mmm-yoso!!! is a food blog written by friends. Kirk (and His Missus) are out of town on this long weekend and Cathy is writing.
Having written only one time about the original location of Chopstix as part of a multi-post back in 2016 and recently realizing that The Mister and I take this wonderful restaurant for granted, here's a post. We have been regulars here before (and now, after) the expansion to Chopstix Too (Chopstix Too is now Kumi Cafe).
Hot tea is now $1 per person (no complaints; it used to be free, then it was 25 cents for years).
The menu is descriptive and offers a good variety. Previously, signage of specials were taped to the walls.
Okonomiyaki ($8.95) was one of my choices this day. This savory pancake, filled with cabbage and eggs, a sort of egg foo young, crisp fried and served with Kewpie mayo and topped with bonito flakes. This could be a meal.
I also chose the agedashi tofu ($6.95) as an addition (since I knew The Mister and I would be sharing). The soft tofu cubes are dusted with cornstarch then lightly deep fried. It's served hot in a soy sauce/dashi/mirin broth. We do like the version here.
The Mister always pretends to read the menu then ends up ordering the Mabo Ramen ($11.95). Mabo is a salty-spicy sauce with a base of fermented beans and chili along with minced meat (pork). This is served with tofu cubes and pork broth over proper (springy, not mushy) ramen noodles. You could also order Mabo Udon or Mabo Soba (Chopstix is a Noodle House; everything can be customized).
One meal I enjoy here (especially on chilly days) is Nabeyaki Wafu with soba ($13.95). Nabeyaki is two shrimp tempura and a poached egg. It's served with soba noodles in the wafu (fish and soy) broth. Fishcake, shiitake mushrooms and green onions complete this bowl of soup and noodles, served in an iron kettle. This is a favorite order.
More than 30 years in the same location. A great restaurant which survived Covid.
Chopstix 4633 Convoy San Diego 92101 (858)569-9171 open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun-Th, closes at 9:30 Fri-Sat. Website
