Top Asian Restaurant in Castro Valley
Hong Kong BBQ Restaurant
20918 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94546, United States
I entered this place and sat down at the seat next to the door. It wasnt real busy, as two other tables were eating and the take out line was 1-2 customers. About 5-minutes goes by and I try to get some-ones attention. I was going to get up and go to the counter to ask for help [like getting a menu] but a party of 4 [asian] customers came in and sat at the table behind me. A waiter finally saw me [he did look at me] and.....gave the menus to the asian party of 4. I mean, I was there first and this waiter just walks by me like Im not there. Ive had this kind of thing happen here before but it was much busier and I just wrote it off to the crowd. This time, it just pissed me off. So, I got up and left. I would have given zero stars, if I could. If this establishment wants to service patrons out of order and/or larger parties over single patrons [and possibly prejudiced against non-asian clients], I just wont waste my time giving them ANY of my business.
Genghix Asian Fusion
20855 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94546, United States
I have a long and personal history wit this place.I remember going to this restaurant back when I was just a kid, having just immigrated to the United States. Back then it was a buffet with Chinese, Korean, Japanese and European dishes thrown together. It was delicious.Genghix underwent many renovations as it transitioned over the years to become the traditional service restaurant it is today. They have kept many of the Chinese dishes they served before, and have expanded their sushi menu dramatically. The end result is a restaurant, whos offerings have matured and refined from its days as a greasy spoon buffet, into a rich and charming Asian fusion restaurant that offers some of the best dining in Castro Valley. Do yourself a favor and take someone you love to check it out.
Panda Express
3893 E Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA 94552, United States
Update to my review: Yesterday, I had a terrible experience at this Panda Express. I went in person to get food: a plate of chow mein, string beans and chicken, and gung pao chicken. Woman puts sesame chicken breast instead of gung pao chicken. I did correct her after she was done and then she gave me the correct gung pao chicken in a separate box. I thought I was going to be able to the incorrect chicken free along with having the corrected chicken. When I went to pay, the cashier (assuming his name is Luis) charged me for a larger plate instead of a plate and did not understand when I explained to him what happened. I ended up having to give him back the corrected chicken (in the separate) box and keeping the incorrect chicken to pay the plate price. THIS NOT FAIR AT ALL! I should not have to pay for an employee error! Get yourself together Panda!Old review: Its a good Panda Express, but DO NOT order in person, the people working cannot understand what you are saying, because there is a glass in front of them (probably due to the pandemic) and there is loud noise in the background. Ordering online will make your life 10x easier here.
Ramen 101
20923 Redwood Rd Unit B, Castro Valley, CA 94546, United States
We loved ramen here. It was our first time trying it and won't be the last. There are options for you to choose your broth, protein, and toppings, which is pretty cool. I ordered tonkatsu ramen with chicken and with butter.Really enjoyed it. Service is fast and very friendly. Here, you pay first and they bring it to you. I got my order in less then 10 min. It was delicious.They had chillie sauce on side if you want more spicy. Clean and cute decor. Broth was super flavorful and creamy. Ramen noodles were fresh. My boyfriend and my brother liked their ramen too. They were super nice and considerate of us will definitely going back and recommended!
The chicken on Fire
2836 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA 94546, United States
Chicken on Fire is a monthly go to. Was so saddened Covid-19 impacted its hours bc now I can only frequent establishment on Fridays while in the area. However, I have made the 40 mile one way trip on the weekends when the craving was at a 10.Chicken flavors are delish my favs being Soy Garlic, Sweet and Sour and Spicy. The chicken is cooked throughout with a slightly crunchy texture and sauces equally coating each wing ?. I believe they have fullsize and party wings although Ive only had party size. Order for one has approx 15 wings and for two 30 wings. I love having extra for the late nite binges. Leftovers at room temperature or tossed in the air fryer on reheat is a beautiful 12:32 a.m. ewww weee good eatin experience. The coleslaw is the absolute best. It is chilled and shredded with a slightly sweet dressing which the proprietor will not share the recipe even after 4 yrs of our asking ? I usually forgo the rice which comes with it and I double up on the slaw? oh and the chilled pickled radish or jicama (my colleague and I always ask which it is and forget as soon as we are told) is actually rather tasty and enhances the meal.
Aria Korean Street Food
20923 Redwood Rd Unit B, Castro Valley, CA 94546, United States
Just so everyone knows, This place is a co-kitchen with ramen 101. You cannot order in person. You have to order online and pick up to eat there or to go.I ordered the Three Taco sampler. It came with a lot of meat. Each item tasted pretty good. My favorite was the one with jalapeno sauce.The price is a little high, but I would come back again to try the other items.
