San Sai Japanese Grill: Fresh, Affordable Japanese Cuisine in Pasadena, CA

San Sai Japanese Grill Introduce

For those of us in California who appreciate delicious, fresh, and remarkably affordable Japanese cuisine, **San Sai Japanese Grill** in Pasadena is a standout destination. This gem has garnered a loyal following, particularly for its commitment to serving high-quality, flavorful dishes in a fast-casual setting. If you're looking for a satisfying meal that won't break the bank and consistently delivers on taste, San Sai Japanese Grill is a place you absolutely need to discover.

San Sai Japanese Grill operates on a philosophy of "the nature of freshness," aiming to be a leading national brand known for the best tasting, highest quality, most convenient, and freshest Japanese fast-casual cuisine. They succeed by focusing on expertly prepared dishes that highlight fresh ingredients. This dedication to quality is immediately apparent in their offerings, from their perfectly grilled meats to their vibrant, made-from-scratch salads.

One of the most praised aspects of San Sai Japanese Grill is their fantastic **teriyaki chicken**. Customers rave about the use of freshly grilled chicken thigh (not breast!) paired with an authentic blend of teriyaki sauce. This attention to detail results in a dish that evokes a sense of nostalgia for quality and value. Beyond the teriyaki, the menu is surprisingly diverse for a fast-casual spot. You'll find a wide selection of sushi and rolls made fresh to order by their sushi chefs, as well as a variety of hot entrees, bowls, and their signature gourmet salads. These salads are particularly noteworthy, often described as "amazing" and made from the freshest produce with homemade dressings free of MSG or other preservatives.

The experience at San Sai Japanese Grill is consistently positive, marked by fast service and friendly, helpful staff. This efficiency makes it an ideal spot for a quick lunch, a convenient dinner, or a healthy takeout option. Whether you're a local resident, a student from nearby Caltech, or just passing through the Pasadena area, San Sai Japanese Grill offers a reliable and incredibly satisfying Japanese dining experience that combines quality, flavor, and affordability in a way that truly sets it apart.

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Location and Accessibility

San Sai Japanese Grill is conveniently situated at **350 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA**. This prime location places it in the bustling and vibrant South Lake Avenue district of Pasadena, a well-known commercial hub within Los Angeles County. Its presence on South Lake Avenue ensures high visibility and easy access for residents and visitors throughout Pasadena and the wider San Gabriel Valley.

A significant advantage of this location is the **accessibility and convenience it offers for parking**. Being on South Lake Avenue, there are typically various parking options available, including shared plaza parking or nearby public parking facilities. This helps alleviate the common concern of finding parking in a busy urban area, making a visit to San Sai Japanese Grill more seamless.

San Sai Japanese Grill operates on a consistent daily schedule, making it a reliable choice for meals throughout the week. They are open from **11:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day, Monday through Sunday**. This expansive operating window allows for both lunch and dinner visits, accommodating various schedules. The restaurant also offers **outdoor seating**, providing a pleasant option for al fresco dining when the weather is favorable. Additionally, for those near the Caltech area, its close proximity makes it an exceptionally convenient and popular spot.

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Services Offered

**Dine-In Service:** Enjoy your meal in a casual and friendly atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating options.
**Takeout/Pickup:** Conveniently order your food for pickup, perfect for quick and fresh meals on the go.
**Delivery Services:** Available through popular platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, bringing delicious Japanese cuisine directly to your home or office.
**Grilled Entrees (Plates & Bowls):** Specializes in freshly grilled proteins such as Chicken Teriyaki (thigh and breast options), Steak, Salmon, and Shrimp, often served as plates with rice and signature salads, or as bowls.
**Sushi & Rolls:** Offers a selection of fresh, made-to-order sushi and various rolls including California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Philadelphia Roll, and specialty rolls like Rainbow Roll and Dragon Roll.
**Signature Gourmet Salads:** Features a range of popular and highly praised salads with homemade dressings, including Oriental Salad, Sumi Salad, and Cucumber Seaweed Salad.
**Appetizers:** Provides classic Japanese appetizers such as Potstickers, Vegetable Spring Rolls, Edamame, and Tempura (Shrimp & Veggie).
**Noodle Dishes:** Includes options like Yakisoba with various protein choices (Chicken, Steak, Veggie).
**Japanese Curry Rice:** Offers savory Japanese curry with options for chicken or steak.
**Kids Plates:** Features kid-friendly options like grilled chicken or tempura with rice and a choice of egg rolls or potstickers.
**Catering Services:** Available for small gatherings or large parties, offering trays of popular items like Chicken Teriyaki, Sushi Rolls, and various salads.

