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Best of Kearny Mesa

Soup spots

A bowl of soup should be substantial enough to stand on its own as a proper meal.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Fish With You |Spicy & Sour Fish Soup 鱼你在一起酸菜鱼 image 1
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Small, lively spot with authentic Sichuan vibe and loud karaoke music. Soups shine with numbing pepper kick and sour mala flavors in tender fish and beef broths. Clean decor and QR code menus keep ordering smooth and easy.

Soups feature tender fish and beef with smooth, savory broths. The Laotan suancai beef soup offers a numbing Sichuan pepper kick, while the fish soup blends sour preserved veggies and mala flavors.

People are saying

"The fish soup broth was flavorful and the fish was tender."

Good to know

1

The portions are large; two main dishes can feed a family of five.

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Prices range from $15 to $20 for most menu items, including free steamed rice.

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Parking is plentiful, especially at 3 pm on Saturdays.

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Small dining space offers a cozy vibe with vivid murals and free WiFi. Broth in soups is fresh and perfectly spiced, especially the beef noodle soup. Authentic Chongqing noodles and handmade dumplings make meals memorable.

Broth in the soups is fresh and clean with a perfect amount of spice. Beef noodle soup features top-notch flavor and is consistently well-seasoned.

People are saying

"The beef noodle soup is fresh, clean, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tight during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

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The menu features Chongqing-style noodles with several combo options.

3

Portions are generous and prices are reasonable.

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Small space with red accents and tight seating creates a lively vibe. Known for authentic Sichuan flavors with intense spice. Soup dumplings offer a juicy filling, while hot and sour noodle soup delivers a hot, sour taste.

Soup dumplings stand out with their juicy, delicious filling. The hot and sour noodle soup delivers a hot, sour, and tasty flavor profile.

People are saying

"I loved the hot and sour soup; it was so tasty."

Good to know

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Parking can be challenging at busier times.

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Making a reservation a couple of hours before should ensure a table.

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The portions are large and reasonably priced.

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Charcoal grills create a smoky atmosphere in a cozy, bustling space. Seafood soup shines with better soondubu quality and a cracked texture. Spicy beef soup offers rich flavor, while beef noodles provide a filling option for noodle soup lovers.

Seafood soup stands out with its better soondubu quality and cracked texture. Spicy beef soup offers a rich flavor, while beef noodles serve as a filling noodle soup option.

People are saying

"I thought the spicy beef soup was really good."

Good to know

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Expect wait times of 1-2 hours during peak hours on weekends.

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Parking can be difficult to find, especially during busy times.

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Reservations are not accepted; arrive early to avoid long lines.

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Spacious dining offers a clean, refined atmosphere with authentic Sichuan flavors. Bold, spicy dishes like cumin lamb and crispy chicken shine. Soups impress with sour lamb soup's tangy kick and a balanced hot and sour soup.

Sour lamb soup stands out with its bold tangy flavor. Hot and sour soup offers a balanced taste without too much corn starch.

People are saying

"The hot and sour soup was flavorful and not overly corn-starchy."

Good to know

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The last dine-in order should be placed by around 8:15 PM.

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They close promptly at 9:00 PM.

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Three people can eat well for about $50.

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Simple, pretty interior with tropical decor sets a peaceful mood. Soups shine with rich curries like pumpkin and Khao Soi, plus Tom Yum and Yen Ta Fo offer tasty noodle choices. Friendly staff add charm with personalized touches like photos and flowers.

Soups here feature rich curries like pumpkin and Khao Soi, a curry noodle soup. Tom Yum soup offers a variety of vegetables and a choice between glass or flat noodles in the Yen Ta Fo noodle soup adds texture options.

People are saying

"I thought the Tom Yum soup was delicious and full of vegetables."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger parties to ensure seating.

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Expect wait times of 30-60 minutes during peak dinner hours.

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Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early or using rideshare.

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Small Taiwanese spot shines with beef noodle soup rich in flavor and tender meat. Chic modern decor and a wrap-around bar create a warm, lively vibe. Classic 90s and 2000s hip hop adds to the good music atmosphere, making it a unique dining experience.

Beef noodle soup stands out with rich flavor and tender meat. The soup pairs well with wontons and is a popular choice during happy hour from Monday to Friday between 2 and 5 pm.

People are saying

"The beef noodle soup here is so flavorful and the beef is tender."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday, 2-5 pm, with discounts on drinks and appetizers.

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Most happy hour items are $1-3 off, making it a budget-friendly option.

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Parking is available in a plaza lot, but payment is required.

