My go to place when I crave for authentic Taiwanese beef noodle soup. Definitely the best in town! They enhanced the broth with more flavor compared to the previous Zen restaurant. Service is welcoming and attentive, the ambiance makes you feel like you are eating in a Taiwanese family noodle spot. My girlfriend loves their sweet chill shrimp. The heavy sweet and spicy flavor hits the spot! read more

Mein St Asian Kitchen - Asian Fusion Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

This restaurant used to be Zen Asian Bistro. Some of the items, such as the Taiwanese Beef noodle soup, is still on the new menu. We don't know if it's the same cooks. The portions are on the small side. They were a little bland but that might be because we ordered unbreaded chicken and vegetables as our proteins. Seems like quality and fresh ingredients were used. Service from the older gentleman was good. He was very nice and attentive to our group. read more

See all

Glad to see this new spot open in the same place as Zen Modern, with a very similar menu. Our friendly server, Hector, told us that the cousin of Zen's Taiwanese owner runs this spot so we felt confident getting Taiwanese beef noodle soup here. The space has high ceilings, good lighting and is next door to a 420 shop so there's great potential for a circular business model here hehe. I came for the sweet chili shrimp, which I'd enjoyed at Zen in the past. BF and I also got a spider roll and the 牛肉麵湯。The soup was the best version we've tried in SD. The broth is rich and satisfying, and there are plenty of juicy beef chunks. BF said the flat noodles are not the authentic type but we still enjoyed them. The sweet chili shrimp is not easy to find in SD. Compared to the Zen version, this one was slightly less crispy and less spicy but still hit the spot. The spider roll was huge and tasted proper. Overall, I really appreciate the variety of pan Asian options here, all pretty well executed, as well as the good service from Hector. read more

See all

The first time I came I had the best Taiwanese beef noodle soup I've tried in San Diego! The broth was flavorful but not too salty, the noodles were thick and chewy, and the meat was really tender. The second time I came back the broth tasted a little more bland with less depth so it's hard to say how consistent the flavor is, I'll need to try it again. We also got the pepper steak which good both times! Parking is available in a lot and there was no wait. read more

Yeah this place is bomb. Definitely coming back and the server was very nice to let us sit and chat afterwards. She also showed us the Chinese menu which most Asian restaurants don't offer up front unless you know, you know? Very chill inside. read more

Mein St Asian Kitchen - Spicy Wontons (6) - Asian Fusion Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Finally MEIN ST ASIAN KITCHEN re-opened. They used to be in Little Italy Food hall, where its easy for us to drive to whenever we are craving their Soups. It's my son's Favorite place to get his soup the TAIWANESE BEEF Beef . Our other favorite here was the HOKKAIDO SEAFOOD, MEIN STREET So finding out that they re-opened we are very excited to go visit them. Our son was out of town so only me and my wife went. We are so excited that we can't wait for the Menu to be handed to us, but when our nice server handed us the Menu and saw that the other soups we like are not in the Menu with the exception of the Mein Street. We asked if the 2 soups are not in the Menu because they are just in their Soft opening, but the answer we found out that the other 2soups we have been getting when they were in Little Italy won't be anymore in their menu. That's a bit of a turn-off. So my wife and I just ordered their Taiwanese Beef soup and shared it. Upon our soup being delivered to our table I noticed right away the noodles had changed too, I'm not saying it's bad but we preferred the noodles they used to have in Little Italy. It tasted the same as their Menu, it's still delicious. Their new location is a bit far from where we live but we will make a stop still whenever we have a chance because their Taiwanese Beef soup is delicious. Very tasty broth and tender meat and meat portions were generous . read more

See all

Same food as Zen and excellent service. Order ahead and take it to go as it does tend to get busy here. With limited dining space, you'll probably enjoy your meal more at home. Tip well. read more

