Homestyle Chinese Restaurant
Woon, which has recently opened its second location in Pasadena, was started to share authentic Chinese home cooking, offering a simple yet delicious menu inspired by Shanghai and Cantonese cuisine. Originally a family-run pop-up restaurant that gained much love, Woon now has locations in Historic Filipinotown and Pasadena, presenting heartfelt warm meals.
We visited on the opening day, and as expected, many people were waiting in line to enjoy the food. The operation is set up so that you order food first, receive a number, and then sit down. The restaurant is spacious with plenty of seating, so we didn’t have to wait too long. Since we were very hungry, there were so many dishes we wanted to try, but we chose Beef Noodles, Fried Rice, Fried Tofu Fishcakes, and Chinese Pickled Cabbage, along with Woon Milk Tea and Matcha Latte as our drinks. The Woon Milk Tea was a smooth and sweet drink made with oolong tea, oat milk, and sugar, perfectly sweetened while allowing the deep flavor of the tea to shine through. The Matcha Latte, enhanced with honey, offered a nutty yet clean taste. Both drinks were not too heavy or overly sweet, pairing well with the food, and it was nice to enjoy them chilled in the provided ice cups.
The first dishes that arrived, Fried Rice and Chinese Pickled Cabbage, had such a wonderful aroma that it whetted our appetites. The Fried Rice was stir-fried with Chinese sausage, broccoli stems, and eggs, providing a nutty and flavorful taste. Eating it with the refreshing Chinese Pickled Cabbage enhanced the flavors even more, creating a nice balance between the two dishes. The Chinese Pickled Cabbage was similar to baek-kimchi but had a fresher taste with a hint of sesame oil. The portion of fried rice was quite large, and I thought I wouldn’t be able to finish it, but it was so delicious that I ended up eating it all.
Next, the Beef Noodles and Fried Tofu Fishcakes were also enticing dishes. The Beef Noodles featured chewy noodles stir-fried with beef, bok choy, and shiitake mushrooms, boasting a rich flavor, with the sauce well absorbed by the noodles and other ingredients, providing a deep taste. The Fried Tofu Fishcakes were a unique combination of tofu and fish cake, with a crispy exterior and a soft, moist interior. Dipping them in the accompanying tangy sauce made them even more delicious. The nutty yet refreshing sauce balanced the greasiness of the fried food and paired well with the fish paste inside, making it a must-try side dish.
Woon
How about visiting the newly opened Woon, a place where delicious dishes captivate your taste buds and experience the charm of Chinese home cooking?