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Huge Korean grocery store offers authentic Asian foods and fresh seafood. Food court has about eight vendors plus a small French bakery. Soups like spicy tofu and pork come with hearty broths. Crowded aisles challenge cart maneuvering but walls show maker-inspired graphics.

Options include spicy tofu soup, soondae soup, and pork soup. Korean favorites like jjajangmyeon and naengmyeon come with hearty broths.

People are saying

"I loved the spicy tofu soup; it was so delicious."

Good to know

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H Mart Balboa offers a large selection of Korean food and snacks.

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Parking can be challenging at times.

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The store is clean and well-organized.

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Small, cozy spot inside a supermarket serves authentic Thai street food with a lively, local vibe. Beef boat noodle soup shines with rich, savory flavors and tender meat. Warm, casual décor and high ceilings create a comfortable atmosphere that feels like a Bangkok noodle shop.

Beef boat noodle soup offers a myriad of flavors with a rich, savory, and subtly spicy profile. The soup balances sweet, sour, and earthy notes, delivering tender meat and a taste that feels authentically Thai.

People are saying

"The rich, savory broth in the noodle soup is incredible."

Good to know

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Parking can be difficult to find near the restaurant.

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The restaurant can get crowded during peak hours.

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There is no restroom in the grocery store, so plan accordingly.

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Moobongri Soondae (무봉리 순대국 샌디에고) image 1
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Food court offers a quick meal with a noisy atmosphere and convenient location inside a market. Soups like spicy soondae guk and beef back bone soup deliver rich flavors and hearty portions. Prices are higher than nearby gukbap spots but worth it for quality and taste.

Soups here pack a lot of meat and rich flavors with no unpleasant odors. Options like spicy soondae soup, beef back rib soup with tendon, and pork soup with noodles and onions stand out for their hearty, delicious broths.

People are saying

"The pork gukbap was so flavorful with tender pork that melted in my mouth."

Good to know

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The restaurant is located inside the Balboa Park H Mart food court.

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Each dish costs around $20, which is higher than nearby options.

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Bring cash as some vendors in the food court may not accept cards.

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Large, bright space with spaced tables offers a quiet, sterile atmosphere. Efficient service via table tablets enhances convenience. Jjamppong soup shines with its red spicy seafood flavor, while other soups like beef and spicy chicken are solid but less memorable.

Jjamppong soup stands out as a red spicy seafood noodle soup that matches the main dishes in quality. Beef soup and spicy chicken also appear, while spicy Jjangmyeon and beef noodle soup come off as unremarkable.

People are saying

"The Jjamppong soup was a good deal and great as a hangover cure."

Good to know

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Parking can be challenging during peak hours due to limited spaces.

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Free parking is available in the lot for diners.

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Ordering is done via tablets at the table, streamlining the process.

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Small space fills with a warm glow and lively chatter. Families enjoy the easy-going vibe despite tight seating. Soup options like Won Ton and miso offer comforting flavors that match the cozy atmosphere.

Won Ton soup offers a warm, comforting option with a decent flavor. Miso soup and other varieties like shrimp lo mein come alongside, showing a range of classic Asian soups available.

People are saying

"I found the soup here to be the best in town."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult at lunch.

2

Customers must order their food first and then find a seat.

3

Dinner portions are standard 16oz takeout cartons with rice.

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Korean spot shines with spicy beef soup and creamy bone broth, perfect for cold days. Clean, modern space plays K-pop videos, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Tables sit close, making it lively but sometimes noisy, ideal for casual dinners and chats.

Spicy beef soup and bone broth soup stand out with rich, creamy flavors from slow cooking. Mandu soup and ox tail soup offer comforting, tasty options that suit chilly days well.

People are saying

"The Yuk Gae Jang soup has a warm, comforting, and flavorful broth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; the restaurant uses a paper waitlist only.

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Expect long wait times on weekend nights, often exceeding 40 minutes.

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Parking is plentiful and free, making access easy for visitors.

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Asian spot serves authentic Malatang with rich, flavorful broths and adjustable spice. Classic pork bone soup shines with medium spice and deep taste, boosted by fresh garlic and pepper. Space feels cramped but clean, creating a chill vibe amid a lively crowd.

Classic pork bone soup features a medium spice level and rich flavor. Adding ground garlic and fresh pepper from the sauce station enhances the broth's taste.

People are saying

"The classic spicy bone broth soup is flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

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Expect long wait times after 6:30 pm, especially on busy nights.

2

The price is $13.99 per pound for ingredients, with extra charges for soup base.

3

Payment is made at the end of the meal, which may confuse first-time visitors.

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Ramen spot shines with customizable ramen and a shio soup base that's light and refreshing. Enjoy traditional sushi bar seating in a quiet, welcoming space with authentic Japanese vibes and easy parking.

