Jennifer B.
Yelp
My friend and I were coming out of the Shen Yun performance at the Long Beach Terrace Theater STARVING (we had a small snack before the show, but not enough to sustain!) He did a bit of research and came up with plenty of choices but the pictures posted on this place (thank you, fellow Yelpers!) were impressive (and way too convincing) to pass up.
A ten minute (or so) drive and here we were. All nearby parking spots were occupied, but as luck would have it, a couple of cars started backing out of theirs. We were practically right up front. Score!
It was a mid-Sunday afternoon, so seating wasn't an issue. There were plenty of open tables so we were able to take our pick. No menus handed, but the QR code was enough. (This kinda tells me they're still on the fence about COVID - not a bad thing. Better safe than... well. You know... )
We agreed on an app and a main dish each. I let him choose.
ROTI PRATA: The pancakes were great as is, but it's the curry sauce that pulled everything together! I've had a wide array of experience with curry, but there was something different about this one. Curry level was mild but had that explosion of flavors without overwhelming the senses. The level of heat was subtle, but definitely present. The combination of sweet and savory was perfect. And although it seemed watered down, it ended up being the perfect consistency for the pancakes to absorb. This. Was. EXCELLENT.
BORNEO RICE PLATE: My choice of main. Proteins were laid on a bed of white rice, I didn't know where to start! Went for the chicken first: great crisp on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, the bit of char gave it character and taste, good seasoning. Next was the BBQ pork: there's a level of toughness to it (but I believe it's supposed to be served that way), a little on the sweet side, although slight, good chew. Also great. Marinated egg was cooked hard boiled, good taste, helped with palate cleansing. And the side of soup: WOW. Like the egg, it was also a good palate cleanser. It had depth and really hearty - excellent side for a slightly cold and rainy day. I could have had at least a couple more of those!
HONEY GREEN TEA: Incredibly refreshing. I was glad to have ordered it, it was a fantastic choice to wash everything down.
My friend got the hakka mee (or at least I think that's what he got.) I got to try a bit of it, and it, too was excellent!
FOOD: 5. There was nothing I didn't like.
SERVICE: 4. Not a lot of interaction, but above average.
VALUE: 5. Quantity AND quality.
PARKING: Private lot - HUGE = shared with others. If you don't mind a walk on their busy hours, shouldn't be an issue.
OVERALL: 4.5.
Our grub was served on togo containers which I thought was brilliant. I ended up not being able to finish my food - there was enough for a 2nd meal (or a snack.) I will also attribute this practice as part of their COVID protocol. Safe AND convenient. Me likey.
Why, WHHHHHYYYY don't I have anything even remotely close to this cuisine anywhere near home! It's almost unfair. Because truth be told, should I crave it, I wouldn't mind the 30-45 minute drive just to have it again. And again. AND AGAIN!
Excellent first run. Highly recommending. I shall return.