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    Rooster & Rice

    4.3 (115 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Order Rooster & Rice Takeout or Delivery

    Rooster & Rice Photos

    ROOSTER & RICE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed

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    Chicken and rice
    Karmen N.

    My husband saw this place on his way to his dentist appointment. He stopped by after and picked up some dinner for us. The chicken with rice is different than what I'm use to. The flavor was definitely different than the Hainanese Chicken but in a good way. It was pretty good, i would definitely get it again. The chicken wings were not bad, cutlet was pretty good also. Would come back and get the chicken and rice again and try other items.

    The cutlet
    Pretty D.

    Rooster & Rice specializies in Khao Mun Gai ( Thai chicken and rice). Usually, I pass by this restaurant, whenever I'm in the area. Since I was hungry and wanted something quick, this was a safe option. Parking in this area is a hit and miss. Most of the time, it's a miss. It can be tough, finding a spot during busy hours. There are a lot of businesses in the plaza. Workers are friendly and greet you right away. Also, they're willing to answer any questions you have. The worker recommended the hat yai chicken, which my boyfriend ordered. There's about 5 tables inside the restaurant. Space can be kind of tight. There's also a bathroom, which was kept pretty clean. I ordered the cutlet, while my boyfriend ordered the hat yai chicken. My portion came with Thai Sriracha, but I preferred my boyfriend's sweet chili sauce. I kept on dipping my chicken in his sauce. The chicken was crispy, but I didn't feel like there was a lot of meat. Also, I found the chicken to be a tad bit salty. The rice and chicken broth had minimal flavor. I also wish there were more vegetables, since the pickled vegetables I had were super finely diced. To be honest, I felt like the only flavor was coming from the sauce... I give this restaurant a 3.5 stars. The food wasn't bad, but I don't know if I can see myself coming back. I do recommend it though if you want to try some Thai chicken and rice.

    Menu
    Carrie Z.

    Khao Mun Gai (chicken and rice) is one of my favorite dishes, and I'm constantly on a mission to find a spot that rivals my favorite place in Portland. After trying the Rooster and Rice location in San Francisco, I was happy to see them open here in Costa Mesa. The Chicken & Rice: The chicken is tender and the rice has a nice texture. The Sauce: Flavorful and it brings the dish together. The Soup: Too salty for my taste. The Menu: I've tried The Original and The Macro, and both earned a 3.9-4.0 out of 5.0. For the price point ($15), it feels reasonable compared to the rising costs of eating out elsewhere in the area. This is a casual spot with some seating, but if you're planning on dining in, get here at least 45 minutes before closing. While they will continue to take orders right up until the end, the staff starts the "end-of-night" cleaning 30 minutes before closing.

    Chicken
    Yurie H.

    Great quality meal that is healthy! Came to Rooster and Rice for a weekday lunch, not too crowded, most people seem to take out. Their menu is simple and has mostly hainan chicken dishes. I got the rice less chicken dish ($15) and my hubby got the original ($15) also got the chicken skin to share. They have four sauces to choose from. The chicken was tender and soft, give you a decent amount as well. The ginger scallion sauce was fresh and ginger forward. My hubby said his rice was good, chicken skin was hot and crispy a bit too salty for me. Overall solid lunch place with fresh meals. Would love to try the Thai chicken my next visit!

    The Original (chicken thigh only), The Cutlet, Add Veggies
    Julia V.

    Been wanting to try this place for so long! We got the Original and the Cutlet. The Original was super comforting, simple, flavorful, and the chicken was really tender. I paid extra to have only chicken thigh for the original since I know thigh is usually more juicy, but someone of my chicken was more on the dry side. The sauce definitely saved it. The KMG sauce was super addicting! The cutlet was insane, such good seasoning and it was cooked perfectly. The steamed veggies were meh, I mean it's a side so don't expect too much. It just tasted like bagged frozen veggies. But besides that I would definitely come again! Service was quick, the food came out hot, and the workers were so nice. Seating is very limited, we came during the lunch rush but most people order to go

    Jenina M.

    Great eats. Quick and easy dinner. The portions are large enough to serve as two meals. I really enjoyed how healthy and fresh the food was. The rice is so flavorful. The ginger green onion sauce was FIRE!!! I highly recommend rooster and rice for people trying to eat healthy without having to sacrifice flavor.

    Hat Yai Chicken
    Sara A.

