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    Dragon Express

    4.4 (256 reviews)
    InexpensiveChinese, Vietnamese, Soup
    Open 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Dragon Express Photos

    Business Info

    DRAGON EXPRESS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Dragon Express

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    Front counter, with some dishes on deck. Quick to order.
    Bruce L.

    This is an awesome find for both Chinese and Vietnamese basic traditional dishes. From the fried rice to Pho everything on the menu is yummy and delicious. We have been here several times and it always hits the cravings on point. There are other Vietnamese fusion places around the area as well but not as savory as this place, this is why we keep coming back to this spot. Keep in mind the only down fall to this spot is that for some odd reason they are closed on Saturdays and Sundays(crazy right?). You would think more people would come and visit but who knows why it's closed on the weekends. In this visit we had the dragon house fried rice, dragon house lo mein, Mongolian beef and fried chicken wings. FYI the dishes that contain "dragon house" in the name of the dish contains shrimp, beef, and chicken. All the items we picked were on point, satisfying the cravings. I first start off with, "if the fried rice ain't right then the rest ain't right". My only suggestion on the Mongolian beef dish if you do order it. The staff will let you know before hand as well but it is mainly onions and some beef. I would say the ratio is about 70% onion to 30% beef, it is still packed with delicious flavor and not "oniony" as you would think. The chicken fried wings are great, packed with an amazing crunch. Be sure to accompany with a cool beverage to help wash it all down. I'll be coming back for sure to try other dishes. Hope this helps others and if you know you know!

    Rare beef pho'
    Eric V.

    Excellent Pho. The pork egg rolls are the bomb. I will be back. Nice family owned restaurant. Plus it's really clean.

    Sweet and sour chicken with fried rice

    LOVE this place! The food is always fresh, they serve generous portions and it's right off the freeway! I like that you can get Vietnamese food like pho and also Chinese food like orange /sweet and sour chicken. This place is my go to when I don't feel like cooking. Service is quick and you can't beat the prices

    Grilled pork Bahn Mi

    Food was delicious and such a fair price with big portions, leaves you full and not bloated. Bahn Mi, Pho, and spring rolls were all amazing. Service is friendly and quick, along with clean restaurant. Will definitely be back.

    Rice combo (curry and orange chicken)
    Kenny C.

    We were craving Asian food and this place definitely hit the spot! They have a full Chinese menu and serve Vietnamese food too. We ordered a beef pho as well as the 2 entree combo (orange chicken and curry). Everything tasted great (orange chicken was my favorite), prices were reasonable, and the lady serving us food was friendly. My only complaint was that the pho was a bit small. Overall, this place seems to serve pretty consistent and tasty food so I'll be back!

    Dulce R.

    Having been here a handful of times (more than Yelp states) and prior to COVID, during and recently.... employees have been friendly, quick, efficient and accommodating. Seating inside is available or take-out. We finly made it before 6pm, as the buffet closes at 6pm. Therefore we are all able to order different items. The beef and broccoli is one of my favorites. The chow mein is a bit dry, but qith some soy sauce goes down so smooth! The mushroom chicken qas really good, as was the teriyaki chicken and flavorful. The combos are very reasonably priced for the amount of food you receive. This is one of my go-to places in the South Bay to get Chinese food. We will definitely be back as this location is in my routine of places to support.

    Rice dish grilled pork

    Yummy. Generous portion. Vast menu. Reasonable prices. Would love to come back. Owner very nice. Easy spot to find

    Fortune cookie afterwards. I regret not taking before and after pictures of the meal.
    Eduardo M.

    Second visit: ordered spring rolls and a grilled chicken banh mi with jalapeño... they were both out of this world. Spring roll itself was as usual, but the dip (peanut sauce if I'm not mistaken) was exceptional. They added a dab of pepper and sent my taste buds glowing. By the time I finished the second roll, the sandwich came out. The crunchiness of the toasted bun, the juices from the chicken, the flavor of all the correctly proportioned seasonings... FLAWLESS! Both ladies tending were courteous and attentive. I will definitely continue to return to eat here while I'm in town.

