I’ve never been a fan of Asian fusion, but something happened this year. I found myself surprised by some non-traditional Asian cuisine and even liking some of the westernized food on offer. Starfish Laguna is one of those places.
I recently visited again and was drawn to the Hot and Sour Soup ($5), filled with organic pressed tofu,bamboo, shiitake mushroom and finished off with egg drop. I added a spoonful of sambal oelek for more heat, but it was a stellar bowl of hot and sour! — lunch specials come with soup and egg roll.
I was enticed by the description of the Singapore Bamboo Roll ($7) — soy seasoned bamboo, carrot, jicama, cilatro, thai basil served with a roasted peanut hoisin dipping sauce. I was so happy that it tasted exactly as I’d expected it to! The rolls are so refreshing with crunchy vegetables stuffed inside. I can eat two orders of these on my own — easily!
Another item I enjoyed were the Korean Galbi Tacos ($9), served three to an order. The barbequed sesame soy seasoned natural angus beef was flavorful and the spicy gochujang aioli added a nice kick to them. Pickled daikon soothed out the flavors by adding some crunchy tartness.
I love eggplant and insisted on ordering Japanese Eggplant ($10) slow braised with house made sambal, Sichuan peppercorns and bell peppers. I was disappointed. Not only was there no hint of the Sichuan peppercorns’ numbing effects, but the dish was surprisingly bland. We all agreed this was our least favorite item.
Garlic Noodle ($10), priced the same at the one at AnQi was a much larger portion dotted with wild mushrooms, vine ripened tomato and bean sprouts and was so much more flavorful. I will take this over AnQi’s “famous” garlic noodles any day even though the noodles here are much thinner and not as garlicky.
One of my favorite dishes was Beef and Coke Farms Broccoli di Ciccio ($12) a sauteed item with garlic, rice wine and soy. I can eat this with a bowl of steaming hot rice and call it a day.
We ended with Thai Fried Rice ($12), a quite tasty combination of wild gulf shrimp, Chinese sausage, edamame, egg and cabbage. Not your traditional fried rice by any means, but will appeal to both kids and adults alike!
Yes it’s not traditional or authentic Asian fare, but if it’s tasty I’ll eat it AND enjoy it. Just like PF Chang’s, Starfish Laguna has definitely caught my attention with their twist on food I grew up eating. I will be back again for those Bamboo Rolls, hot and sour soup and the beef with broccoli!
I have a $50 giftcard to giveaway to one lucky reader. Tell me what your favorite Chinese dish is and make sure you include your FULL name & email address. “Like” Starfish Laguna and diary of a Mad Hungry Woman‘s Facebook pages, leave a 2nd comment to let us know and you will be entered for a 2nd chance to win.
Starfish Laguna
30832 Pacific Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Tel: 949-715-9200
I like garlic, spice and lots of flavor, so Mandarin/Szechuan is my favorite type of Chinese food. In particular, MuShu Pork and Szechuan Chicken.
“Liked” Starfish Laguna, been following you for awhile.
I’d love to try the Japanese Eggplant!
Starfish Laguna has become one of my favorite places. I am a fan of Asian fusion and love spring rolls with fresh and interesting ingredients finished with spicy sauce.
Just ‘liked’ both Facebook pages!
Favorite Chinese dish is some version of Walnut Shrimp. Not sure if Starfish has it and really don’t care. Everything above looks pretty damn good right now.
I like spicy long beans with chilis and garlic. Simple but oh so good.
ooooo you and I have the same tastebuds
Do you cook them yourself?
yes I do
I follow you and Starfish!
century eggs with pickled leeks, chili’s, and soy sauce. mmm
I love pan fried noodles.
mushu beef or stir fried green beans
general chicken
mushu chicen
Garlic chicken is a favorite!
Just “Liked” both FB pages!
congratulations! you are the winner to the $50 giftcard please email me!
So many delicious chinese food items, no one else in my family likes it but I just LOVE a good egg foo young. Anything crunchy & garlicky usually gets my attention, would love to find a good spicy/garlicky eggplant dish, used to be a small chinese restaurant that had it there but they closed down and I cant seem to find anything as good anymore. 🙁
Oh & I “liked” Starfish, already liked you 🙂
Love handmade fish dumplings!!!!
Liked you for a while and just liked Starfish.