ONE STOP CHOP!
Chop Chop Grill does not disappoint, what. so. ever.
Nestled in between vape shops and bookstores that dominate the strip-mall across from Mount San Antonio College, Chop Chop Grill offers the local area an enchanting mix of authentic home cooking, right from the kitchens of Singapore, as well as a twist of Japanese cuisine.
Co-owners Joy Chen and Sherri Tang, as well as Sherri’s daughter Trippy Tang (who also happens to be the head chef) all moved to the United States from their native Singapore. They took over management of Chop Chop Grill three years ago, and have transformed it into the casually delicious — and yes it is delicious — dining experience that it is today.
“We cook food the same way that we do in Singapore.” Chen said.
She added that customers constantly rave about how nostalgic the food Chop Chop Grill is, “It reminds them of home.”
The menu features items from traditional Singaporean culture, such as Hainan chicken rice (poached, seasoned chicken on rice) and laksa (spicy noodle soup) along with some traditional Japanese dishes, such as katsu and various types of ramen. The food is prepared with fresh ingredients and pride.
This small, powerhouse of a restaurant has great impact on the community as well. For many Singaporean-Americans, Chop Chop Grill is the only place around that will give you a true taste of Singapore’s culture.
On weekends, the restaurant will make dessert cakes, and on holidays such as Chinese New Year, the restaurant will set up a buffet-style event for customers with reservations. Some professors at Mt. SAC even give extra credit to those students who come to the restaurant, to experience traditional Singaporean food, as well as get a lesson in Singaporean culture from Chen.
So whether you’re a Singaporean looking for a place that will cater to you nostalgic need for home cooking, or just a college student looking for a quick bite to eat before class, Chop Chop Grill is as authentic as it gets.
