HONG LOU — Restaurant in Spring Valley

I've been coming to this place several times with my family and to my surprise, I didn't provide a review/comment about it...until now. Whenever my family and I visit the Korea Town food court, we normally split and pick out our own place to eat. Normally, my daughter is the one that always wants to come to Hong Lou because of their Jajangmyeon (Noodle w/Black Bean Sauce). Whereas, I like to go to one of the restaurants that sells Kal-Bi or any type of Korean Mixed Plate. I especially prefer this restaurant's Fried Dumplings because it is always cooked to my family's liking.

Recently (18 Nov 2023), my family and I visited the food court right when they were about to close everything. Unfortunately for us, all the restaurants turned off their lights right when we walked in the food court area except for Hong Lou. As a result, we all ended up eating here and ordered the Jajangmyeon and Fried Dumplings (of course); the Hot Pepper Fried Chicken and Orange Chicken. I am surprised to how a Korean restaurant is able to prepare Chinese entrées much better than several of the Chinese restaurants I've had in my life. The Jajangmyeon is great, but I do wish that their sauce base was a little thicker - the consistency wasn't as thick as how I'm used to eating them when I was younger. But don't get me wrong, the flavor profile was still great and the noodles were cooked to perfection every time we eat here.

The only major complaint I would have about this place is that I wish they served some Korean meat entrées. I know typically it wouldn't be an issue for me because I could easily visit one of the other food court restaurants nearby to get my Kal-Bi, Bulgogi, or Meat Jun fix; however, because of my recent experience with this place being the only one opened for my family and I, it would've been nice to have some Korean-inspired meat dishes. Aside from this, the people working here are always friendly and prepare the food lightning fast, which I appreciate because I always arrive starving. Definitely recommend this place...

The jajangmyeon tasted sour like vinegar. It didn't taste sour because the food was spoiled, but it tasted like vinegar was added. After I finished eating, I told that lady that Please check the soy sauce. But what she said is interesting. She said, "Did you put vinegar on the pickled radish? That can make it sour." You kidding me?? What's the matter between vinegar and jajang sauce on pickled radish? I just told her that just check. If I am not asking for your money back, it's right to say she's sorry and thank you to the guest for letting her know so. The food was tasteless and the service was poor....

Food/Taste/Flavor: 4/5 - spicy seafood noodle soup. Mussel was not cleaned with seaweed inside of it and tasted off. Noodles were nice with some chew. Soup was slightly sweet and flavorful with a nice kick without being overwhelming. Most of the ingredients seemed like they were seared before putting in the soup which is appreciated

Ambience: NA - located in food court

Service: 4/5 - pretty short interaction of ordering but there was a tiny bit of communication difficulties

Value for price: 5/5 - decent food with good...