Soup features a shio base that feels light and refreshing. It avoids the oily heaviness common in other ramen, offering flavors like mapo tofu, hot and sour, and green chili shio ramen.

People are saying

"I loved the flavorful, lighter soup and chewy noodles."

Good to know

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The restaurant offers a summer special for cold ramen, ending on 08/31.

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Toppings are extra, costing at least $2 each.

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Parking is easy and plentiful.

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Modest Thai spot offers a laid-back vibe with free desserts that keep regulars coming back. Bold Tom Yum soup shines with rich flavor and big portions. Simple decor and lunch specials make it a cozy choice for dine-in or takeout.

Tom Yum soup stands out with a rich, bold flavor and generous portions. The Tom Kha soup offers a creamy, aromatic experience, while the chicken and garlic soup delivers a savory, satisfying taste.

People are saying

"I thought the Tom Yum soup was the best I had."

Good to know

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Parking can be troublesome at times, especially during peak hours.

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Lunch specials are available for $13.95, offering great value.

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The restaurant offers a surprise dessert on weekends.

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Spacious Italian spot offers a quiet, relaxed vibe with a dog-friendly patio. Lunch deals include perfect portion soup, like minestrone or chicken chowder, paired with bread. Tables suit large groups and families comfortably.

Good to know

1

The lunch special costs $9.60 and includes soup or salad and bread.

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Filippi's offers a $32 family meal on Sundays, perfect for large groups.

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Parking is easy with many spots available right off the 163.

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Cozy space with warm lighting offers authentic Yunnan rice noodles and rich broths. Soups like Golden Soup with Beef shine with strong flavors and adjustable spice. Fresh ingredients add great texture to dishes such as hot and sour soup noodles.

Strong, flavorful soup bases like the Golden Soup with Beef and pork bone broth stand out. Soups offer adjustable spice levels and fresh ingredients that add great texture to dishes like hot and sour soup noodles.

People are saying

"I loved the springy rice noodles in the flavorful soup."

Good to know

1

You can put in a waitlist request on Yelp ahead of time.

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The restaurant may get crowded at night and on weekends.

3

Parking can be challenging due to the restaurant's location in a small strip mall.

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Charcoal grills create a smoky atmosphere perfect for authentic Korean BBQ. Soups like rice-cake with dumplings and short rib with dried cabbage offer comforting, hearty flavors. The vibe is chill and cozy, with a nostalgic old-school feel and many Korean diners.

Rice-cake soup with dumplings and short rib and dried cabbage soup offer comforting flavors. Soybean paste soup also feels soothing, while cold noodle soup stays hearty and filling.

People are saying

"I really enjoyed the comforting short rib and dried cabbage soup."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not needed, even on weekends.

2

Parking can be challenging to find in the area.

3

The restaurant uses real charcoal for grilling, enhancing flavor.

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Small, family-owned Korean spot offers huge clay pot soups like spicy pork bone and kimchi, served with many sides. Casual, lively vibe with traditional decor and rich aromas. Menu boasts authentic dishes and wide variety, perfect for hearty, flavorful meals.

Soups come in huge servings and cook in clay pots where you can crack an egg into the boiling broth. Options include pork bone soup with a unique spicy flavor, ox bone soup, and kimchi soup, often served with multiple side dishes.

People are saying

"The kimchi soup is huge, hearty, and a total bargain."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait for a table during peak hours.

3

Parking is free but can be difficult to find during dinner time.

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Small strip-mall spot buzzes with lively atmosphere and colorful decor. Menu boasts authentic Szechuan cuisine served family style in big portions. Soups like spicy Mapo tofu and pork hock with white beans pack bold, memorable flavors.

Spicy Mapo tofu soup makes you sweat but delivers strong flavor. Pork hock soup comes with white beans. Fish eyeballs and egg soup offers a unique, lovely experience.

People are saying

"The Mapo tofu soup here made me sweat with its spicy, numb flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult during peak lunchtime hours.

2

The restaurant offers family-style dining with large portions.

3

Guests can bring their own beer after paying a corking fee.

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Cozy noodle house offers a relaxed vibe with simple wooden decor. Miso soup is warm and tasty, pairing well with dishes like katsu don and tempura shrimp. Regulars enjoy a lively late-night atmosphere that feels like home.

Miso soup comes warm and tasty with many meals like rice dishes and bento plates. It pairs well with options such as katsu don, chicken teriyaki don, and tempura shrimp.

People are saying

"Their miso soup is super warm and tasty."

Good to know

1

Chopstix offers a happy hour from 9 PM to 12 AM with great deals.

