I've been craving some interesting things lately……for some reason, I've been wanting some baozi or Sheng Jian Bao. Man could I go for some Guo Bu Li Baozi ("stuffed buns that even dogs would not eat" – a specialty of Tianjin).
It had been a while since I'd been to Tasty Noodle House on Convoy and I thought some Zui Ji – Drunken Chicken would be good as well, especially since this would be a solo lunch. The Missus is not fond of Kwai Fei Ji, Zui Ji, and similar type dishes, so this would a chance to have some. JJ was bushed after having two morning walks and it was nap time; so I thought I'd head out to see how things were at Tasty Noodle House.
I haven't been to this strip mall in ages, since the bike lanes went in. There's a somewhat confusing parking situation. The signs say two hours free when at businesses in the mall, then parking will be charged, all other need to pay. But there was nothing to indicate you were at one of the businesses, no attendant, how the heck would they know? Surveillance cameras???
Anyway, walking into the restaurant I asked, and the woman said "no worry" and walked away……ohhh-kay…..
I had arrived right at 11 and the place was empty. In fact, there were no other customers during my entire meal.
I placed my order for the House Rice Wine Chicken (Zui Ji – $10.99) and the Shanghai Grilled Pork Buns (Sheng Jian Bao – $14.50), both of which seemed decently priced for these days. I was told the sheng jian bao would take 20-25 minutes, which was fine, so long they didn't tow my car!
The chicken arrived in the blink of an eye.
Well, this was decent sized portion. The chicken was haphazardly chopped with pieces not completely sliced thru. Unlike the rather decent rendition I'd had in the past; this was pretty bad. The chicken was very bland, the liquid (I really can't call it sauce) had barely a hint of the "pungent-bracing-slightly astringent" flavor I enjoy with this dish. Heck, I'd even take the super salty version I'd had here on a previous visit over this.
Rather than the 20-25 minutes I was told my baozi would take, it was out in less than 10 minutes! Hmmmm…..
Sadly, this was just as bad as the version I'd had here almost a decade ago. The dough was very soggy and rubbery; I like the tops of the baozi to be slightly fluffy. The bottoms were somewhat burnt and on the bitter side, hard instead of crisp. Look, I'm not expecting what we had in Suzhou or what my MIL makes. Heck, if it could be even close to the version at the Hacienda Heights location I'd be happy.
The filling was mushy and overly salty for my taste as well. It lacked a nice porky flavor….or perhaps, all that sodium just messed everything up?
Well, this was a bummer of a meal……
Kinda sad actually.
Tasty Noodle House
4646 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
Whoa, that bad huh
bummer
Sorry to hear that this “tasty” noodle place was anything but. False advertising? š Gotta admit that I haven’t been to a restaurant on Convoy since the bike lanes went in. I used to have my “secret” parking spots on Convoy that always delivered, but now with those gone I just don’t want to get stuck prowling the side streets for a spot.
Aw, sorry the meal didn’t turn out well. I’m always looking for good buns.
I’m curious on your thoughts on the new Sizzling House & Noodle if you get a chance to visit!
Sorry to hear about this visit. TNH is very hit or miss and although I donāt go too often anymore itās been more miss of late. I do feel though, like many places around town, they are much better when they are busy and the turnover is high. I know, not your thing. The only other place weāve had somewhat decent SJB is Ju Feng in Scripps Poway. I remember your visits there were mixed but their version is hand made and usually decent. Thanks for the review.
It was very disappointing ST!
Yes, a real bummer Kat!
Yeah, the lack of parking is a hinderance Peter! I’m wondering how much of a hassle it is for the employees of the businesses.
I’ve been trying to get the Missus to try the place out Elle!
I’ve been meaning to revisit Ju Feng Yuan RD! Hopefully soon.
The 2 hour parking limit is to force employees to park on the streets. If you are a customer should be fine.
I went here a few times after they opened but wasn’t that impressed with the food.
The parking did seem to be a bit confusing. Tasty Noodle House was quite disappointing Junichi!
I was at Spicy City recently to meet a friend for dinner and hadnāt been to that shopping center in a while, as well. I opted for street parking and didnāt even attempt to drive into the lot because it always gives me anxiety. My friend then told me that the lot is now a paid parking lot, which I found confusing since I didnāt see any parking attendants or where you are even supposed to pay. Wonder how things will be once China Max reopens, which looks like may be soon, hopefully!
I too am bummed to hear about the grilled pork buns! The last two times I went (on a weekend)to Tasty Noodle House, they were out of the pork buns so I have not tried them yet. I always enjoyed their chow mein noodles with the black pepper sauce. Hoping this is a one-off and that things improve at this location.
My dream for the Convoy neighborhood is a multi-story municipal parking lot, like the one we have in North Park or over on Alameda in DTLA.
I do wish that the planning had been better with regards to access and parking in the area Mar. Sadly, the Sheng Jian Bao here have not been good during my visits.
That’s a bummer the food was not tasty.
Yes, it was quite disappointing Soo!