Ordered thru Doordash and the food received looked NOTHING like what was advertised. No glaze on the teriyaki chicken, just a bunch of chicken chopped up into small pieces swimming in something wet. The Tofu "dish" came in a plastic soup container and resembles tofu slop. Also nothing like the picture posted by Mein Street. I don't know what happened over there, but there's no way I'll be wasting my money there ever again. Because it was Doordash I can only get a 10% refund. Pretty expensive food for the dogs tonight, but that's all it looks like anyway. read more

See all

Mein St. Asian Kitchen - Elevated Asian Fusion in Carmel Mountain Tucked away in a small plaza in Carmel Mountain, Mein St. Asian Kitchen offers a rare and eclectic mix of Asian fusion in an area dominated by chain eateries. Formerly known as Zen, the restaurant has undergone a recent rebrand and ownership change, bringing with it a refreshed menu that blends Chinese, Japanese, and even a touch of Mexican-inspired cuisine. Typical Chinese food are available while there would be a sushi bar for sushi, rolls and sashimi. The interior is simple and casual, with minimal décor and a TV typically playing sports. While the dining space isn't large, the atmosphere is laid-back, and staff are incredibly friendly, regularly checking in to ensure everything is to your liking and keeping the space spotless. Indoor dining is cozy, but it does not appear to be pet-friendly. --- What I Tried: Zen Chicken Wings Lightly dusted with house spices, black pepper, onions, and scallions, these wings are juicy, tender, and flavorful. The spice and salt levels are well-balanced, though the black pepper is heavier than expected--something to note if you're sensitive to heat. The wait for this dish was on the longer side, but the result was worth it. Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup A standout dish. The soy-based broth is rich and deeply savory, with tender chunks of braised beef--some pieces with a melt-in-your-mouth, jelly-like texture that suggests high-pressure cooking for maximum tenderness. The bok choy, cilantro, and scallions round out the bowl nicely. A side of pickled veggies are recommended as an extra, adding a welcome sour punch that elevates the broth. My only critique: the noodles are thick-cut, and I personally would have preferred a thinner option. It would be great if they allowed noodle customization. --- Overall Experience: While prices are on the higher end for casual Asian fare--$20 for noodles and $13 for wings--the quality, portion sizes, and attentive service help justify it. It's not particularly busy during weekday lunches, possibly due to a focus on takeout orders, which are likely popular among locals. The staff offered me a discount ticket for the next time visit. Parking is easy in the shared plaza lot, and the location is convenient for a quick sit-down meal or to-go pickup. --- Mein St. Asian Kitchen delivers flavorful, comforting Asian fusion with care and hospitality. It's a solid pick in Carmel Mountain, especially if you're looking for authentic Chinese flavors with creative touches. Worth the splurge for a satisfying, home-style meal in a casual setting. read more

See all

I was so excited when I saw this place re-open with a similar menu to Zen. We loved Zen and were so disappointed when they moved. I ordered two sushi rolls - yellow tail maki and the Always Be Well Roll. I requested no mustard vinaigrette on it. My Always Be Well Roll came drenched with mustard vinaigrette despite the fact that I heard the waitress remind the chef to not add it. By the time I got my food home my sushi roll was soggy. It was also supposed to have masago on the roll and there was none in sight. Instead of yellow tail maki I ordered I received salmon maki. My husband got the General Tsao's with Chicken. The portion was significantly smaller than Zen's and tasted bland unfortunately. We ordered some spicy wontons for the family and chow mein with pork for my son. The spicy wontons tasted especially off. They didn't taste spicy but however had an almost burnt taste from the sauce that was put on top. My sons chow mein was fine and he seemed to enjoy it. Otherwise just feel so disappointed. This used to be one of our favorite spots as Zen and although the menu is similar the taste and portions are not. Although the service was friendly my sushi was completed messed up and flavors were just not there. read more

Go for the food, not a date. The silken tofu was so creamy inside. The staff was small but attentive. Looking forward to going back.

