Kingchops Irvine 金園排骨 — Restaurant in Irvine

Warning: owner's reply confirmed they record you with no warning. I'm prettier sure recording without warning is not legal.

Summary: Not recommended. Fried pork chop is the only acceptable dish. Overly pricey. No service. Poor atmosphere. Must order via QR code.

I came here hoping for authentic Taiwanese food, but left seriously disappointed. The fried pork chop was the only item that tasted right—but at over $20 after tax for the combo, it’s not something I’d order again. You might be able to get just the pork chop for $10, but even then, it’s just not worth it in my opinion.

Everything else was underwhelming or just flat-out bad.

The flower and rib soup was lukewarm and completely tasteless—despite a generous amount of ribs. It honestly tasted like it was made with plain water instead of broth. I don't want to think of a reason behind it.

My friend ordered the wonton noodle soup and said he wouldn’t get it again. He’s usually very easygoing, so that says a lot.

The fried stinky tofu didn’t taste right either, and both sets of pickled veggies (in the pork chop combo and on the side) didn’t taste like authentic Taiwanese pickles at all.

On top of that, the service was minimal. You must order via QR code, which already sets a bad tone, and we had to serve ourselves water. The server just told us to “call me if you need anything,” which doesn’t feel like real table service. The only interaction was when they dropped off the food and cleared the plates.

There was also a sign in the restroom (only in Mandarin) saying "No toilet paper in the toilet," which either suggests plumbing issues or a strange assumption about their customers. (My guess is both.) Either way, not a good look.

The restaurant requests a minimum 15% tip, even though CA servers are paid $16.50/hr minimum wage. That’s very different from states where servers rely on tips to make up $2-$3/hr wages. I did tip 15%, but honestly, I felt like I did half the work myself—from ordering, to serving water, to figuring everything out without guidance. At that point, it feels like they should be tipping me. (We're the only table during the normal dinner time and this is what we received.)

I’m leaving this review in the hopes it helps others looking for real Taiwanese food and service. If you’re just here for the pork chop and willing to pay a premium for it, it’s your choice. But for me? Definitely not coming back.

P.S. your server lied to you. I can confirm his attitude grew better after seeing me taking pictures, and the takeout box offer was done...

First time I ordered here and maybe it will be my last. I feel like I could have made the dish myself if I wasn't too lazy. I got the Braised Beef Brisket with noodles to-go. Everything came in a cup or bowl. I did not know it included soup? The soup broth wasn't very good. I didn't even know if you were supposed to pour it over the noodles or not but I wouldn't have like that if that was the case. The meat sauce/noodle sauce was okay as well. Not the best I've ever tasted. The meat, once again, just like Kingfu's, (however, I think the meat sauce in KingFu's is WAY better), it was RUBBERY and hard to eat! My meal came with carrots and chopped bockchoy, which I liked, but sadly, I feel like those vegetables were the only things I liked in my meal!! Could have made this myself with some ramen noodles or something. I don't think I will be going back, at least not anytime soon, unless I get the courage to try their other dishes? To make matters worse, I paid $14.28...

The food here is tasty but the menu/ordering process was tough to comprehend for a first time visitor. We got the pork chop rice + bento, combo A, tofu & preserved egg, popcorn chicken, and fried fish cake. -Pork chop rice - The pork chop was fried nicely. Meat was tender but just slightly under seasoned. -The seaweed soup was good and reminds me of home. The rice with meat sauce complimented the meal well. -Combo A - Pork ears, beef, and tofu. The garlic sauce was flavorful. The pork ears were tender. It and the tofu was great. The beef was okay. Not bad but just okay. -Tofu with preserved eggs were so good. There was only one egg cut in half. I wish the portion was large but regardless, it was delicious. Popcorn chicken was so spicy even with it being mild. It has good basil flavors but just a tad spicy. I will get not spicy next time. -Fried fish cakes were tender and with a lite dust of...