Ratings and reviews
Chai Lan Photos
Hours
| Monday | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM,4:00 PM - 9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM,4:00 PM - 9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM,4:00 PM - 9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM,4:00 PM - 9:30 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM,4:00 PM - 9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM |
Chai Lan Reviews
I prefer chai lan over the spot inside Hmart probably because there full service not a take out window and they also give you kimchi. They have bouncy noodles and the jjampong has a fire taste to it. It's delicious. I do feel like the prices are a little high but maybe you pay for what you get. Their tangsukyuk comes with the sauce on the side which is perfect for you dippers out there. Their roll bread is warm and soft and complements your meal as well.
This Korean/Chinese fusion is so flavorful. Every bite was filled with a burst of freshness and tanginess in my mouth. It was the first time that I had black bean noodles. It fulfilled all my expectations of how I imagined it would taste. I wish there was a place closer to where I live. I can just imagine eating it this dish and watching my K-Dramas. Delicious in Dungeon.
the food is so flavorful and delicious, one of the best bowls of jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) i've had. it is a generous portion and is full of onion and pork. the tangsuyuk - sweet & sour pork - was really good too, i liked that the sauce is on the side. the servers were friendly and attentive. they didn't have aprons, but they gave me extra napkins to protect my shirt from the noodles! the food came out pretty fast, and there wasn't a wait on a friday night. there are plenty of tables inside, and it was a clean environment to eat. overall, this is my new go-to for jjajangmyeon in OC.
Service was good. Portion size was generous. Our favorite dish was the shrimp. The sweet and sour fried pork was kind of bland even with the sauce. The black bean noodle sauce turned watery the more you ate, which was strange.
This place's food offers AMAZING VALUE. I came on a late Thursday night. There was no lines and it wasn't busy. It's located in the Northpark Plaza, so there's ample parking outside. The food portions were huge, filling, flavorful, and affordable. The food came out FAST! This is what we ate: 1) Jajangmyeon $13.99 - the black bean sauce was sweet and savory. The noodles were thick and chewy. The pork was so tender and nicely cooked that I thought it was beef 2) Side Soup $4 - a small but good size bowl of spicy seafood soup with veggies. It is decently spicy for those who can't tolerate it 3) Side Rice $2 - it was a big bowl of white rice that paired extremely well with the side soup and left over black bean sauce 4) Kimchi and yellow radish sides - they were free and added a great crunchy element to the meal The total before tip was $21.54, which is very impressive. The interior has nice, traditional looking decor. There's a hollow mini car that greets the front door with fortune cookies.
Food is great, but I definitely got confused when walking in because the sign outside the restaurant says Chinese Cuisine but all the menu and the wall menu is Korean. Nonetheless, food is food and this food was fantastic! We ordered three dishes. The jjampong was perfectly rich seafood broth and the noodles had perfectly chewy texture. We also got the black bean sauce with noodles and this was also *chefs kiss* with same chewy perfect noodles. The sweet and sour pork was the only item I wish was seasoned better. The sauce was great but I wished the pork itself was seasoned. The service was great and our pickled Dikon and radishes were being topped up. I will def be coming back to eat here!!
This restaurant is my go to in the area whenever I crave chinese korean food such as tangsuyuk and/or jajangmyeon. The food here is delicious and oily so you know its legit. Also, their sweet and sour shrimp is actually decent too and i order it sometimes when i'm in the mood.
We were recommended to Chai Lan by our neighbor. Below the name in small print says: Koreanized Chinese restaurant. Never been to one so we were excited to try. 2 dishes our neighbor highly recommended were: #16 Deep Fried Pork was amazing but I recommend to finish it while it is still warm. #1 Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup was flavorful but will go with the not spicy version next time. Delicious food and service was superior. Special mention to Sue. Almost every table had the Black Bean Sauce Noodles so will definitely try that next time and some Fried Pork again.
Chai Lan
Nestled in the heart of Irvine at 3951 Irvine Blvd, Chai Lan serves a delightful fusion of Chinese-Korean flavors. Known for its warm atmosphere and expertly crafted dishes, this restaurant has become a favorite for food enthusiasts seeking bold and comforting flavors.
Chai Lan Delivers a Fusion of Rich Flavors
Chai Lan masterfully blends the rich traditions of Chinese and Korean cuisines, creating a menu that is both diverse and satisfying. Signature dishes like tangsuyuk (crispy sweet and sour pork) and jajangmyeon (noodles with black bean sauce) showcase the balance of savory and sweet flavors that define the restaurant's culinary philosophy. These dishes not only highlight the authenticity of the recipes but also cater to modern palates, making them an irresistible choice.
Fresh Ingredients at the Core of Chai Lan’s Menu
At Chai Lan, freshness is non-negotiable. The restaurant is committed to using high-quality, fresh ingredients to ensure every dish is flavorful and wholesome. From the vibrant seafood fried rice to the succulent garlic fried shrimp, each plate is prepared with care and attention to detail. This commitment to freshness enhances the overall dining experience, offering customers a meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing.
The Must-Try Dishes That Define Chai Lan
The variety at Chai Lan makes it hard to choose a single favorite dish. For first-time visitors, the beef with scallions and onions is a standout, combining tender meat with perfectly sautéed vegetables. Seafood lovers will enjoy the garlic fried shrimp, which bursts with flavor and pairs wonderfully with rice. Another fan-favorite is the crispy fried chicken, a crowd-pleaser for both adults and children.
While dishes like mapo tofu and fried pork may cater to more specific tastes, adventurous diners will appreciate their bold and distinct flavors. Reviewers often suggest adding a pinch of salt to the seafood fried rice to elevate its natural taste, a testament to the restaurant’s focus on minimalistic, clean flavors.
A Clean and Inviting Space at Chai Lan
Beyond its delicious menu, Chai Lan offers a welcoming and clean environment. The interior is thoughtfully designed to create a comfortable dining space for families, friends, and solo diners alike. The staff are known for their friendliness and attentive service, making every visit feel special. Despite the challenge of finding parking during peak hours, the restaurant’s convenient location in Irvine adds to its appeal.
Chai Lan Stands Out Among Local Restaurants
Chai Lan doesn’t just serve food; it offers an experience. The combination of expertly cooked meals, a clean and cozy atmosphere, and exceptional service makes it a top choice for anyone craving Chinese-Korean cuisine. The in-house preparation of sauces and recipes highlights the authenticity and dedication that sets this restaurant apart from others in the area.
Tips for an Enhanced Dining Experience at Chai Lan
To make the most of your visit, consider these tips:
- Arrive early to avoid peak hours and secure parking more easily.
- Share dishes with friends or family to explore a variety of menu items.
- Pair tangsuyuk or fried chicken with a bowl of jajangmyeon for the ultimate flavor combination.
Very good Korean restaurant! Recommend Black bean sauce noodles with pork, Spicy seafood noodle soup with assorted vegetables and Deep fried pork salad with sweet and sour sauce, They are so delicious! Will come back for sure!