Where drivers navigate like crazed maniacs in huge menacing Mercedes Benzes and supermarkets have entire aisles dedicated to soy sauce, Rowland Heights remains undisputed as a tasty, cheap foodie mecca. I mean, the Kogi Truck makes a pit stop out here once in a while, so it has to be legit right? Every imaginable Asian cuisine can be found in this neighborhood and the selection is by no means scarce. In the mood for Chinese? You’re in the right place. Korean? Definitely. Sushi? If you don’t mind it being non-Japanese owned and operated, then why not.  Here’s a breakdown of some of my local favorites:

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Happy Family Restaurant

18425 Colima Rd, 2nd floor
Rowland Heights, CA 91748

(626) 965-9923

Normally I’d wrinkle my nose at the prospect of rabbit food veggies and tofurkey, but Happy Family doesn’t really count as vegetarian because it’s so good. The House Chicken is just like Panda Express’s Orange Chicken but way better: The batter is crispier and the sauce has more of a flavorful kick without the syrupy overkill. Oh, and instead of chicken, Happy Family’s version is made with mushrooms. Yes, mushrooms!  It’s a minor, insignificant detail that in no way affects the awesomeness of the dish. You cannot knock it until you try it!

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Love Letter Pizza and Chicken

18333B Colima Road
Rowland Heights, CA 91748

(626) 839-1235

Two words: Bulgogi Pizza. Then, top it off with an oozing golden sweet potato puree stuffed crust and suddenly you’re in carb hell that is so wrong, yet so right. And since it’s about 100 Weight Watcher points per slice, you might as well go all the way and order the deep fried chicken to bury yourself in gluttonous sorrow. You can use the skin to wipe away the tears.

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Foo Foo Tei

15018 Clark Ave
Hacienda Heights, CA 91745

(626) 937-6585

First impression: Wow, this place is a dump! Second impression: People are actually lining up for this?! Situated on a dodgy street next to a railroad track in the middle of nowhere, Foo Foo Tei hardly seems like a credible place to be dishing out great ramen. Well…sometimes (but not often) it really is a pleasure to be proven wrong! I’m no ramen connoisseur, but I really enjoy the #17 Nanchette Ramen. It’s your basic components of noodles and fatty pork sitting atop a white creamy broth that reminds of the nondescript free stuff served at Cantonese style cafes. Whether it’s the high flavor value or sodium content, either way it hits the spot.

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Akasaka

14926 Clark Ave
Hacienda Heights, CA 91745

(626) 336-0871

Across the street from Foo Foo Tei, the sushi in this cramped, stuffy box is surprisingly decent, but here it’s all about the BEEF TATAKI. I cannot get enough of this beefy goodness. If I had a choice to save either a loved one or a bowl of this from a fiery death, it would be a tough call. It’s a hefty serving of lightly broiled, pink fatty beef marinating in a pool tangy ponzu topped with avocado, green onion and spicy daikon. Roughly $30 a bowl, one bite is all it takes to become a believer.

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Four Seas Restaurant

2020 S Hacienda Blvd
Hacienda Heights, CA 91745

(626) 330-3088

This humble little joint sandwiched between a Rite-Aid and dialysis center dishes all the Taiwanese street food classics complete with authenticity and value. The menu, the staff and the clientele is all Chinese, so bring a native when visiting. Chinese egg pancake, fried turnip cake, salty soy milk doused with vinegar and chili oil, Shanghai buns, radish flaky pastry. The checkout lady looks appalled (and is no doubt thinking “This is why your ass is so huge”) when I place this order. For myself.

And since you’re in the area, you might as well check out Arcade Infinity in Diamond Plaza. Sure, it smells like teenage boy and anime funk but it’s definitely worth it as long as you avoid the pee splattered bathroom. There’s some great classic games (Puzzle Fighter, anyone?) along with some rareties. Looking to show off your wicked Typing of the Dead skills? This place has got you covered!