    Loved the popcorn chicken!! It's nice and crispy and the chicken quality is great and cooked to perfection and not too chewy. So fun to dip them into the sauces. They have vegetarian options with tofu that pairs well with their sauces. The hat yai is a more traditional option and is also made very well if you want a bone in option. Service is pretty quick and you can easily to take out or pick up orders. Ambiance is casual and it's very easy to park out front.

    The Original
    Brian M.

    I needed a quick lunch so I decided to try Rooster & Rice. Since this was my first time, I went with the Original, which is chicken breast and thigh meat with skin, fragrant chicken rice, cucumber, cilantro, and KMG sauce. Although it does not look very appetizing at first glance, it was delicious. The chicken was so tender and when you dip it in the sauce, it elevates the whole meal. The rice is great. The cucumber is crisp. The chicken broth is ok, but maybe I don't understand its purpose - do you dip into it or pour it over? I will definitely be back to try it again and ask some questions too.

    Crispy panko The original chicken and rice
    Nan N.

    It's ok. Got the crispy panko and the original. All the components (chicken, rice, soup) are pretty bland (yes, not supposed to be intense flavored since the sauce accompanies but this is more bland than it should be). Pricing-wise it's not worth it to go out of your way. The hot sauces have a chemically taste to them. Bottom line: this chicken and rice is made more for the "mi Trang" clientele if you catch my drift

    Jenny P.

    The inside is small with a few seats, so I would recommend takeout. Parking in this plaza is atrocious and small. I got the original chicken with KMG sauce ($16.11). Hainan chicken tasted healthy, nothing too crazy. KMG sauce was the highlight of the meal, savory and sweet at the same time.

    The Original with KMG Sauce (Khao min gai) & sriracha ($16.11 total)
    Michelle N.

    Yelp you fooled me! There is no way this place is deserving of a 4.7 star rating. If you look at those who gave 5 star ratings, they barely have any reviews or friends. Fishy! First off, the parking lot is incredibly hard to get to. The businesses in front of the strip center it's located in all have their own parking lots that is roped off. The only entrance I found is from Baker St. I had the Original with KMG Sauce (Khao min gai) & sriracha which came out to $16.11 total. They charge you for extra sauces so I opted for just 1. You can hear them freshly chop the chicken in the back. Food was promptly delivered nicely presented. I was excited! But after one bite of the chicken and rice together, I was so disappointed bc they were both dry and flavorless. I was trying to space out the KMG sauce but eventually just dumped it all in and mixed everything up. Unfortunately that didn't save it either. I'm also not a big fan that although I dined in, it was all served in cardboard with plastic utensils. Service is friendly and they checked in on me. I enjoyed music while dining. I should've known the quality would be sub par bc this place is not ran by Chinese people. Wanted to support a small local business but won't find myself returning here

    Larb chicken sandwich
    Johnny T.

    Haven't really been eating in Costa Mesa lately, but Rooster & Rice caught my eye for having a very low number of reviews--must be new--and I was right! First off, the spot is located in a narrow plaza alongside some other great options like Made Coffee or Myung Dong. Parking's pretty decent, although I went during a work lunch so results may vary. The menu is fairly simple, and they specialize in khao mun gai, otherwise known as Thai-style chicken and rice. You can think of it like a Hainan chicken-style dish. While that did look good, I ended up ordering one of the specials: the larb fried chicken sandwich. Never had a fried chicken sandwich with Asian-inspired flavors, and had to go for it. And wow. I was VERY impressed by the fry quality. The chicken was impeccably juicy, but it was also crispy and extremely light and airy. Somehow it didn't feel greasy, and the slaw added an extra bit of freshness. It comes with just a pickle and choice of Habanero or Sriracha sauce, but I ordered steamed veggies on the side. The Sriracha sauce was infused with something like honey to make it a bit sweeter and thicker, I'd say it's a pretty good addition but I'd much rather opt for some sort of citrusy yuzu mayo sauce. Overall I legitimately can't stop thinking of the sandwich and will be back VERY soon to try the other fried options. Really eyeing the cutlet dish or the wings.

    Jagruti L.

