A Culinary Gem in Puerto Rico
If you're on the hunt for a delightful fusion of cultures and flavors, let me introduce you to Zhencha, a magical restaurant in Puerto Rico that should be on everyone's must-visit list. I've been an avid follower of Señorita Yan Yi on YouTube for over three years, and her passion and pride in her Puerto Rican and Chinese heritage have always shone through her videos. But it’s at Zhencha where her dedication truly takes center stage.
Señorita Yan Yi’s journey—from setting up her dream restaurant to finally opening its doors—is inspiring, and her love for her roots is palpable in every corner of Zhencha. Having visited multiple times, I can assure you that her restaurant is a testament to her excellence and determination.
Now, let's talk about the food. Each visit offers a culinary adventure, with every dish brimming with flavor and a story of its own. The spring rolls are crisp and packed with goodness, while the soups provide warmth and comfort in every spoonful. Dumplings are expertly crafted and the wings are nothing short of addictive. Whether you’re craving fried rice, beef, or pork, each bite bursts with flavor and leaves you wanting more.
I could precisely document each dish with photos, but words can hardly capture the experience of dining at Zhencha. Instead, I invite you to let your imagination flourish and, better yet, experience it firsthand. A picture may be worth a thousand words, but the flavors at Zhencha are beyond infinity.
For anyone returning home to Puerto Rico or simply exploring the island, make Zhencha your go-to stop. Delight in the exceptional quality of Chinese cuisine, paired with warm and attentive service. Trust me, your taste buds—and heart—will thank you. It's a slice of pure Boricua pride and passion in every dish served. Come and enjoy. You certainly won’t be...
Read moreMy family and I have been watching the owner’s, Yanyi, journey through her YouTube and social media for a few years. Since she still lived in Brooklyn. This was a bucket list item for our recent trip to Puerto Rico and I’m so glad we made it happen. The place is stunning. We were greeted upon entering. I did think the pop music was odd for the setting, but that’s their decision and it doesn’t take away from the experience. We were served the wontons with the duck sauce. Delicious and nostalgic. For appetizers we ordered the chicken wings, dumplings and scallion pancakes. All delicious, but the standout was the wings. WOW 🤯 🤩 they reminded me of Korean fried chicken. 10/10! Bubble tea was delicious! We also ordered a guava margarita and the Peynut. My margarita was good, but they did mess up and left out the guava. They offered to fix it, but I decided to leave it as is. The Peynut is a phenomenally curated cocktail. By the description, I have to be honest, it sounded strange. It was so good! 10/10! For entrees we ordered the orange chicken, churrasco, chuleta, imperial ginger chicken and zhencha fried rice. Churrasco was well cooked, the tostones al ajillo were tasty. Orange chicken was yummy. The chuleta was a pretty small portion. It was thin and single. Flavor was good, but keep in mind it’s one. The imperial ginger chicken while it was good, it tasted like a sweet chili sauce. Not very gingery. The Zhencha fried rice was delicious, great to share for the table. Our server, Alejandro, was so so kind and attentive. Hospitality 10/10. Highly recommend checking out Zhencha. We’re so happy to support our girl...
Read moreA Modern Favorite with Classic Boricua-Chinese Flavor
Since Zhencha opened, it has quickly become one of my go-to spots in San Juan. The quality of the food is consistently excellent, and as a vegetarian, I’m thrilled to have flavorful options that bring back nostalgic memories.
When I ordered the chop suey with fried rice, it instantly took me back to my childhood in Ponce, where my family would pick up Chinese takeout from La Pagoda. That kind of comforting familiarity is hard to find—and Zhencha nails it.
The tostones are a standout, perfectly crisp and even better if you ask for them with garlic. And let me say this—you know a toston is well made when you reheat it and it still tastes great. That’s rare and says a lot about their attention to quality.
I also highly recommend the vegetarian soup, which is hearty, flavorful, and feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Beyond the food, the drinks and bar experience are top-tier. From their fun bubble teas to their creative take on the Zhencha Old Fashioned, everything is crafted with care. I’m especially picky about espresso martinis, and Zhencha is one of the few places that gets it just right—bold, smooth, and beautifully balanced.
The atmosphere, attention to detail, and hospitality make every visit feel special. Whether I’m grabbing takeout or sitting down to enjoy a meal, I find myself stopping by multiple times a week.
I can’t wait to see Zhencha reach their first anniversary—and I’ll definitely be cheering them on for many...
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