Robots May Be Cooking Chinese Food, But They Haven't Figured Out Wok Hei
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Robots May Be Cooking Chinese Food, But They Haven't Figured Out Wok Hei
"Though robo is in its name, the only labor robots actually perform is the cooking itself, which happens in rotating drums right behind the counter; the preparation and doling out of dishes requires humans to take over. For an affordable and quick option, Robowok more than fits the bill, but don't expect the same heart (or flavor) as your favorite neighborhood Chinese restaurant."
"Garlicky green beans and eggplant are an unexpected standout, with a gentle char on the edges and enough allium to scare off a vampire. Orange chicken offers a pleasant pop of actual citrus flavor and a coating that stays crisp even after cooling. Some of the smaller pieces may not have the best sauce-to-crust-to-chicken ratio, but for $5.99, it's not too much of an issue."
"Saucy egg and tomato stir-fry, a Chinese comfort food classic, feels most ideal over a bed of steamed white rice. Threads of scrambled eggs swim between hunks of softened tomatoes, which contrast the rest of the salty menu with a hint of sweetness. Robowok shares a lot with Smart & Final and Taco Bell, which means finding a spot can be a fiasco after work. There are a few metered spots on nearby side streets if looking to avoid the mayhem."
Robowok is a robot-powered fast-food Chinese spot across from USC. Robots handle cooking in rotating drums behind the counter while humans prepare and serve dishes. Prices are modest, with each item $6.99 or under and some dishes priced at $5.99. Garlicky green beans and eggplant stand out with gentle char and pronounced allium. Orange chicken delivers real citrus brightness and a coating that stays crisp after cooling, though some pieces lack an ideal sauce-to-crust ratio. Saucy egg-and-tomato stir-fry pairs best with steamed white rice. Portions are intentionally small for build-your-own combination plates; nearby parking can be chaotic with a few metered side-street spots.
Read at la.eater.com
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