Really good food! We got the chicken wings and the seasoning was amazing. Boyfriend got wonton soup and it had that real pork flavor. Kung pao chicken and fried rice were good too. Everything came out piping hot and fresh! Our server was very friendly and offered great suggestions. Unassuming spot but don't skip this place! read more

The waitress places wrong orders every single time! Waste of time and irritating! If the boss reads this, please change her.

Ambiance: None Service: Friendly & Accomodation Food: 5 out of 5 1. Honey walnut shrimp was ver fresh and flavorful. The crisp crunch was perfect. The shrimp itself was cooked perfectly (not over not under). The mayo sauce was creamy with just enough citrus tang. Broccoli and cabbage were fresh and accompanied the shrimps perfectly. 2. Mandarin fried rice with pork had ver good wok hei. All I feedings were fresh and every grain of rice was coated evenly with seasoning. 3. Pork belly quesadilla was a pleasant surprise. East meets Mex. Pork belly was tender and flavorful. Dressing reminds you of Peking duck. Scallions were very pronounced. My wife loved it despite her low tolerance for fresh scallions. 4. Taiwanese beef noodle soup. Noodles remind me of thin spaghetti but it worked. Broth was on point, flavorful and rich. Beef was braised to perfection, soft and tender. Not a single piece was dry or overcooked. One of the best if not the best Taiwanese beef noodle soup. (And I've tried at least half in the convoy area.) Do yourselves a favor and come try this place out. I don't normally do reviews but Mein St is very deserving. Don't let this gem go out of business. Come support this business. I will definitely be back to try other dishes. read more

See all

Really good Jjajngmian but it's only on the Chinese menu so if you want this you gotta ask for B6 read more

Mein St Asian Kitchen - Jjajangmian B6 - Asian Fusion Near Me - San Diego, California

The drunken noodles were great ;especially being on the go. Great choice friendly and welcoming place. Great prices.

Same restaurant as before, Zen. Still good. Good portions. We ordered the wonton noodle soup and lobster sauce with chicken and brown rice. Glad not too salty. I wanted something with more veggies and the lobster sauce entree looks like it has more ingredients. Wasn't sure what it was but once it arrived, I recognize it. It's normally done with shrimp but chicken was good too. Brown rice is a good healthy option too. The wontons are tasty and large size. Some places' wontons are lumpy with tendon or hard to chew bits in it. But here it's consistent texture so it's good. read more

Mein St Asian Kitchen - Lobster sauce with chicken and brown rice - Asian Fusion Near Me - San Diego, California

See all

Good cheap food. I had the pan fried noodle which was enough for 2 people! Nice service staff. Will definitely return

Park in the parking structure. Worth it. Food and staff were great and got a discount card for next time.Shout out to Steven. I had the chicken chow fun and chicken lo mein personally, I tore up the chicken chow mein. read more

My god this place is delicious. Portions are great and the service is good. I got the drunken noodles with pork and smashed it. I ended up stealing my buddies yellow curry chicken and like a vacuum cleaned that up too. 15/10 would recommend. If i could I'd be here everyday. read more

What happened to Zen?Andrew the son owner is gone. Father Charlie former Fortune Cookie of Rancho Bernando is back. Same menu different name. Food is as good as before.. loved Shrimp and lobster sauce. .. read more

We needed a quick bite and Mein Street did the job! The setting is simple and the menu is extensive. We had a Wor Won Ton Soup and the Singapore style rice noodles. Both were very tasty and hot. One of the cooks came out from the kitchen to greet us and again to ck on us and again to box up my noodles-I could not finish it all. Can't wait to return to try other dishes. read more

We were frequent customers of the previous restaurant, Zen. This menu is nearly identical. I ordered my favorite dish, Chow Fun with mixed protein and was very pleased. It came out steaming hot and was just as good as Zen. So far after 1 visit we're very happy. read more

This place is great! Service is amazing and their food is bomb! Check them out if you get a chance!

Everything we tried was delicious. The service was excellent. We will definitely be back.