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How good is OK Chinese?

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Has anyone been to OK Chinese restaurant on the corner of Figueroa and York? Any recommendations?

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  1. I believe this is part of a chain of Chinese fast food restaurants catering to Hispanic clientele. I don't recall anything that distinguishes this from another other neighborhood Chinese fast food place.

    4 Replies
    1. re: Chandavkl

      " ... Chinese fast food restaurants catering to Hispanic clientele."

      I'm curious. What does that mean? How is Chinese food for Hispanics necessarily different?

      No flames here, just wondering. Thanks.

      1. re: ipsedixit

        I think what's interesting about this aspect of the question is that for some Mexican or Latino people, Chinese food on New Year's Day is kind of a tradition, since most Chinese restaurants are open New Year's Day, but most American restaurants are closed.

        (For the record, I'm Chinese and LOVE Mexican food. Long live Tacos Tumbras a Tomas at Grand Central Square!)

        1. re: ipsedixit

          Well the comment really was an implied combination of two items--based on their location in neighborhoods not having a large Chinese presence and Americanized type of Chinese food, and the fact these locations are in largely Hispanic neighborhoods. However, if you go to the Hispanic neighborhoods of South L.A., you do see some nuances in the Chinese fast food outlets there--particularly the presence of boba/fruit drinks which I haven't seen in Chinese fast food outlets in other types of neighborhoods, and a seemingly greater emphasis on sweeter dishes, e.g. prominence of sweetened orange chicken.

          1. re: ipsedixit

            New Formosa Cafe would be a good place to check it out.
            They got a menu that caters to the locals in the area and their "Far East Cafe" menu(same dishes from the "old" Far East Cafe in Little Tokyo). I noticed some dishes with Mexican chilis. Owner Dewey is the son of the original founder of the Far East Cafe in Little Tokyo.

            Closed Sunday/Monday Open Lunch and till 7pm only on Saturdays.
            2415 E Cesar E Chavez Ave
            Los Angeles, CA 90033
            (323) 262-2936

        2. It's fine for takeout. There are really no other options in the area. The food is pretty fresh- they make it constantly and are always refilling the trays. It's nice that they keep the steamed brocolli seperate from the chicken and beef, so it isn't drowned in sauce. It isn't gourmet, but pretty good if you're just in the mood for some quick Chinese food.

          1. In other words, it's just OK.

            1. I used to live near an OK and it's a bit better than OK.... basically you get what you pay for and it's pretty cheap. I like the chicken potatoe and the rib pork.

              Now I've gone to many much more expensive Chinese fast food places near my work in MDR and they are far worse than OK and much more expensive.

              1. For the portions and the price, it's a good deal. I wouldn't say it' s the best I've ever had, but it's average and definitely edible. I wouldn't make a special trip out to it, but if in the area, and needing cheap chinese, I'd head there with no qualms.

                I was on a very strict budget for a luncheon I was planning and fed about 100-150 people for VERY cheap - what surprised me is the way they load up the tray (it's pilled as high as possible in a huge mound)... definitely no skimping going on around there!