    Orange chicken, Lo Mein

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    Photo of Jamie R.
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    12 years ago

    Terrific spicy chicken, and tasty huge portion of house shrimp fried rice. Friendly, welcoming staff. I'll be back!

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    11 years ago

    We are definitely regulars here. Wonderful food and nice people. We never go anywhere else when we crave Chinese. Love this place!

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    11 years ago

    Don't let the exterior strip mall surroundings fool you -- this is a family owned hidden gem!

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    11 years ago

    Grill Pork Chop was delicious! & Vanessa was a great server as well! She knows how to entertain her guest! Overall amazing experience

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    9 years ago

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    14 years ago

    Diamond in the rough. The Pho is great, prices are good, service is quick and friendly.

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    13 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Very friendly service and one BOMB Pork Banh Mi sandwich. Very clean and inviting atmosphere. Can't wait to try other menu items!

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    10 years ago

    This place was a very pleasant surprise. Food was really good and the service is great!!

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    8 years ago

    Food is very good and at a great price. Terrific value. Best Chinese/Vietnamese around. Can't ask for more.

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    14 years ago

    Got the checkin offer, but it was average. Next time I`ll try their pho which looks pretty good.

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    11 years ago

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    9 years ago

    NOT SATISFIED AT ALL!!. Dont even bother to try to come here, waste of time and money for sure!!

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    12 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Great fast food, quick and pleasant service. Pleasantly surprised at the good quality of the food.

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    10 years ago

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    Page 6 of 7

    Ask the Community - Dragon Express

    When will it reopen?

    Last week, I called the owner, Tom, and he says the first week of May.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Pho Hiep & Grill

    3.3
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    3.4 mi
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    Service is a little slow but they had a big lunch rush and are understaffed. Entrees are…read morewell-priced and I always leave with leftovers. The grilled pork is my go to, either with the rice or vermicelli. The shopping center has a parking lot, which can fill up quickly during lunch time.

    Pho Hiep is a Vietnamese eatery located a few doors down from a 99 Ranch in Chula Vista. We came…read morehere for a late lunch after visiting Sesame Place. Inside, its clean, brightly lit, and with walls adorned with artwork and musical instruments. Clean restroom too. The food portions are huge - a large is really large. Quality wise, the flavors are mostly there with some minor issues that make me rate 3 stars: Grilled Pork Bun came in a huge heaping bowl with lots of grilled pork. Most places slice up the pork evenly so its easier to heat. Here, we had a mix of some thinly sliced and some real thick pieces that were more a bit too chewy. Grilled Shrimp Rice - Usually our 5yo loves Vietnamese-style grilled shrimp but he was not a huge fan in the case. The shell-on shrimp were crooked properly but its missing some of the sweet, lemongrass flavors that we've grown to love and expect. Our son wound up eating all the pickled shredded carrots and radish instead. Wife ordered the BBH which looked really authentic with pieces of congealed pork blood and pieces of beef mixed onto a mild, non-spicy lemongrass broth. She liked the dish, but did comment that some of the beef pieces were on the chewy side.

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    Pho Hiep & Grill
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    PHOnomenal

    PHOnomenal

    4.8
    (497 reviews)
    2.7 mi
    $$

    They only have a few selections on their menu. They specialize in the beef rib bone Cambodian…read morenoodle soup and they have huge spring rolls. The meat on the bones was so tender, it fell right off of the bone. Their broth is so delicious. Don't forget to taste that before you put in that bomb ass house chili oil. And to all the Cambodians from a Cambodian, it tastes better than most of your momas house, j/k, but I'm not, lol. The chili oil sauce is spicy, but that's how I like it. And oh, that sugar cane drink completed the whole meal. It was good and not too sweet, just the way I like it. The owners were great. They were so sweet and welcoming. Don't forget to order some of their Chili oil house sauce for the house. I would definitely come back again if I am in the San Diego area. I highly recommend this place. Disclaimer: No one got hurt making the opening the can video, j/k, lol. https://fb.watch/HUlvHgClrw/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://fb.watch/HUmb-tAb9h/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://fb.watch/HUmfFqBVpF/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://fb.watch/HUmih3PsDJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr