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The happy hour menu includes a California roll for around $6.

3

Chopstix is open until 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

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Korean barbecue shines with interactive grilling and lively K-pop beats. Egg soup offers an addictive flavor while soybean soup is rich and memorable. Vegetarians can enjoy a simple soup plus salad and rice in a warm, casual setting.

Egg soup stands out with its addictive flavor. Soybean soup offers a rich, memorable taste. Vegetarians find limited options including a simple soup alongside salad and rice.

People are saying

"The soup here is so tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat buffet costs around $34.99 per person.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait for parking and an additional hour to be seated.

3

A gratuity of $27 is automatically added to your check.

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Spacious, clean interior offers ample seating and a friendly vibe. Seafood pho is light and healthy with less oil, while won ton soup can be very salty. Egg rolls make a perfect pairing with soups, creating a balanced meal.

Seafood pho soup stands out with fat control and less oil on top, making it lighter than most. Won ton soup tends to be very salty, while egg rolls pair well with the soup dishes.

People are saying

"I ordered the best seafood pho soup."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on busy nights to avoid long wait times.

2

Parking is ample, with an EV charging station available on-site.

3

The restaurant offers generous portions at reasonable prices.

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Cramped space with Japanese-style decor offers a cozy vibe and authentic Korean conversations. Enjoy generous portions of homemade Korean dishes like beef tofu soup with spicy gochujang and rich ox knee soup.

Offers Korean Sundubu-jjigae with customizable protein options. The beef tofu soup stands out, especially with a scoop of gochujang for spice. Also serves a delicious ox knee soup.

People are saying

"I found the Korean tofu soup delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant is kid-friendly, making it a good choice for families.

3

Expect a casual atmosphere with no strict dress code.

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Enjoy authentic spicy broth with fresh ingredients in a cozy, warm setting. Build your own hot pot with options like fragrant spicy mixed soup or tomato soup. Space is clean but can get loud and crowded during dinner.

Fresh ingredients go into a spicy hotpot or a tomato soup base, cooked to order. The soup options include a fragrant spicy mixed soup and a tomato soup, both noted for their flavor.

People are saying

"The soup here has a delicious variety of ingredients."

Good to know

1

The food costs $13.99 per pound, with a typical portion around 2 pounds.

2

Parking is difficult during busy evening hours.

3

Expect long wait times during dinner as the place is often packed.

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Large, bright space buzzes with energy and a casual vibe. Signature pho with rich broth and chicken wings with fish sauce shine. Soups like won ton and seafood soup offer comforting, bold flavors that satisfy every craving.

Noodle soups like ground shrimp and eggs vermicelli, won ton, and chicken noodle soup stand out with rich flavors. Seafood soup and hot vermicelli soup offer comforting, delicious options.

People are saying

"The noodle soup with chicken was amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash and Venmo as payment methods.

2

Finding parking is always a challenge in the Convoy Street area, especially on weekends.

3

Expect a wait of about 20 minutes during peak hours.

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Steakhouse offers a swanky, low-key vibe with red leather booths and a real fireplace. French Onion soup shines with rich, delicious flavor, while the bar serves classic cocktails to match the vintage feel.

French Onion soup stands out as a favorite with a rich, delicious flavor. The chowder and mussels also complement the soup offerings well.

People are saying

"The French onion soup here is the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4pm to 10pm with great food and drinks.

2

The B.A.G networking event occurs on the second Tuesday of every month.

3

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy times like Valentine's Day.

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Chinese spot serves huge portions at low prices with a steady lunch crowd. Egg drop soup is a top choice, paired well with hearty Northeast dishes. Atmosphere feels rundown and basic, but food quality keeps people coming back.

Egg drop soup stands out as a top choice here, with a generous portion included in combos. Great Wonton Soup and a half-and-half mushroom and egg soup offer solid variety, though sweet and sour soup can be slimy.

People are saying

"The soup here is so friendly and accommodating."

Good to know

1

The 3 item combo with a drink costs $11.99.

2

Lunch specials are available for $8-10, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

Portions are large, providing good value for the price.

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Bright green walls and hand-painted decor create a lively vibe. Watch hand-pulled noodles made fresh behind glass. Enjoy authentic beef noodle soup with chewy noodles and a tasty tomato soup twist. Families and pets feel welcome here.

Beef noodle soup stands out with its authentic flavor and hand-pulled noodles that stay chewy. Tomato soup with sliced noodles offers a surprisingly delicious twist on a classic.

People are saying

"The braised beef noodle soup here is really good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is halal, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

2

Unlimited noodles are available from Monday to Friday.

3

They offer a 10% discount for cash payments.

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