How is the char siu in Santa Barbara so delicious?? 😭

nth time at Secret Bao The char siu from their new special menu is seriously amazing! It’s totally not what you’d expect from some awkward Americanized Chinese food—the meat is super tender and not dry at all, the seasoning is just right, and the pickles on the side are refreshing. 🥢 Though it’s not the most authentic char siu flavor, I never expected fusion cuisine to make char siu feel so natural and unforced. A must-order when you go! Katsudon 🍛 A combination of tonkatsu and oyakodon, but with pork cutlet instead of chicken. Super satisfying with rice—best enjoyed hot!😁 Kalbi 🐄 Korean-style grilled beef short ribs—classic slightly sweet marinated BBQ. We order this every time! Kimchi Pork Fried Rice 🍚 Just okay. Not bad, but the portion is small, and while it has some kimchi flavor, it doesn’t compare to the simplest kimchi fried rice from any spot in LA’s Koreatown. Missing that classic Korean spicy kick—feels a bit too “gentrified” lol. #HiddenGem #UCSB #StudyInTheUS