The Dining Guide to Far East Plaza in Chinatown

If you need a place to park your laptop and sip a huge slushy drink, this is not the coffee shop for you. Proprietor Jack Benchakul previously worked as both a biochemist and a pastry chef, and the level of detail and perfectionism of these trades comes through in his coffee. There are no tables or chairs, just a gleaming stainless steel bar separating customers from coffee gear that will make your inner java geek rejoice. Espresso, cold brew, and pour over options are prepared with precision, and a variety of non-dairy, nut-and grain-milk options are available. For “adventurous” guests, treats such as a palm sugar-whiskey cold brew latte and the matcha-coconut latte await. Those signed up for Endorffeine’s newsletter can RSVP to special tasting events featuring food and drink pairings in an intimate setting.

What started out as a popular food truck run by a husband and wife team dishing out the crispy, spicy chicken they learned to make in Nashville found a home at Far East Plaza in April 2016. Riding the crest of the Nashville hot chicken craze sweeping the city, there is hardly a moment during business hours when this counter-only space isn’t attended by an hours-long line of hungry Angelenos. The menu is focused: chicken by the piece, chicken sandwiches and sides with heat options ranging from “Country” (no heat) to “Howlin!” (take a guess). No matter what you think about they hype, the chicken is fantastic - crunchy and tender and perfectly seasoned to order. Weekends bring an outstanding chicken and waffle plate. Be careful, even the mild heat level can bring tears to the eyes of the uninitiated.

Chinatown residents have been coming to family-owned Kim Chuy for Teochew (Chiu Chow) style cooking for decades. Founder Kim Chuy Tang hailed from China via Cambodia, and the food here shows that Southeast Asian influence on its traditional offerings. You won't find the modern signage and decor of some of the newer arrivals - this is a food experience with the emphasis on the food. A longtime destination of foodies and locals seeking the real deal when it comes to noodles, fried rice, porridge, Chinese doughnuts and particularly leek cakes, Kim Chuy is consistently busy at mealtimes. This is a definite "yes" for an affordable piece of Chinatown history.

Brothers Chad and Chase Valencia had long been making their elevated Pinoy (Filipino) fare for friends and at pop-up events around town when they took up residence in Far East Plaza’s former restaurant incubator space, Unit 120. What they created there was so popular that the brothers wound up making the place their own. Lunch at LASA is available through the takeout window, and offers favorites such as pancit (noodles) and adobo chicken on a limited menu. Dinner is a bigger affair - a luxury that comes with their bigger floor space - with an a la carte menu that shows off Chef Chad Valencia’s imagination and heritage. Lunch is walk-up window only; reservations are highly recommended for dinner.

A staple of the Plaza since 2012, the family-operated Qin West is a small, no frills space with a loyal following. Qin West is one of two locations serving up Chinese comfort food - a mix of Shaanxi and Guilin styles with a focus on the rich noodle dishes of the former. Diners rave over the spicy Guilin Soup and the housemade noodles in the cold Liangpi Noodle salad. Portions are large and service is notably friendly, but be prepared for a hectic environment, and know your spice tolerance, as things can get intense.

One of three locations of L.A.’s beloved ice cream shop, the Chinatown Scoops offers the brand’s signature premium ice cream in a range of adventurous flavors. Constantly rotating offerings have included flavors such as Guinness coffee, blueberry lavender, and yuzu poppy seed. Vegans and the milk-averse are welcomed with a constant supply of at least two soy- or nut-based options, so they never have to settle for sorbet.

Representing Vietnamese cuisine in the Plaza is this small but beloved spot for pho fanatics. Family run, with the proprietor working the floor most days, Thien Huong is frequently overlooked by those creeping by in long lines for Howlin’ Ray's. Those who enter leave happy - the deeply affordable and tasty pho, banh mi and spring rolls satisfy and the sweet iced tea and boba refresh. Space is a concern here, and the volume can be, too, but sandwiches are easily brought out into the arcade area if the scene is overwhelming. Note: this old school place is cash only.