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Features / Highlights

**Authentic & Delicious Teriyaki:** Highly praised for their freshly grilled chicken thigh with an authentic teriyaki sauce blend, often cited as a standout dish.
**Exceptional Freshness:** Commitment to using fresh ingredients across the menu, from grilled meats to vegetables and sushi.
**Amazing Signature Salads:** Features gourmet salads with homemade, MSG-free dressings that are frequently lauded by customers.
**Affordable Pricing:** Offers high-quality Japanese food at incredibly reasonable prices, providing great value for money.
**Fast and Friendly Service:** Known for quick service and a helpful, amiable staff, making it ideal for efficient dining.
**Diverse Menu Selection:** Provides a wide variety of choices including grilled plates, bowls, sushi, rolls, appetizers, noodles, and curry, catering to various tastes.
**Healthy Options:** Offers numerous healthy choices, including lean grilled proteins, fresh salads, and brown rice options.
**Convenient Location:** Situated on S Lake Ave with good accessibility and parking options.
**Popular Among Locals & Visitors:** Attracts a loyal customer base, including those visiting nearby institutions like Caltech.

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Promotions or Special Offers

Based on the provided information and public data, San Sai Japanese Grill is particularly notable for its consistent offering of **highly affordable prices** for fresh, high-quality Japanese cuisine. A recurring highlight from customers is the value, with specific mentions of the delicious grilled chicken teriyaki plate being available for around $9. This indicates that their pricing structure itself acts as a perpetual "special offer" compared to many other Japanese dining establishments.

While specific, rotating promotions aren't explicitly detailed, their various **combo plates** (e.g., California Roll & Chicken, Tempura & Chicken Plate) and **lunch/dinner bowls** offer complete, satisfying meals at competitive price points. For example, their Chicken Bowl is available for $12.99, including a side salad and rice or miso soup. The restaurant's ethos of providing "fresher, faster, more affordable" meals suggests that value is embedded in their daily operations.

For the most current information on any potential daily specials, seasonal menu additions, or specific deals, it is always recommended for locals to check their website or popular food delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub, where their full menu and current pricing are listed. Their extensive catering menu also offers value for larger group orders, allowing for cost-effective Japanese dining for events.

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Contact Information

To enjoy the fresh and delicious offerings at San Sai Japanese Grill, you can reach them through the following contact details:

**Address:** 350 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA

**Phone:** (626) 683-0900

**Mobile Phone:** +1 626-683-0900

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Conclusion: Why San Sai Japanese Grill is Suitable for Locals

For Californians, especially those residing in Pasadena and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley, San Sai Japanese Grill is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended dining spot. Its core appeal lies in its remarkable ability to deliver **delicious, fresh Japanese cuisine at incredibly affordable prices**, a combination that is increasingly rare in today's culinary landscape. The consistently praised grilled chicken teriyaki and the "amazing" signature salads are just two examples of the quality and value that keep locals coming back.

The fast and friendly service, coupled with a casual and inviting atmosphere, makes San Sai an ideal choice for a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal whether you're dining in, grabbing takeout, or opting for delivery. Its prime location on South Lake Avenue, with convenient accessibility and parking, further enhances its appeal for busy locals. The wide variety of choices, from grilled plates and bowls to fresh sushi, rolls, and healthy salads, ensures there's something for every preference and dietary need.

