China 1968 (El Cajon)

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, writes about a variety of places in San Diego County (as well as around the world). Kirk is usually posting here, but for now, it's Cathy.

Located in a strip mall fronted by an El Pollo Loco, with a pizzeria on one side and next to a laundromat, China 1968 has been here since 2014. Family owned, family run, everybody who works here seems to remember you, if not your 'usual' order.  It's a regular stop when we don't want to 'venture West' for Asian food.26C6A471-3058-4FFA-88B1-2F3001FF7E2D_1_201_a  8BAFC305-E2CC-4564-BBA9-CA7DC952ED7E8BAFC305-E2CC-4564-BBA9-CA7DC952ED7E11628E7A-570F-42D6-A8A3-8D6800B8239B 579FF33C-A24D-4615-AA8F-8E85B3332CA6 There are 14 Lunch Specials on the menu, ranging from $9.49 to $11.49.  Each is served with rice, (vegetarian) egg roll and cup of soup (either egg drop or hot and sour).  This is the Kung Pao Chicken ($9.49).  You are asked if you would like it medium-hot or hot-hot in level of spiciness.  It is made to order, as is everything on the menu. This is quite good with the fresh mushroom, onion, zucchini, peanuts and smooth, spicy/vinegar-y/lightly sweet sauce with a perfect amount of heat (I asked for "medium plus a little more" in spice level).  You can taste each of the vegetables as well as the juicy chicken. 
E19CF1B0-CA90-4811-8C35-8D15983576DC The chicken corn soup (medium $7.49, large $9.49) is wonderful, tender and meaty chicken, plenty of flavorful corn bites and egg swirled in a tasty chicken broth. The large size is great for sharing.
E19CF1B0-CA90-4811-8C35-8D15983576DC 185ADB8B-39A7-4EF1-9376-A60963556192 Our "must order" at every Chinese restaurant- House Egg Foo Young ($16.99).  Beef, chicken and shrimp are mixed in with the (very fluffy) eggs and the crust formed on the large pancake was remarkably lightly crisp.  It's all topped with a variety of fresh vegetables (and no bean sprouts!) and a good brown gravy. The EFY here is my absolute favorite and the eggiest version I've ever tasted. 1EC79D6F-B8D4-4C96-A45E-2EA127952B8A  B3545B0F-8FE9-43C3-9E37-3D0AAAF5DAF4 One day, we saw another table ordering this and on our next visit, it was a 'must try'.  Salt and Pepper Shrimp ($17.99).  That is a large tablespoon with a single (no shell) shrimp in it.  Plump and juicy shrimp, a wonderful, perfectly fried light and crisp salty/peppery batter with garlic and scallions and a few red peppers mixed in.  This plate is a meal in itself with some white rice.

Each dish is made to order and everything here is fresh and flavorful. A great place for great food. 

 China 1968 500 Broadway El Cajon 92021 (619)593-0495 (619)593-0498 Open Mon-Tue 2:30-8, CLOSED WEDNESDAY, Thurs-Sun noon-9 p.m. Website

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3 comments

  1. One entree here can easily be shared, Kat. The quality is remarkable.
    I think the oldest family member/owner was born in 1968, Soo. This storefront opened in 2014. You’ll like the food here.

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