Miki-Chan's Okazu-Ya

The inspiration

Miki-Chan's Okazu-Ya is built around the okazu-ya concept, a steam-table style where cooked dishes are served over rice, blending Chinese, Hawaiian and Japanese elements into an Asian-American plate-lunch tradition¹ . The name itself comes from the Japanese word for the dishes eaten with rice, and much of the menu is designed to be paired that way¹ .

Who's behind it

The sources do not name an owner or chef, so there is nothing to report here beyond what the venue itself says: the staff has been with the restaurant for years and the service is described as friendly and efficient .

What to order

• BBQ short ribs: the video channel obieats and other summaries point to the ribs as a generous standout protein .
• Combo plates: the Hawaiian-style plate lunch runs from two entrees up to four, with rice, macaroni salad and tsukemono .¹
• Orange chicken: a popular entree noted in several listings .
• Saimin and noodle soups: the menu offers saimin, dry mein, won ton and shrimp soups for a Hawaiian noodle fix .

What people are saying

Critics at the San Gabriel Valley Tribune praised the macaroni salad and the tsukemono pickled vegetables in particular¹ . The obieats video calls the place a local institution, and reviewers across listings echo the friendly, long-tenured staff .

Why you should try it

It is the kind of unfussy, filling meal that travels well as takeout for your stay¹ .