TENTO

New Japanese-Korean Restaurant Draws Big Lines Santa Clarita Strip Mall | Eater LA

"A scrappy Japanese–Korean street-food outpost in Canyon Square Plaza that trades mass-market simplicity for bold flavors and a neon-lit, Blade Runner–style interior. The pared-down menu centers on nine styles of baseball-sized musubi and Korean-style corndogs (plus one takoyaki option and bottled green tea), with hallmark touches like nori-wrapped Tabasco-spritzed Calrose rice, scallions, cabbage, and sweet tamago; fillings range from vinegar-forward beef bulgogi and crispy tonkatsu-style pork to a popular Spam musubi. The Korean corndogs are lighter and crunchier than American versions—sometimes mixed with potatoes or coated in breadcrumbs—and include an especially indulgent all-mozzarella, very cheesy option; at about $3.75 each they’re large, filling, and well-suited to delivery and takeout. The owner runs a local poke microchain, social media buzz (notably on the area’s large foodies Facebook group) has driven long lines despite the pandemic, and the spot emphasizes efficiency for third-party apps while indoor dining remains restricted." - Sean L. Malin