Back at the end of September, I noticed that new Chinese Restaurant had opened in Convoy Pointe Plaza; in the location that had become "Guest Kabob" and had previously been Xi’an Kitchen and Jin's Pot. A couple of days later I did a takeout visit…..which was interesting as the menu looked quite familiar.
I asked if anyone at Eastern Dynasty had been at Noble Chef and was told; "no, absolutely not….why would you think that?" I pointed out several items on the menu that looked suspiciously familiar. But was again rebuffed. Of course, a couple of days later it became clear that there was a link to Noble Chef.
Over the last couple of weeks, I've done a couple of visits….sorry to say, that unlike Soo (please read his post for another viewpoint on Eastern Dynasty), I've been kind of underwhelmed. Perhaps dining in makes all the difference? But, because of the seating arrangement and how crowded the place has been on all my visits….even at opening time, I'm holding off for now.
Here's a listing of the dishes we've had from Eastern Dynasty.
Decent:
Kwai Fei Chicken:
I recently had some very disappointing Kwai Fei Ji from Golden Island and decided to try the version from Eastern Dynasty.
On the good side; this was tender and moist. On the other end of the scale this was really quite bland and the sauce seemed watered down as well. It could have used more sesame oil and ginger tones. At least it was texturally good.
Soy Sauce Noodles:
Something I usually order from Noble Chef.
Not a bad version; decent "wok hay", though it needed a bit more soy sauce and it was cooked unevenly. There were hard pieces of noodles stuck together in clumps. Also, the noodles seemed to have been chopped into short strands as well.
Mediocre:
Eggplant with Salted Fish and Pork:
This one had potential; the eggplant was perfectly cooked; quite creamy in texture. You can see what the issue here is, right? Where's the salted fish and pork….well, there are a few "crumbs". Usually, the salted fish acts as a "foil" for the eggplant, which has been fried and can be somewhat greasy. This was one bland and greasy dish.
Roast Duck:
I know folks rave about this…..but we didn't for it very much.
The duck looked good; but both the Missus and I noticed something right off….where was the fragrance of five spice? The skin was hard, not crisp; the flesh was tough and bland. The Missus had two bites and told me; "the rest is yours……."
Shrimp with XO Sauce:
Here's another one where the stir fry was done well; the shrimp plump, though lacking in flavor and the snow peas crisp.
Not enough seasoning; not enough XO sauce, this was so bland.
Not Good:
Fried Tofu with Two Mushrooms:
Another dish that looks strikingly familiar, right?
The tofu as cold inside; the sauce was overly thick and as you can see, really light in color; it needed more soy sauce.
Pork Maw with Preserved Vegetable:
On two occasions I was told "not" to order something and recommendations were made. I tried to order the Pork Intestine with Preserved Vegetable, but was told to order the Pork Maw with Preserved Vegetable instead.
Now, I do like pork maw (the exterior wall of the pig stomach)…but where's the preserved vegetable? It's MIA. This, like many of the other dishes was really bland…maybe because there was "something missing?"
Mei Cai Kou Rou:
On one visit; I tried to order the Steamed Pork with Salted Fish and was told that it was "too salty" and asked to order something else. I was recommended the Steamed Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetable.
Good lord, this was so greasy and bitter. It was just really hard to eat.
I as told that the Salt and Pepper Pork Chops are quite good; so I think I'll wait until I feel ok with dining in here.
The Missus did say something kinda interesting; remember when I was told to get dinner from Noble Chef after a not so great lunch there? After confirming the Noble Chef connection She asked me; "is the old Noble Chef lunch cook the one at Eastern Dynasty?"
Eastern Dynasty
4690 Convoy St. #109
San Diego, CA 92111
Current Hours:
Daily 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 9pm
Some tables have been moved for distancing.
There are menus on an outside window as well as at the front door. The menu is 'Americanized' in descriptions. There were many people picking up 'To Go' orders while we were eating. 
A very tasty hot tea is served here.
I ordered the "crispy crepe" (Banh Xeo) ($11.25) as soon as we sat down, because I know it takes time to prepare. The version here is great! Crisp pancake filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts and mung beans; flavor and freshness and when eaten with the accompanying lettuce, mint and pickled vegetables dipped in fish sauce, quite a perfect bite. 
From the Appetizer part of the menu, the "Vietnamese Chicken Salad" (Goi Ga)($10.95) is a great choice. Poached white meat chicken, on top of a bed of cabbage mixed with pickled carrots and topped with mint, basil and peanuts in a vinegar/fish sauce dressing is a perfect blend of traditional Vietnamese flavors. This is particularly refreshing on a hot day. 
The Pho here is remarkable. A wonderful beefy broth, great (non-clumped) noodles and bright flavors overall makes this "eye round steak" (Tai) ($10.25) bowl a satisfying meal with bright flavor in each slurp.