Top other services in Castro Valley:
Lake Chabot Public Market
18911 Lake Chabot Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94546, United States
I live right around the corner and I couldnt ask for more!Theres mainly Asian Cuisine here and I cant complain.Right when you walk in, theres the Pokeatery to the left. As you may suspect, its the standard Poke Bowl concept. Its rather good and portions are hefty compared to some other places.Continuing down the left side, is Milk and Cookie Bar. Im sure youve seen the colorful ice cream creations all over Instagram. Milk and Cookie Bar definitely has some Insta-worthy treats and most definitely some mouthwatering flavors. Im a HUGE fan of their Ube. Ice Cream flavors rotate in and out so youll have to check in to see what flavors they have for the day!Shumi Ramen is the next staple in the food court. Not the best ramen place but not terrible either. It hits the spot on a cold day and when I dont feel like driving to Oakland just to get a solid bowl of ramen. Shumi Ramen offers a pretty extensive list of items so Im sure Ill be back to try more!T4 anchors the wall to the back of the Public Market. Youre standard boba place with a few other food offerings like egg puffs. I would prefer iTea over T4 but I cant complain too much about having a boba place around the corner from my house. :0)Last but very not least, Mama Chos sells some AMAZING Korean-Mexican fusion food. They sell meat and now, finally, PRODUCE! They have a great section of beverages that lines the back wall. Pricey but nothing too crazy. Ill sometimes come here to buy their Strawberry Milk and kimchi. If you love Senor Sisig or the Kogi Truck, Mama Chos has a similar concept.If youre ever in the area, perhaps having taken a nice stroll through Lake Chabot, you should definitely stop by for a bite or drink! Theres outside seating so you can sit out with your doggie! (I believe its service dogs only, inside)Yes, there are restrooms!
Castro Valley Library
3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley, CA 94546, United States
If I could not even give 1 star for the library staff I would!The staff needs to remember that when they are dealing with the public that they should all take a class on respect and communication.When you are explaining anything to anyone of any particular subject then you must be courteous, professional and especially polite with due respect. Not take whatever your emotions are and reflect them on to the public. I felt as if I were in the mean public school system being talked about and bullied! I realized when I brought my little baby Chihuahua in there that it wasnt the best idea due to the policies. I had to turn in my books on this particular date and it was very hot outside so I could not for the life of me leave my precious cargo in the car. I held him the whole time and didnt even try to do anything else but turn them in and ask a question when I disgruntle employee with blond hair came out and started to tell me about my pet and I calmly replied I understood meaning I knew it was wrong but I really in my heart had no other way but to take him in for a second or two to ask a question and turn in my things. I thought she would know I was an adult and completely understood her but NO! She had to rant at me 3 more times while some other disgruntle looking lady and other staff started to stare at me. This is totally unprofessional in the way that it was clear, cut and dry that I understood her but for some reason she had to drive it home with a bulldozer.I just told myself that she and the rest of unprofessional staff member who were glaring over had more going on in their lives than me and to forgive them for not being very Christ like. I will never ever be comfortable to seek any information from any of those who dont really know what its like to work with others in a public setting and know that they are truly representing the whole community. We have enough going on in this world we live in today and just need folks in our own community to treat one another with some respect and decency. Sorry for this but I feel it is important that we say something instead letting them think they can treat others in this manner as well and represent the library in this way. If I knew their names I would have put it in this review as well.
Nick The Greek Castro Valley
20628 Rustic Dr, Castro Valley, CA 94546, United States
After months of anticipation Nick the Greek CV is open yay!! We got there and line was almost going out the door. The service was excellent and super fast! We dont eat cheese and requested no feta on our dishes and this was respected. Everything was fresh, hot and delicious! Bathrooms super clean and sanitizer stands throughout the restaurant. Staff was so friendly and we left with full bellies smiles ? since Google wont let me add images captions we had the Prasini salad which depth of flavor cant be seen in photos, lemon, dill, scallion and crispy romaine, also the Falafel pita which was very flavor-filled, the Veggie pita was our favorite with meaty portabello mushrooms and perfectly grilled zucchini. And lastly the greek fries with no feta but added spicy yogurt sauce. All highly recommended!
Pad Thai Cuisine
3774 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA 94546, United States
By far, the best Thai food in CV. I had a dinner and ordered the namesake dish (Pad Thai-dinner). I had the prawns. There were about 10 of them in the scrumptious noodles and thats a good helping (even for a dinner). It was a very plentiful serving and was medium heat. Ask for the pepper tray to spice it further (red chillis in a fish sauce were hot and yummy).My only beef was with the hotness of the dish. I asked for it hot and the waitress nodded in agreement. But it wasnt that hot. I needed the pepper tray to spice it up a bit more. I was the only patron in the place and service was spotty. An employee was eating and facing away from me. So, I had to get her attention anytime I wanted my water topped off or anything else (like the bill?). I took a star off because of the lack of service and my wanting my dish hot/taste.Make no mistake, this is a good place. But the service was a bit lacking. Im sure eating a lunch here would be better, since there are more wait staff. The food itself was very good. The place has a homey feel to it (probably a former residence, I believe). Parking is a bit of a challenge but youll figure it out.Edit (2/22/23): ate lunch here today. Food is still very good and very reasonably priced. While most restaurants have increased prices 25%-35%, these folks have raised prices .50-cents on most plates/meals. You still get a small salad with a lunch special too. Their food quantity is still great as well (I barely finished my lunch special plate). I ordered their pad thai/hot and it was delish. It was a bit awkward/communication but I think my waitress was asian (english was probably not her 1st language). One of the very few thai places that still have a pepper-condiment tray. They keep their 4-star rating.