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I discovered Monkey King Jianbing off of a newly followed yelpers page, Karyn M, a yelper out of Highland Park Illinois who I continue to discover mutually shared restaurant interests of. From there, it became an instant bookmark for me after I took a liking to its unique items featured on its menu, specifically jianbing, a traditional Chinese street food similar to crêpes.
Okay, the restaurant sits within a small strip of businesses along Dempster Street. Parking is free, shared, and there is plenty of it including a spot directly outside of the restaurant.
After walking in and up to the register to look at the menu, I was acknowledged shortly after. For your information, there is also a kiosk machine that sits off to the side for ordering and paying as well. I ended up ordering the Original Veggie Jianbing because its appearance looked satisfying on the menu. Likely on a different date, I will have to try either the Egg & Cheese or Egg & Veggie Pan Cake which caught my eye before selecting the Original Veggie Jianbing.
Service: 5 (Great)
Due to the restaurant being empty inside, it put me in the mood to dine-in in order to make this experience worthwhile. There is limited seating available inside of the dining area, so I would refrain from bringing a large group of individuals. During this visit, the mood was set with music by Rihanna - What's My Name? ft. Drake. Other than that, the restaurant gave off a peaceful vibe inside. And the restaurant itself has the appeal of a fast casual dining style of an ambiance in my opinion.
Atmosphere: 5 (Great)
As the employee brought out the Original Veggie Jianbing, I said to her "Oh my God, that is big! Sheesh!". I was given a pair of disposable gloves to eat with which alleviated the use of a napkin to wipe my hands. And I kid you not, I had a smirk on my face as I took each bite of the Jianbing which is typical when I enjoy something eaten; the jianbing was crunchy with a slight sweet taste that I enjoyed.
Food: 5 (Great)
Being that I had a great experience, I would gladly order from Monkey King Jianbing again when in the area. I must say that I felt very valued as a customer from the time I sat down post ordering to the time I got up to leave the restaurant after finishing my meal.
Service: 5 | Atmosphere: 5 | Food: 5
Recommendations: Vegetarian Jianbing, Fried Shrimp Jianbing, Egg & Veggie Crisp Pan Cake, and Egg & Cheese Crisp Pan Cake.
Yabba dabba...
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I visited China in 2012, and have been thinking of Jianbing ever since. We would get this egg pancake wrap every morning right on the street corner, and it was delicious. While visiting Chicago, and staying in Chinatown, I thought I would try my luck. Could I find my favorite Chinese food? Yes! Although different than the one I had in Beijing (this one being more lunch with cabbage and other fillings instead of a simple breakfast “sandwich,”), it hit the spot. We had the ORIGINAL and the FRIED CHICKEN. Both were excellent. I think I like the original just a touch more, but the chicken one was filling. Hoping this place takes off and everyone will enjoy a jianbing!
Heads up: It is hard to find! It is on the second floor but there is parking so just find the ramp to the lot. I walked there and entered the building on the corner, up the stairs and down the hall. Credit or...
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Unassuming no-frills takeout spot with limited indoor seating, and a nicely honed menu. If you're unfamiliar, jianbing is a Chinese street food; a crepe-like thing is wrapped around a crushed up deep fried crisp (think super crunchy wonton wrapper, cut/crumbled) with various veg and meat. It's an absolute texture party, and such an addictive flavor. Get your jianbing with meat floss and hotdog, add spicy (i think it's sauce?) and Chinese pickle. Don't ask, just do it. Put the gloves on! More food needs to come with gloves. The fried chicken and fried shrimp are great, too. You can add a waffle, and sometimes they have egg tarts, if you're looking to share a couple things with friends and loved ones (or are dining alone and suuuuuper hungry)!!! I live way north and sometimes will leave the house just to get a jianbing from Monkey King. I...
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