Woon

Woon is a homestyle family-owned Chinese restaurant in Historic Filipinotown (Hi-Fi), a neighborhood in between Echo Park and MacArthur Park currently home to several exciting new dining options, such as Doubting Thomas and Porridge and Puffs. But Woon stands out as exactly the local spot that you would hope to have on a corner near you. Once a noodle cart and pop-up only, Woon only recently evolved into its permanent home at this meticulously designed and airy location, encouraged by a family’s desire to share their mother’s home cooking (yes, Mama Fong’s the one in the kitchen). Woon’s menu is simple, but the few things they do, they do exceedingly well. The jewels of the menu are the chewy Shanghai style noodles, done either vegetarian or with marinated flank steak. Stir fried with bok choy and mushrooms, once again simple is exceptional. Rarely could a bite of noodle be so satisfying, a comfort food in the truest sense. Bottles of chili garlic and white vinegar on the table are suggested additions, but this noodle needs nothing at all to gussy it up. Also on the menu are fishcakes, veggie wraps, and a selection of cold salads that are light, fresh accompaniments to pair with the delectably gooey warm noodles. And don’t miss ordering at least one pork belly bao to try. Woon’s slow braised pork belly is topped with house-picked vegetables and then cocooned inside a cloud-like steamed bun. Among the daily specials: the five-spice chicken wings, a recurring item which ranks among some of the best fried chicken in Los Angeles. An unbelievably crispy outer layer gives way with a satisfying crunch to the chin-dripping meat beneath. This is the kind of chicken wing that will have you searching for all possible angles to attack the bone in an attempt to leave no meat behind. Included at the table, and continually refilled, are the utterly addictive peanuts roasted with sea moss. Also available in the front are an abundance of speciality Japanese treats and drinks (alcoholic and otherwise).