San Sai Japanese Grill is more than just a restaurant; it's a testament to how quality Japanese food can be made accessible and convenient without compromising on taste or freshness. For any local in California seeking a reliable, delicious, and budget-friendly Japanese meal, San Sai Japanese Grill in Pasadena is a top recommendation and a place that truly represents excellent value and culinary satisfaction.

San Sai Japanese Grill Food & drink

All Day Menu - Pasadena - Combo Plates
Yakisoba Noodle & Chicken Breast US$17.99
Includes a choice of (2) gourmet salads & rice. (substitute brown rice .50 more) gourmet salads to choose from are: oriental salad: fresh baby greens, roasted almonds, sesame seeds, tossed with our signature honey mustard vinaigrette, and garnished with mandarin oranges and crunchy noodles. Sumi salad: shredded green and purple cabbage, julienne carrots, green onions, roasted almonds, and sesame seeds tossed with our own rice vinegar dressing garnished with crunchy noodles. Combo salad: com
Yakisoba Noodle & Chicken US$16.79
Includes a choice of (2) gourmet salads & rice. (substitute brown rice .50 more) gourmet salads to choose from are: oriental salad: fresh baby greens, roasted almonds, sesame seeds, tossed with our signature honey mustard vinaigrette, and garnished with mandarin oranges and crunchy noodles. Sumi salad: shredded green and purple cabbage, julienne carrots, green onions, roasted almonds, and sesame seeds tossed with our own rice vinegar dressing garnished with crunchy noodles. Combo salad: co
California Roll & Chicken Breast US$17.99
Includes a choice of (2) gourmet salads & rice. (substitute brown rice .50 more) gourmet salads to choose from are: oriental salad: fresh baby greens, roasted almonds, sesame seeds, tossed with our signature honey mustard vinaigrette, and garnished with mandarin oranges and crunchy noodles. Sumi salad: shredded green and purple cabbage, julienne carrots, green onions, roasted almonds, and sesame seeds tossed with our own rice vinegar dressing garnished with crunchy noodles. Combo salad: co.
Tempura & California Roll US$17.39
Includes a choice of (2) gourmet salads & rice. (substitute brown rice .50 more) gourmet salads to choose from are: oriental salad: fresh baby greens, roasted almonds, sesame seeds, tossed with our signature honey mustard vinaigrette, and garnished with mandarin oranges and crunchy noodles. Sumi salad: shredded green and purple cabbage, julienne carrots, green onions, roasted almonds, and sesame seeds tossed with our own rice vinegar dressing garnished with crunchy noodles. Combo salad: com.
California Roll & Chicken US$16.79
Includes a choice of (2) gourmet salads & rice. (substitute chicken breast $1.00) (substitute brown rice .50 more) gourmet salads to choose from are: oriental salad: fresh baby greens, roasted almonds, sesame seeds, tossed with our signature honey mustard vinaigrette, and garnished with mandarin oranges and crunchy noodles. Sumi salad: shredded green and purple cabbage, julienne carrots, green onions, roasted almonds, and sesame seeds tossed with our own rice vinegar dressing garnished with.
Yakisoba Noodle & Steak US$17.99
Includes a choice of (2) gourmet salads & rice. (substitute brown rice .50 more) gourmet salads to choose from are: oriental salad: fresh baby greens, roasted almonds, sesame seeds, tossed with our signature honey mustard vinaigrette, and garnished with mandarin oranges and crunchy noodles. Sumi salad: shredded green and purple cabbage, julienne carrots, green onions, roasted almonds, and sesame seeds tossed with our own rice vinegar dressing garnished with crunchy noodles. Combo salad: com.
Tempura & Steak US$19.19
Includes a choice of two gourmet salads & rice. (substitute brown rice .50 more) gourmet salads to choose from are- oriental salad: fresh baby greens, roasted almonds, sesame seeds, tossed with our signature honey mustard vinaigrette, and garnished with mandarin oranges and crunchy noodles. Sumi salad: shredded green and purple cabbage, julienne carrots, green onions, roasted almonds, and sesame seeds tossed with our own rice vinegar dressing garnished with crunchy noodles. Combo salad: comb.
Tempura & Chicken Plate US$17.39
Includes a choice of (2) gourmet salads & rice. (substitute chicken breast $1.00) (substitute brown rice .50 more) gourmet salads to choose from are: oriental salad: fresh baby greens, roasted almonds, sesame seeds, tossed with our signature honey mustard vinaigrette, and garnished with mandarin oranges and crunchy noodles. Sumi salad: shredded green and purple cabbage, julienne carrots, green onions, roasted almonds, and sesame seeds tossed with our own rice vinegar dressing garnished with.
California Roll & Steak US$17.99
Includes a choice of (2) gourmet salads & rice. (substitute brown rice .50 more) gourmet salads to choose from are: oriental salad: fresh baby greens, roasted almonds, sesame seeds, tossed with our signature honey mustard vinaigrette, and garnished with mandarin oranges and crunchy noodles. Sumi salad: shredded green and purple cabbage, julienne carrots, green onions, roasted almonds, and sesame seeds tossed with our own rice vinegar dressing garnished with crunchy noodles. Combo salad: com.
Tempura Plate US$17.39
Includes a choice of two gourmet salads & rice. (substitute brown rice .50 more) gourmet salads to choose from are- oriental salad: fresh baby greens, roasted almonds, sesame seeds, tossed with our signature honey mustard vinaigrette, and garnished with mandarin oranges and crunchy noodles. Sumi salad: shredded green and purple cabbage, julienne carrots, green onions, roasted almonds, and sesame seeds tossed with our own rice vinegar dressing garnished with crunchy noodles. Combo salad: comb.

