With a bold emerald green exterior, funky lighting, zebra print walls, and eclectic velvet seating, Chifa is one of the most unique places to eat in Los Angeles.
This quirky restaurant serves Cantonese-Peruvian cuisine, using family recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.
In fact, Chifa is a term that refers to a Chinese-Peruvian cuisine that is a blend of Cantonese and Peruvian cooking styles.
The original Chifa opened in 1975 in Lima, Peru by Wendy Leon, who is originally from Hong Kong. She started her business by serving Cantonese cuisine, but she was eventually influenced by her Chinese-Peruvian husband when she learned how to cook Peruvian cuisine from her in-laws.
The family resettled to America and Chifa 2.0 would open many years as a brick-and-mortar location in Eagle Rock.
Since then, they have been named as one of the Best Restaurants in Los Angeles as well as a Bib Gourmand in the Michelin Guide for Los Angeles.
Chifa’s menu presents traditional Cantonese dishes like Si Yao Chicken, classic Taiwanese dishes like such as “3 Day” Beef Soup Noodle and, in addition to those traditional items, vegan versions of Mapo Tofu and Dan Dan Noodle. These Chinese recipes are served along classic Peruvian dishes like Lomo Saltado (Peruvian stir-fried beef), Polla ala Brasa (Peruvian roast chicken), and so forth.
They also serve many unique desserts, like Black Sesame Cheesecake tart; Taro Coconut Cake Bar; and Alfajores – a Peruvian shortbread cookie with dulce le leche.
Menu items are labeled gluten-free or vegan, meaning those with dietary restrictions or food intolerances are welcome.
The drink menu features cocktails, sparkling drinks, wine, and beer. French-press coffee, whole flower tea, and Mexican Coke are just a few of the non-alcoholic beverage choices.
For our dinner experience, we tried the following:
Si Yao Chicken: 1/2 free-ranged chicken poached in fragrant aged soy sauce. We enjoyed the tender, juicy chicken and the aromatic sauce.
Brûlée Char Siu: wood fired pork toro marinated with in house made Chinese BBQ sauce. The sweet glaze was tasty and the pork was tender and fatty.
Japanese Sea Bream. A lighter, palate cleansing dish which is a nice contrast to the heavier dishes like Si Yao Chicken and Brûlée Char Siu.
Wok-Hay Vegetables: wok tossed fresh Chinese market vegetables. These vegetables did have charred, smoky flavor and were crispy.
Chicha Morada beverage: Peruvian purple corn brewed with pineapple. A refreshing drink!
Black Sesame Cheesecake Tart: smooth Black Sesame cream cheese in a Chinese almond cookie crust. I loved the black sesame flavors with the dense cheesecake. The tart crust was perfect.
I would have to agree with some other reviewers elsewhere that their food is a bit pricy for the portions. However, I did enjoy the ambiance and the unique dining experience as a whole.
Chifa is located at 4374 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles.