One of our go-to spots for Chinese food is Home Town Deli. While the food isn’t outstanding, it always hits the spot when we are looking for something to satiate that comfort food craving.
Zhenjiang Style Preserved Pork ($5.95) is one of my favorite Shanghainese dishes. The one here doesn’t look like the ones served in Asia, but taste-wise, it is on point. The meat is served chilled, and has a savory finish. Dip into dark vinegar — I like mine with ginger strips which you can ask for — and enjoy!
Mapo Tofu ($7.95) is decent, and it is one of those items that we almost always order. It is hearty and possesses a slight numbing taste from the Sichuan peppercorns.
Braised Green Beans ($7.95) are pretty good too. My son isn’t a fan of green beans, but love the ones here.
Another favorite is Eggplant with Garlic Sauce ($7.95). The eggplant is tender and piquant on the palate. I am usually happy with this and a bowl of steamed rice. The other good thing about this dish is that it tastes even better the next day.
If you’re a fan of lamb, you may like Cumin Lamb ($10.95). Although it’s not like the traditional Sichuan style cumin lamb, it is flavorful, and the lamb, tender.
Deep Fried Yellow Croaker is one of my favorite dishes. The fish is perfectly fried to the point where you can easily eat the head, then proceed to the tail. The only part I discard is the bone running down the length of the fish.
My son loves beef rolls, and while the Chinese Roast Beef Sandwich ($7.95) is good, it isn’t one of the best we’ve ever had.
Sesame Pie ($7.95) is very good, and suffices when looking for something carby. The bread is not terribly dense on the inside, and beautifully crispy on the outside. They are generous with the sesame seeds as well! I like substituting this for rice sometimes.
There are several specials on the board, but unfortunately, they’re only written in Chinese characters, so if you can’t read it, you’ll miss out. However, the menu is big enough for you to maneuver through before you’re bored with it.
Home Town Deli
5394 Walnut Ave
Irvine, CA 92604
Tel: 949-651-6128
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