All Day Menu - Pasadena - Soups
Udon Noodle Soup US$13.19
Udon noodle soup with grilled chicken or tempura.
Miso Soup US$2.99
22 calories. the most popular of all Japanese soups, our miso soup is light in taste, and is made with a soybean, fish, and seaweed base garnished with tofu pieces, green onions and nori. a great complement to any meal.

All Day Menu - Pasadena - Kids Plates | Kids 12 & Under
Kids Chicken Plate US$10.19
Includes rice and a choice of egg rolls or potstickers.

All Day Menu - Pasadena - Plates
Steak Plate US$19.19
Includes a choice of two gourmet salads, rice and a veggie skewer.
Spicy Chicken Plate US$14.99
Includes a choice of two gourmet salads, rice and a veggie skewer.
Salmon Plate US$19.19
Includes a choice of 2 gourmet salads, rice and a veggie skewer.
Shrimp & Chicken Plate US$17.99
Includes a choice of 2 gourmet salads, rice and a veggie skewer.
Chicken Breast Plate US$16.19
Includes a choice of 2 gourmet salads, rice and a veggie skewer.
Steak & Chicken Plate US$17.99
Includes a choice of 2 gourmet salads, rice and a veggie skewer.
Chicken Plate US$14.99
Includes a choice of two gourmet salads, rice and a veggie skewer.
Shrimp & Steak Plate US$19.19
Includes a choice of 2 gourmet salads, rice and a veggie skewer.

All Day Menu - Pasadena - Rolls
Tempura Shrimp Roll US$13.79
Made fresh to order. Add a salad or miso soup for $1 more.
Spicy Tuna Roll US$13.79
276 calories. spicy tuna, avocado, cucumber, and sesame seeds, garnished with masago and green onions.
Salmon Roll US$13.79
Made fresh to order. Add a salad or miso soup for $1 more.
Philadelphia Roll US$13.79
428 calories. salmon, cream cheese, avocado, and masago.
Vegetable Roll US$9.59
Made fresh to order. Add a salad or miso soup for $1 more.
California Roll US$10.79
Made fresh to order. Add a salad or miso soup for $1 more.

All Day Menu - Pasadena - Sushi
Hand Roll Combo (3) US$17.99
Sushi Special Box US$21.59
(10 pieces) Nigiri (served on a pillow of rice) tuna, salmon, eel, shrimp and red snapper.
Sushi & Roll Combo US$17.99
Sushi (4 pieces) and Roll (6 pieces) Your choice of roll- specialty rolls not included.