    One of the best pho I've had at a restaurant. The broth was flavorful, the ingredients were fresh,…read moreand everything tasted great. I also ordered the cococane (coconut and sugarcane) drink, and it was delicious. My wife loved her meal too, which always makes the experience even better. Happy wife, happy life! Our food came out quickly, and the staff checked on us throughout the meal without being overbearing. The balance was perfect. Modern, clean, and comfortable. A great place to relax and enjoy a good meal. We'll be back, San Diego. And we'll be ordering that pho again.

    Photos
    Partial view of the dining area
    Partial view of the dining area
    Their Phonomenal food item that always sells out!!!!
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    Pho Mai Cali & Grill

    Pho Mai Cali & Grill

    4.2
    (529 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    "If you're going to get Vietnamese food, go to the one on Sweetwater" - my Elderly Aunt…read more Now, my elderly aunt (in her 80's) hardly ever voices her opinion. She was raised to be soft-spoken. So, if she insists on going to a specific restaurant for Vietnamese food, then you know that the place is good. Spoiler alert: she was right. As an out-of-towner, nothing makes me happier than trying a family-owned business, especially when it's recommended by someone (bonus points, when it's someone who's culinary POV I respect). I was meeting up with my Godson & his family. When my aunt overheard that we would be going to meet at a nearby Vietnamese restaurant in National City (which will remain unnamed), she insisted that we go to the one on "Sweetwater" (Pho Mai Cali & Grill) instead. FOOD: Eggrolls - 8.5 / 10 Warm, crispy. Just how I like them. I always appreciate when they are served alongside their signature Vietnamese sweet + sour sauce. The fish sauce is especially pronounced & very welcome. #8 (Pho with Rare Steak + Meatball) - 8.9 / 10 Rich, beefy, umami broth. The steak is tender. The meatballs have an interesting spongy texture. Plenty of long, chewy rice noodles. I don't always get pho when I go to a Vietnamese restaurant (I know, I know, I'm weird). So, when I get pho, it is a big compliment & a vote of confidence. I liked it & would gladly come back. Huge shout-out to the entire team. Service was phenomenal. We were a group of 7 waiting on 2 (coming from work). Our female server was beyond gracious with the numerous times she check-in on us. Especially with not saying a word that we went quite a bit over their closing time (I hate doing that, but it was others in my party that arrived later, & I was overly generous with gratuity in cash). Please support family-owned businesses like Pho Mai Cali & Grill. I would happily come back any day of the week.

    I've stopped here plenty of times for a quick Vietnamese coffee run before my tee time next door…read more Since the shop is still fairly new, the interior isn't the most visually appealing and definitely has more of a mom-and-pop, hole-in-the-wall vibe. That said, the food always looks amazing, and there's usually a steady stream of customers whenever I stop by. One thing that surprised me was the coffee. It's noticeably lighter in color, almost as if cream or milk has already been added, compared to the traditional dark, strong Vietnamese coffee made with espresso and condensed milk. It's a different style than what I'm used to, but still worth trying if you're curious. The place is small, with fewer than six tables, so it's more of a quick spot to grab pho or satisfy a Vietnamese food craving rather than somewhere to hang out for a long meal. Again, it's definitely smaller than most pho restaurants, but sometimes those are the places that surprise you the most.

    Photos
    A wide angle view of the interior seating - fair amount of space here.
    A wide angle view of the interior seating - fair amount of space here.
    Egg Rolls
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    D2. Vietnamese Coffee $4.99

    Dragon Express - chinese - Updated June 2026

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