Kirin Express — Restaurant in Irvine

3.5 stars. I was a little bit disappointed, I came here with high hopes as I used to be a regular to the old business. I am aware there is a new owner and some new staff but I assumed the quality would be the same. Their menu has good selections of authentic dishes but the dishes I ordered I noticed were not as authentic as it seemed.

I ordered the braised beef noodle soup level 2 spicy. I noticed the broth seemed watered down however the noodles and meat were outstanding. I also ordered the wontons in chili oil, I asked if there were Shrimp in them and they said no but to my surprise I found shrimp pieces in the wontons. If you have severe allergies I would be aware of this although I know there might be some language barriers that might have caused miscommunication.

The Dan Dan noodles were amazing and I WILL be coming back for them but again, they were not traditional or not what I expected (in a good way this time). It was missing the traditional cucumbers and other toppings with only bean sprouts as a vegetable.

Finally I ordered the beef rolls. This was my greatest disappointment as they came in only 4 pc wrapped in a regular flour tortilla with little to not meat and stuffed of cucumber, I’m not sure if it’s just a different region that does it like that but I have never had a beef roll that wasn’t crispy and stuffed with meat and cilantro. 3.5 stars out of 5 as the portions were good and food was enjoyable but it fell short on flavor and authenticity which I believe matters in a...

Kirin Express is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Chinese flavors paired with fantastic service. The owner, originally from Nanjing, has crafted a menu filled with authentic dishes that are sure to impress. The restaurant itself is spotless, new, and welcoming, making for a comfortable dining experience with no wait time, which is a bonus.

I ordered the Braised Beef Brisket as an entrée, and it was outstanding. Each piece of beef was incredibly tender and juicy, with a deep Wok Hei flavor that’s hard to find. You can tell it was cooked at high heat to achieve that amazing smoky, charred taste. It’s one of the best briskets I’ve ever had!

We also tried the Braised Beef Noodle Soup, which was equally impressive. The beef was extremely tender and packed with flavor, and the soup arrived boiling hot, just the way it should be. The rich, savory broth and perfectly cooked noodles made every spoonful comforting and satisfying.

My wife had the Loatan Pickled Cabbage Beef Noodle Soup, which was another highlight. The noodles were "dan dan" in the best way—perfectly chewy—and the beef melted in her mouth.

Overall, Kirin Express is absolutely worth a visit for anyone craving authentic Chinese cuisine with bold flavors. We’ll...

The menu has a few changes but still hits that craving if you are looking for authentic Chinese food.

Ordered four items: Shrimp Fried Rice, Diced Chicken with Chill and pepper, Sichuan boiled fish, and pan fried bao.

My personal favorite was the Diced Chicken with Chili and Pepper, particularly because of the crunch and saltiness and then paired with the traditional fried rice helps balance the meal out. The Bao was good, and thankfully the tables have chili garlic as well black vinegar since I like that. The Sichuan fish definitely has a kick, but it's expected.

Notes #1: They use QR codes on the table, I noticed a few people standing around. You can just find a table and sit yourself, and begin the ordering from there.

Note #2: Originally He's Noodle Zone, the hours here are 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM, based on the what the worker said

Note #3: There is a grand opening special where you can give a 5 star review for any...