CHI DYNASTY
COOKING COOL CHINESE CUISINE ABOUT TOWN
www.chidynasty.com

For nearly 30 years, Chi Dynasty has deservedly earned its long-standing reputation for exemplary service, value and delectable Chinese cuisine. Owner Jonathan Chi has built a reputation amongst Angelenos for an unprecedented dining experience since 1983. An east side-dining staple, a second location has taken Studio City by storm, as has a third at the Americana in Glendale.

Known for using only fresh ingredients while never compromising quality or taste, Chi Dynasty aptly combines authentic Chinese influences with a contemporary approach to Asian fare. With affordable prices perfect for the diner on a budget, most items range between $10-15 per entrée, Chi Dynasty offers a quality dining experience in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Famous for it’s Chinese Chicken Salad, which is always prepped tableside, rest assured, the wok is hot and the food flavorful.

During our recent visit to the Americana location, with its inviting red and black decor, and even a dragon hanging above the ceiling, we started with the extremely popular (voted “Best in Town”) Chinese Chicken Salad with Black Bean Garlic Sauce, which of course was prepared at our table before our very eyes. Ridiculously large, don’t think you can start with a salad and order something else afterwards. No, this enormous plate is meant for sharing or to be used for lunch and dinner the following day if you’re ordering one just for yourself. Extremely tasty, I found it to be a tad overrated with too much dressing.

Next we went with the very rich Walnut Shrimp, prepared with crispy shrimp tossed in a sinfully rich white sauce, topped with homemade candied walnuts. If you can eat seafood, this one is a must-have item. Probably because it is so rich it is extremely delectable. The combination of savory shrimp and sweetened walnuts will take your taste buds to nirvana. Prepare for food coma to follow.

Opting for something different than the standard Orange Chicken, we opted for the Mandarin Beef, served with sliced tender beef stir-fried with black mushrooms and bamboo shoots in a rich brown sauce, which did not disappoint. Filling and full of flavor, this dish, like all at Chi Dynasty, is perfect for sharing.

The Mixed Season Vegetables were a fresh and healthy choice. And the Veggie Mu Shu was excellent, and hands down our favorite dish. This veggie version of the classic Chinese stir-fry item features shredded vegetables served with warm whole-wheat tortillas and Asian hot sauce. Amazing!

The Chicken a la Chi from the Chef Specialties menu is considered a hot and spicy item, although I didn’t find that to be the case. But there was too much sauce poured on, which took away some of the taste of the shredded white meat served with red and green peppers, bean sprouts, tree mushrooms and spicy peppercorn salt.

Dessert was not an option as our meal, fit for a king, left us stuffed and satiated. There’s no fooling around when you come to Chi Dynasty. Prepare for large, tasty orders that will not only fill you up, but will leave you ever so satisfied.

Chi Dynasty is located at the following locations:

1813 Hillhurst
Los Angeles (Los Feliz)
(323) 667-3388

12229 Ventura Boulevard
Studio City
(818) 753-5300
Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-  10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.

769 Americana Way
Glendale
(818) 500-9888
Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.