three, the braised brisket (rough flank) was savory, flavorful, and tender. You receive 5-6 small pieces.
* 鮮蝦腸粉 Shrimp Noodle Roll w/ corn, green onion ($8.50): http://tinyurl.com/6jcbck3f
Fresh, firm shrimp (8-9 pieces) that paired well with sweetness of the corn.
* 豬潤腸粉 Pork Liver Roll w/ parsley ($8): http://tinyurl.com/6jcbck3f
The pork liver was overcooked and tough. IMO, they should have undercooked it to account for the time spent in the sealed takeout container.
S E R V I C E
Cordial with a full staff (6-7 peeps).
Visited at 8 am opening time and there was no line or wait. The cheung fun is made-to-order; quoted 10-12 minutes. Longer if there's a line.
A M B I A N C E
Total remodel - bright and minimalist with three stools.
P A R K I N G
Very challenging parking during peak hours.
Overall, decent cheung fun with large portions. IMO, Joyful Kitchen on Ocean Ave makes a superior one with Ming Hing on San Bruno Ave coming in second for value (~$2 less). I'm hopeful Steam Rice Roll King will perfect their recipe and technique in the coming months.