Yum Yum Cafe — Restaurant in White Center

"Beware of the chili oil! COCKROACH" -- It's been a month since we visited this restaurant and I've finally got around to posting a review. Visited first week of April 2021 (when dine in is allowed) to try their famous eel rice, which is around 50 dollars for 2. Called in ahead so it would be ready when we arrived. Eel rice was great. There was chili oil on the table and I had some of it to go with the rice. Halfway through I noticed a cockroach in my rice. It looked like it was covered in chili oil, so my guess is that the restaurant never bothered to swap out the chili oil during lockdown. Upon showing the cockroach in my rice to the owner, he did not apologize or sound apologetic. He just said 'yeah, probably chili' and took my bowl and chili oil away. Then when the bill came, he said 'tip in cash if you can, otherwise, card is fine'. The audacity to demand a tip (in cash so he can evade taxes/fees), not discount the meal and most importantly not apologize! I'm OK with finding a cockroach, mistakes happen despite gross unsanitary ones, and I don't want a restaurant to fail during COVID19 (which is why it's not 1 star, and I didn't bother taking a picture of it). But the owner's attitude was what made me post this. Would not return or recommend my friends, unless they don't take the chili oil in the restaurant, which is impossible on...

On a whim, I returned to the latest iteration of this humble address, without expectation.

PLEASE consider doing the same.

If you live in the “West Seattle” extended area, and be mindful that this establishment seems to have a limited online presence, DO add this to your consideration for Chinese cuisine that is far above the ordinary.

Less “Americanized”, not quite “authentic”, and ultimately simply delicious offerings will await those willing to visit this unassuming and yet exquisite dining option.

The prices are reasonable given the portions and quality of the offerings.

The watchword here is “flavor”. If you prefer toned down, bland fare, you are not likely to find it here. Flavor, fresh, and in many dishes, spicy, await, which allow the dishes to realize their potential.

I will return and if you see...

We decided to give this little place a try on a whim after a couple hours of axe-throwing at Axe Kickers across the street. We weren't expecting much, but ended up being surprised at how good it was.

We ordered General Tso's chicken, beef chow fun, stir-fried vegetables, and roasted duck. It was all very good. For our wealth of actual Asian food in this city, it can be pretty hard to find good Chinese-American food here. Yes, I know it's not "authentic", but General Tso's chicken is good, ok? And this was a particularly good version of it: non-greasy and flavorful. They also had plenty of more traditional Chinese dishes- the duck was great.

When I noticed this place has no reviews, I decided it really deserved one. ...