All Day Menu - Pasadena - Drinks
Snapple US$2.39
Gatorade US$2.39
Green Tea Can US$3.00
Bottle Water US$1.98
Coke Can US$1.50
Hot Tea US$2.99
Fountain Drink US$2.99

All Day Menu - Pasadena - Specialty Rolls
Las Vegas Roll US$17.99
Made fresh to order. Add a salad or miso soup for $1 more.
Red Bull Roll US$17.99
Made fresh to order. Add a salad or miso soup for $1 more
Spicy Crunchy Tempura Roll US$17.99
Made fresh to order. Add a salad or miso soup for $1 more.
Hawaiian Roll US$17.99
Made fresh to order. Add a salad or miso soup for $1 more.
Calamari Bomb Roll US$17.99
Crunch deep-fried tempura calamari. garnished with spicy mayo, unagi sauce, masago and green onions.
Caterpillar Roll US$17.39
Made fresh to order. Add a salad or miso soup for $1 more.
Tiger Roll US$17.99
Made fresh to order. Add a salad or miso soup for $1 more.
Fried Spicy Tuna Roll US$15.59
Made fresh to order. Add a salad or miso soup for $1 more.
Avocado Roll US$8.39
350 calories.
Washington Roll US$17.99
Made fresh to order. Add a salad or miso soup for $1 more.
Spicy Tuna Roll US$13.79
276 calories. spicy tuna, avocado, cucumber, and sesame seeds, garnished with masago and green onions.
Fried California Roll US$14.39
Rainbow Roll US$17.99
Made fresh to order. Add a salad or miso soup for $1 more.

All Day Menu - Pasadena - Side Orders
Miso Soup US$2.99
22 calories. the most popular of all Japanese soups, our miso soup is light in taste, and is made with a soybean, fish, and seaweed base garnished with tofu pieces, green onions and nori. a great complement to any meal
Side Chicken Breast US$7.19
Shrimp & Veggie Tempura US$9.59
Delicious hand-dipped shrimp and hand-sliced vegetables in tempura batter.
Vegetable Spring Roll US$2.99
Served with radish sprouts, cucumbers, avocado, yamagobo, and your choice of sushi. 63-204 cal.
Veggie Tempura US$7.19
Shrimp Tempura (5) US$8.39
Delicious hand-dipped shrimp and hand-sliced vegetables in tempura batter.
Potstickers (6) US$4.19
Delicious hand-dipped shrimp and hand-sliced vegetables in tempura batter.
Side Chicken US$5.99
Side White Rice US$1.50
Hand Roll US$5.39
Served with radish sprouts, cucumbers, avocado, yamagobo, and your choice of sushi. 63-204 cal.
Side Veggie Sticks US$2.99
Side Brown Rice US$1.80
Vegetable Fried Noodles US$8.39
Yakisoba noodles pan fried with cabbage, peppers, and onions garnished with sesame seeds and green onion.
Side Steak US$7.19
Sushi (2 Pcs Nigiri) US$4.79
Side Salmon US$8.39
Edamame US$5.39
276 calories. lightly salted soybeans in their pod.
Side Shrimp Sticks US$7.79
Side Salad US$5.39
Choice of our signature salads.

All Day Menu - Pasadena - Salads
Salmon Salad US$16.19
Oriental Salad Entree US$10.79
157-331 calories. baby greens, roasted almonds, sesame seeds served with signature oriental dressing and garnished with mandarin oranges and crunchy noodles.
Combo Salad US$11.99
Combination of any 2 or 3 signature salads of the day / oriental, sumi , kale or cucumber salads.
Bowtie Salad Entree US$11.99
164-361 calories. shredded green and purple cabbage, julienne carrots, green onions, roasted almonds and sesame seeds served with signature sumi dressing and garnished with crunchy noodles.
Linguni Salad Entree US$11.99
Spicy Sashimi Salad US$17.99
Fresh tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and red snapper, seasoned over a bed of baby greens with cucumbers, tomatoes, green onions, radish sprouts, and garnished with roasted seaweed, served with our signature honey mustard vinaigrette dressing on the side.
Grilled Chicken Breast Salad US$14.99
Grilled chicken breast served over oriental salad(spring mix) with tomatoes, mandarin oranges, radish sprout, avocado, cucumber and sesame seeds, and garnished with crunchy noodles. served with signature sweet mustard vinaigrette.
Sumi Salad Entree US$10.79
164-361 calories. shredded green and purple cabbage, julienne carrots, green onions, roasted almonds and sesame seeds served with signature sumi dressing and garnished with crunchy noodles.

