![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Changs-hot-sour-so8up.jpg\")
Chang\u2019s hot-and-sour soup. Photo by Maria C. Ascarrunz.<\/p>\nChang\u2019s Kitchen is that Chinese restaurant that is not San Tung on Irving Street.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Everyone knows San Tung, everyone raves about San Tung, everyone goes to San Tung.\u00a0But friends recently reported that right across the street from always-a-line San Tung is Chang\u2019s Kitchen, and they deemed it every bit as good.\u00a0Challenge accepted. (Caveat: I have not been to San Tung, nor am I afraid to stand in a line, but that\u2019s for another review.)<\/p>\n
Chang\u2019s is a very typical Sunset District Asian restaurant, with minimal d\u00e9cor, save the requisite golden Buddha and plastic-clad photos of specials on the walls. It\u2019s a clean, calm space, especially on a Saturday about an hour before they close for the afternoon.\u00a0Great choice after a visit to the De Young, and we found parking easily.<\/p>\n
Upon being seated and served a frosty glass of Tsingtao, we were graciously gifted a steaming cup of hot-and-sour soup.<\/p>\n
Chang\u2019s hot-and-sour soup. Photo by Maria C. Ascarrunz.<\/p>\n
Typical of the genre, silky tofu floated in a nicely tangy broth, with a touch of heat.<\/p>\n
We ordered the dry-fried chicken wings (a well-beloved specialty at that other place) and hoped they\u2019d come first, but they ended up arriving after both our other dishes.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
One of the pictures at eye level on the wall next to our table showed a beautiful-looking dish of burnished garlic filet mignon with veggies.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"Plate](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Changs-Garlic-Filet-Mignon.jpg\")
Chang\u2019s garlic filet mignon. Photo by Maria C. Ascarrunz.<\/p>\n
The reality was quite a bit lighter in tone, but everything on the plate was flavorful, the beef tender, and the veggies crisp and plentiful.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Next up, pork spare ribs in black bean sauce.<\/p>\n
![\"Plate](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Changs-spare-ribs-with-black-bean-sauce-1.jpg\")
Chang\u2019s spare ribs with black bean sauce. Photo by Maria C. Ascarrunz.<\/p>\n
I loved these little riblets, especially the salty\/funky bites of fermented black beans. Essentially finger food for me, as the meat slipped luxuriously off the bones. Both dishes were so generous, we took a lot home.<\/p>\n
Finally, the wings! <\/p>\n
![\"Plate](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Changs-dry-fried-chicken-wings-Chinese-broccoli-with-garlic.jpg\")
Chang\u2019s dry-fried chicken wings and Chinese broccoli with garlic. Photo by Maria C. Ascarrunz.<\/p>\n
Ah, golden bird!\u00a0Can they possibly be better across the street?\u00a0Maybe as good, but better?\u00a0 These free-range chicken wings came beautifully hot and crispy, and stayed so until the very last finger-licking nibble. <\/p>\n
Seasoned perfectly, spiked with jalape\u00f1os and scallions for a pleasant amount of heat to complement the crackling, crunchy goodness, and so very tender and juicy inside, these just slapped, as the kids say.\u00a0You can get them with a spicy\/sweet sauce or just the standard salt and pepper.\u00a0Either way, you must have these.<\/p>\n
And yes, we virtue-signaled with a batch of garlicky, crispy Chinese broccoli alongside.<\/p>\n
As with many Chinese restaurants, and especially one that bills itself as fusion, there is much to try here, and probably better to go with more than two people to get the full experience of what\u2019s on offer. Or, become a regular (of which we saw a few \u2014 people unafraid to buck the trend!), and just work your way through the extensive menu.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
You\u2019ll find old school favorites like crab Rangoon, General Tso\u2019s chicken, and mu shu pork, as well as Korean items, Szechuan dishes, and dim sum. They also have quite a few tofu and all-veggie dishes.\u00a0Does Chang\u2019s do it all well?\u00a0Only one way to find out.<\/p>\n
Next time you\u2019re in the area and spot the humongous line, do a 180 and walk right into Chang\u2019s.\u00a0 You\u2019ll be met with friendly, warm service, more than reasonable prices, and excellent wings!<\/p>\n