Yesterday, we tried out a new restaurant in town called Chin Chin.
I did not know of this restaurant until I looked it up. It classifies itself as California Asian Cuisine and has five locations in Los Angeles (Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Brentwood, Studio City, and El Segundo) and one in Las Vegas, at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino.
I could not make a reservation online (although you can order delivery from Door Dash). I made a reservation via phone and talked to a wonderful staff member. Our table for three was ready when we arrived. Parking was easy, this restaurant is actually right in the complex of the movie theater, there were plenty of spots as well as a valet service.
The restaurant decor was pretty and welcoming. The staff was really friendly and the servers were really accommodating. The first thing I noticed was their plant-based as well as gluten-free menu options. I was thrilled to see the number of vegetarian dishes on the menu. They also had a kids menu with an ice-cream treat, which is always a good idea.
For two mains, one kids meal, and two appetizers, we paid $60 or so, including the tip. The quantities were decent, we had enough left over for lunch the next day. So, I say, not a bad deal for dinner.
So, what did we order?
For appetizers, we ordered some delicious edamame (can't go wrong with that!) and also pan-fried vegetable dumpling. This was OK. I thought the mushrooms were too much, and my daughter said she liked all the veggies in the dumpling but she they did not taste good together. I take what she says with a pinch of salt, but I guess we can safely assume that some kids may not like the dumplings. She did really like the Lo-Mein kids noodles with tofu (requested) though, and the ice-cream was lovely.
Moving on.
We ordered two vegetarian items to share.
One was the Drunken Noodles with veggies which was great and the other one was a 'Superfood' Cauliflower Rice, a bit bland but definitely healthy. I would have liked a little more seasoning and also the cauliflower rice needed a bit more saute.
I want to appreciate their sauces which enhanced the flavor of our food: Mustard, Chilli, Peanut and Sweet & Sour. I must recommend you request these if you like more flavor in your food.
I am happy to see this restaurant in my neighborhood. For its food offerings, I would give it a 6.75/10. I definitely see the effort put in to create a vegetarian Chinese menu. Chin Chin is a good place to satisfy your cravings for Chinese food when Din Tai Fung is too far away!
Note: This restaurant just opened in my neighborhood so we checked it out. This is not a PR push, or a sponsored post.