All Day Menu - Pasadena - Bowls
Chicken Breast Bowl US$13.19
Charbroiled teriyaki chicken breast garnished with sesame seeds and green onions served over brown* or white rice, with your choice of 1 signature salad.
Tempura Bowl US$13.79
4 pieces of Shrimp and veggies served with white rice or brown rice* with your choice of 1 signature salad.
Salmon Bowl US$14.99
Salmon garnished with sesame seeds and green onions served over brown* or white rice, with your choice of 1 signature salad.
Steak Bowl US$14.99
Charbroiled teriyaki steak garnished with sesame seeds & green onions served over brown* or white rice, with your choice of 1 signature salad.
Chicken Bowl US$11.99
Charbroiled Teriyaki chicken garnished with sesame seeds and green onions served over brown* or white rice, with your choice of 1 signature salad.
Spicy Chicken Bowl US$11.99
Spicy charbroiled teriyaki chicken garnished with sesame seeds & green onions served over brown* or white rice, with your choice of 1 signature salad.

San Sai Japanese Grill Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Toilet

Atmosphere
Casual

Crowd
Groups
University students

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free parking lot
Parking

San Sai Japanese Grill Photos

San Sai Japanese Grill Location

San Sai Japanese Grill

California Los Angeles County Pasadena South Lake Avenue

350 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA

San Sai Japanese Grill Reviews

OMG This is simply amazing! They did teriyaki right!! Freshly grilled chicken thigh not breast with authentic blend of teriyaki sauce!! And guess what it's just $9! I was like in a pre-COVID era dream and it's so wild!!!
January 02 · Justin Gao
This food place is awesome! I have visited the Caltech area for one week and fell in love with this place! Seriously, the food is always fresh and the salads are amazing! The service is pretty fast and the people were very friendly and helpful. You get a good variety of choice! I will definitely come back here. Also, EarthquakeSim the YouTuber was there! 🤩
February 13 · Michael Ronnett
The customer service is still good but the last few trips have been an extreme let down. Three trips ago, I had to ask them to clean the sushi board down and the guy to wash his hands because he put the company clipboard on the food surface and handed it back to another worker and was about to just start making food on the same surface. The 2nd to last trip I had to ask the guy at the register to ask the sushi maker to stop talking so much!! HE was talking to the salad maker, the guy sweeping, the guy at the register, while making our food and they were all conversing back, all over food. I would love to think spit was not flying out his mouth but he was talking so much that he got my order wrong.I was waiting to waiting to eat til after I got the girls to sleep and I when I went to eat it, it had seaweed wrap and not soy wrap and had a fish smell, i guess from an unclean surface. This trip and the last trip, both of the sushi rolls were horribly made and was falling apart as you can see from the pictures. I will not get sushi here again. Maybe just the fried stuff like the tempura.
May 30 · The Truth
SanSai Japanese Grill is a casual counter-serve chain for health-minded Asian fare from sushi roll to salads to chicken breast. This location is at Lake ave in Pasadena.Its interior decor and atmosphere were modest and relaxing, respectively.Their menu items were vast. I ordered their Chicken Breast Plate x salad and soup. It has satisfying flavor and tender breast; I dig it. Service was fast. Prices were fair and competitive.Overall, I enjoyed their food and service. Perfect for a quick meal. I recommend you visit.
January 07 · Carlo N.
Food is always good. I wish my chicken was as hot as my tempura but still good.
September 19 · maria cervantes