China 1968 (El Cajon)

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, writes about a variety of places in San Diego County (as well as around the world). Kirk is usually posting here, but for now, it's Cathy.

Located in a strip mall fronted by an El Pollo Loco, with a pizzeria on one side and next to a laundromat, China 1968 has been here since 2014. Family owned, family run, everybody who works here seems to remember you, if not your 'usual' order.  It's a regular stop when we don't want to 'venture West' for Asian food.    There are 14 Lunch Specials on the menu, ranging from $9.49 to $11.49.  Each is served with rice, (vegetarian) egg roll and cup of soup (either egg drop or hot and sour).  This is the Kung Pao Chicken ($9.49).  You are asked if you would like it medium-hot or hot-hot in level of spiciness.  It is made to order, as is everything on the menu. This is quite good with the fresh mushroom, onion, zucchini, peanuts and smooth, spicy/vinegar-y/lightly sweet sauce with a perfect amount of heat (I asked for "medium plus a little more" in spice level).  You can taste each of the vegetables as well as the juicy chicken. 
 The chicken corn soup (medium $7.49, large $9.49) is wonderful, tender and meaty chicken, plenty of flavorful corn bites and egg swirled in a tasty chicken broth. The large size is great for sharing.
 Our "must order" at every Chinese restaurant- House Egg Foo Young ($16.99).  Beef, chicken and shrimp are mixed in with the (very fluffy) eggs and the crust formed on the large pancake was remarkably lightly crisp.  It's all topped with a variety of fresh vegetables (and no bean sprouts!) and a good brown gravy. The EFY here is my absolute favorite and the eggiest version I've ever tasted.    One day, we saw another table ordering this and on our next visit, it was a 'must try'.  Salt and Pepper Shrimp ($17.99).  That is a large tablespoon with a single (no shell) shrimp in it.  Plump and juicy shrimp, a wonderful, perfectly fried light and crisp salty/peppery batter with garlic and scallions and a few red peppers mixed in.  This plate is a meal in itself with some white rice.

Each dish is made to order and everything here is fresh and flavorful. A great place for great food. 

 China 1968 500 Broadway El Cajon 92021 (619)593-0495 (619)593-0498 Open Mon-Tue 2:30-8, CLOSED WEDNESDAY, Thurs-Sun noon-9 p.m. Website

Comments

[kat]

the portions look quite generous!

[Soo]

Looks tasty. Has it been there since 1968?

[Cathy]

One entree here can easily be shared, Kat. The quality is remarkable.

I think the oldest family member/owner was born in 1968, Soo. This storefront opened in 2014. You'll like the food here.