Kim Chuy Restaurant

I initially had my heart set on Howlin' Rays, but the prospect of a long wait wasn’t appealing that day. So, I decided to explore the plaza for other options, and when in Chinatown, why not indulge in some delicious Chinese cuisine? I stumbled upon Kim Chuy, and I’m so glad I did! The impressively extensive menu made it hard to choose, but I settled on the wonton noodle soup and a dish reminiscent of pad see ew. Both dishes were delightful, bursting with flavor and freshness. The wontons were perfectly tender, and the noodles had just the right amount of chew. To top it off, the chili sauce was a game-changer—definitely “fire”! Overall, my experience at Kim Chuy was fantastic, and I can’t wait to return to try more dishes. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for great Asian food in the area!

- Tawny V -

Love the noodle soup here. Have been coming here since I was a kid and they are consistent with the flavor of the broth. I get the #1 which is garnished with a combination of meats and wontons with small rice noodle soup. I prefer this spot over other Chinese noodle soup places because the broth is more flavorful than your typical Chinese noodle soup. It is a Chiu chow style restaurant so it is not your typical Chinese flavors. I also ordering the leek cakes to go and enjoy them with sriracha!

- Randy -

Teochew comfort food. The auntie sounds like my grandmother so I know it's legit. Real cozy and homey vibes. A little-known gem in Chinatown.

- Nop Jiarathanakul -

The restaurant serves a special dish that my family member always love when we visit Cali…the pig intestines noodle. It’s a small little place but has lots of variety dishes to choose from. We loved every dishes we’ve ordered. Will definitely come back again soon.

- Sandy Q. -

Chinatown’s Comfort Corner – A Humbling Noodle Experience at Kim Chuy Kim Chuy is an unassuming treasure that overdelivers on flavor, warmth, and tradition. It’s the kind of local gem that makes you feel welcome the moment you walk in—generous servings, authentic Chinese comfort food, and a no-frills vibe that feels just like home. We started with the wonton egg noodle soup and a side of fried leeks. The soup? Not just good—it was built for noodle lovers. The broth was rich, the noodles perfectly textured, and the flavors so soothing that conversation at the table paused. It was a quiet appreciation of something humble and deeply satisfying, a true noodle moment that lifts your mood without saying a word. We also ordered the broccoli beef chow mein, and I wish we’d snapped a photo before we dove in. The vegetables were crisp, fresh, and infused with garlic and savory chow mein notes. It’s not your typical fast-food-style dish—this is home-style, family cooking done right. Every bite reminded me of meals made with care, meant to be enjoyed and remembered. Kim Chuy even offers pre-made leeks you can take home and cook—perfect for sharing, and trust me, they’ll go fast. Whether you’re a lifelong local or exploring Chinatown for the first time, Kim Chuy is a soul-satisfying stop that brings joy to noodle enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

- Bell -

Most authentic Teochew noodle soup on this side of the Pacific Ocean. Every time I order from them and take my first sip of the broth it’s like that one scene from Ratatouille. This is what food is supposed to be.

- Danit Osborn -

My favorite place in Chinatown! Bad service here is so bad that it's an institution in itself. The true mark of Chinatown, indeed. Who cares about service when the food is truly magnificent! And cheap, too. Go elsewhere to hand over all your hard earned $ for mediocre food with so much stuffy pretentions. This place is the place to go for an experience like no other in America! I personally have been coming here for 30+ years! Rain or shine, this Chu Jao place delivers! I love the soups, stir fries, steamed, and even the tea, which is free! Don't expect fancy, clean, 6 star service restaurant. This is a 7 star food joint for a true foodie, a must visit for some serious chow! Ignore the workers, and ignore all the unimportant stuff like decorations, vibe, food stains, unwiped spills. So what? Focus on the food. And the price. What a value! Love it! Update: Now this place has boba drinks with hello Kitty tops! Used to be nice, now it's cute as well. Up update: I don't know why so many people stand in line out side for over-rated spicy fried chicken sandwiches... This Kim Chuy is amazing, peeps. Still amazing after decades.

- Los Angeles -

Today was my first time in Chinatown after living in LA for a couple years. Wandering about down the main drag I came upon this place. I checked the reviews and it seemed like a good place. It was Sunday, the restaurant was crowded, and the dishes through the window looked tasty. I sat down and took a minute to find a soup that caught my eye. There were plenty, but the variety soup was what I pointed out. I also had the option of what kind of noodles, which I thought was pretty cool. There was a hiccup in service here. First they lost my order, then they moved me to a different table. As a lone eater I understood the space thing, as I didn't choose the table but was told to sit there I was a little miffed, but not too much. The forgotten dish, being really hungry, sucked. But, after about 5 or 6 minutes my soup arrived at where I sat. Overall I was really happy with what I ordered. The flavor, portions, variety, all were really good. And, the price was also on point, at $8 for the dish, which, in LA seems miraculous. Next time I hear to Chinatown I'll probably check out a different restaurant, not because this place isn't good, I just have a feeling there might be better.

- Michael Wessel -