Minh Ky Restaurant — Restaurant in San Diego

I really wanted to like Minh Ky Chinese Restaurant, especially with all the glowing reviews from locals, former residents and Chinese food enthusiasts.

Similar to a lot of y'all and particularly the ones foraging Minh Ky's reviews, my mouth was watering. The photos of the crisp, moist roasted duck nestled next to a simple, yet picturesque bowl of egg noodles instantly sent Minh Ky Chinese Restaurant, including their ranking on multiple food blogs and articles, to the top of my "must try" restaurants in San Diego.

I went today and unfortunately, Minh Ky didn't live up to the hype. This place had all the right essentials --- two fabulously kind, but sassy Aunties working the front area, two or three tables of first timers and the locals who went in and out with their takeout orders. Yup, there were a ton of loyal customers that knew the restaurant, workers and staff. The entire vibe was awesome, home-like and reminded a lot of back home. I had high expectations.

We ordered Roasted Duck with Egg Noodles and my partner got the Crispy Egg Noodles w/ Combination.

My soup was incredibly hot, which was awesome. The noodles were well, your typical egg noodles from your local Chinese grocery store, which definitely hit the spot. You really can't mess that up. The duck, however, was a big miss. It was meaty and chunky, which is pretty rare from your usual bony, waterfowl poultry dishes. The skin and flavor left much to be desired.

Similarly with my partner's dish, the flavoring was just okay.

Overall, if you're looking for a simple, safe and incredibly affordable Chinese take out place, check out Minh Ky. The flavors didn't blow us away, but the portions and large menu of Chinese takeout favorites will definitely demand you take a...

If you're craving noodles in any form, I would be surprised if this spot didn't have something for you. They have a wide selection of noodle soups (rice noodle or egg noodle). I got a duck noodle soup with both types of noodles and it was everything I could ask for. I would probably try the rice porridge next time. Random side note: I think these soups would be perfect for a hangover in case people need some healing.

The menu also includes lo mein and chow mein cooked with different selections of protein/vegetables. They use the same quality of noodles as the soups. I'm guessing these noodles are made in house or at least aren't store bought. I noticed they also have orange chicken, which means they cater to all the panda Express eating folks. I'd step my game up and try a place like this if I were one of those individuals. This will blow food court Chinese food far away.

Maximum stars from Me. I can appreciate a family owned spot with good food that comes out quickly. It's one of those spots where you're coming solely for the food. It's maybe a notch above cafeteria style dining in regards to atmosphere. If you need a "dining experience", this place isn't going for that. They have more of a "eat your food and be on your way"...

Don't let the crazy parking lot and funky smell scare you. This place has some absolutely amazing food. The ladies who work here provide friendly and welcoming service. I've tried several things over the years that have all been excellent but ultimately me and my partner have gotten to where we don't need a menu, we sit down and order bbq pork fried rice to share and 2 orders of the crispy chicken leg (which is actually 2 legs and thigh). The BBQ pork fried rice is some of (if not the) best in San Diego, just a dash of soy sauce, some chili oil, and some pickled Serrano peppers mixed into mine and it's elevated to heavenly levels of flavor 🤌. 2 crispy chicken leg orders, bbq pork fried rice, and one diet coke came out to around $32 with tip and we walk out very full and my gf takes home part of the chicken thigh usually (it'd delicious cold too!).

If you need your restaurants to look new and spotless with no character or wear n tear...this isn't your place. If you want delicious chinese food with incredible flavors and textures, and the added vibe of various members of staff and their friends sitting around playing cards in the middle of the restaurant? This...