After going to a half-Asian, half-Hispanic high school for four years, transitioning into APU was a real culture shock. As you may have noticed, Azusa isn't exactly a connoisseur of Asian food culture.
That's why I've decided to share my knowledge, courtesy of years spent living in the 626 (San Gabriel Valley). College is a time for trying new things, right?
Enjoy!
1. Boba
Also known as tapioca, pearls, or bubble tea, boba is something you've got to try at least once. A boba place is the Asian equivalent of an American coffee shop (and boba places usually stay open longer!).
If it's your first time, try a boba milk tea. If milk tea isn't your style, get a slush or a fruit drink!
The possibilities are endless -- there's a boba drink out there for everyone. You can even get a drink with mini boba or without boba, if you like!
Check out this list of boba places nearby: 14 L.A. Tea Spots Every Boba Lover Has Gotta Try
2. Dim sum
Typically a lunchtime affair, dim sum is truly a unique experience. The servers push around carts filled with different Chinese cuisine (often several kinds on one cart), and if you want something, you either wave them over or wait for the cart to come to you.
Because the food is usually covered to keep it warm (and the cart itself is usually a type of stove, unless it's a dessert cart), it's like a guessing game every time. You never know what you're gonna get!
If you're new and don't know what you'd like, you might need to bring along someone who's had dim sum before (or a translator). Or, just get whatever looks interesting and try it out!
Note: Be careful around the metal carts! They're hot and it's often crowded in dim sum restaurants (because everyone wants dim sum, obviously).
Check out these common dim sum dishes and etiquette: The Serious Eats Guide to Dim Sum
3. Jook
If you're feeling sick, jook -- also known as rice porridge or congee -- can help! Literally a combination of just rice and water, jook is filling enough to serve as a main dish and is super easy to digest. Other ingredients can be added for flavor, such as chicken, black egg, pork, spices, etc.
Note: Try it with youtiao, a kind of Chinese donut/cruller!
4. KBBQ
If you like American barbecue, you'll LOVE Korean barbecue (AKA: kbbq).
Sometimes offered as an all-you-can-eat meal, you pay one flat price and can order as much meat as you like (just not too much at one time). Prices can range from $10-$25 per person, unless you're looking for premium meats.
At some places, you can also cook the meat in front of you (just be careful to fully cook the chicken!), and some restaurants even offer sides like rice, kimchi, ddeokbokki, salad, etc.
Note: Perfect for big eaters or large groups!
5. DAISO
Although not strictly food-related, DAISO is the Dollar Tree of the San Gabriel Valley.
Everything inside DAISO is $1.50 (or in some rare cases, $3 or $10). The store offers Japanese products ranging from lint rollers to binders to pottery to makeup to cute bookends. If you're looking for cheap/cutesy, you've come to the right place!
It's fun to just browse. You might find something you never knew you needed!
DAISO also sells Japanese candies and snacks, my personal favorites being Pocky and Chocorooms. Check them out!
Nearby DAISO stores: Los Angeles locations
BONUS:
6. Panda Express
I can't even express my horror when I hear someone claim that Panda Express is 'just like real Chinese food.'
LIES. Make a trip to the 626 and try the real thing -- you'll thank me later.