    This is a new spot in Costa Mesa serving both Vietnamese and Thai fusion. Ordered: The Original Breast and thigh with skin, over fragrant jasmine chicken rice, garnished with cucumber and cilantro. Served with side of chicken broth and one sauce (KMG, Ginger Scallion, Siracha, Habanero. The Hainan chicken was super tender, juicy and delicious. I got the Ginger Scallion dipping sauce. Next time, I need to get the KMG special sauce. Both the seasoned rice and the soup were good, too. I had to go back the next day to try the Thai version. This time I ordered online via Yelp (Grubhub) to avoid the wait time. My order was ready within 35 minutes. Ordered: Hat Yai Chicken Thai fried chicken leg, cucumbers, chicken rice, fried shallots and sweet chili sauce. This chicken dish was absolutely amazing with crisp on the outside and soft and juicy on the inside. The seasoned rice was good, too. There are only 3 small tables to dine in. Service is super friendly. The parking lot of this location is very small and tight. There are few spots for 5 min parking only. Highly recommend if you're in the area!

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    2 months ago

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    Rooster & Rice Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Rooster & Rice

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    I'm not vegan, but this place has completely won me over. The food is so good that I honestly don't…read moremiss the meat. We always order the beer-battered tacos, purple taquitos, and the Brussels sprouts--they're all incredible. The jackfruit is top-notch and absolutely shines in the nachos. Beyond the food, the atmosphere is what keeps me coming back. The outdoor patio is beautiful, the indoor décor is warm and inviting, and the whole restaurant feels like a welcoming community rather than just somewhere to eat. The staff deserves a special shout-out. Tanner is hardworking, creative, hilarious, and somehow manages to make every visit more fun while providing excellent service. Manager Yassi is an absolute delight and helps create the positive, welcoming vibe that makes this place so special.

    My sister and I decided to grab a quick bite at Seabirds after spending the afternoon walking…read morearound and shopping at The LAB Anti-Mall. Since it's a vegetarian restaurant, I was excited to give it a try, and it definitely exceeded my expectations. We ordered three different tacos, and they were all delicious. My absolute favorite was the Beer Battered Avocado Taco. It was packed with flavor, perfectly crispy on the outside, and the creamy avocado inside made every bite amazing. If no one told me it was vegetarian, I probably wouldn't have even noticed because it was that satisfying. We also tried their house-made Fig Vanilla Iced Tea, which was so refreshing and unique. It paired perfectly with the tacos and was a great choice for a warm California afternoon. To start, we ordered the chips and guacamole, which were fresh, light, and the perfect snack while waiting for our food. Everything tasted fresh and made with quality ingredients. We sat outside under the large umbrellas, and the outdoor seating area had such a relaxing atmosphere. It almost felt like we were having a little picnic while enjoying the beautiful weather and people watching around The LAB. The service was also fantastic. Our server was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and attentive throughout our visit. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or just looking to try something different, this spot is definitely worth checking out!

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    What an amazing find! The food here was awesome! We ordered spring rolls, the Heavenly salad which…read moreI didn't expect much but the chicken that came with had hefty portions along with the salad which was great, Pho Xao noodles taste and flavor exceeded my expectations, the Au Lac Curry was rich with flavor and texture, the spicy lemongrass chicken was great with the veggies that came with it. But though everything was so delicious, by far the best was the Royal pho which was the best pho I've ever had, this pho went off the charts! The restaurant looked elegant and high class although it would be hard to find if it wasn't for the sign outside pointing the way. I love this place, one of the best vegan restaurants I've been to in a long time. So good that I'll go out of my way to come back again. This place has my heart.

    Yum! This place is going to be a staple of mine! Nice bright ambiance inside the restaurant with…read moreanimal statues lining the super cutely decorated patio out in the back (which is dog friendly!). The spring rolls are huge! And they come in an order of 4 that I wasn't prepared for but they were so good that I didn't have difficulty finishing 3, my husband ate the other. Loaded fries were a tasty app- the pico that's on it is very good and fresh. Shared the Date Shake with my husband, but regret not getting my own. The Au Lac curry was SO GOOD, I loved all the fresh veggies in it!! I want to try everything on this menu. Service was quick and very friendly.

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    Inside eating area
    Inside eating area
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    Au Lac

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    Best Vegan spot! The menu is filled with so many amazing choices. Can't go wrong with anything. We…read morestarted with the shrimp and mushroom appetizer. It was incredible. Tasted like calamari. The seafood noodle dish with vermicelli noodles was filling yet not heavy. It came with a side soup which was delicious. The steak with l black rice and asparagus on side was flavorful because of homemade sauce. Sencha kombucha was a nice sweet and healthy treat with dinner. The rainbow in the sky cake was epic. All natural colors from fruit and gluten free. Tasted light and beautiful presentation. Great upbeat music in background, nice decor and clean restaurant. Mai the owner is so lovely. She shared her story of how this restaurant came to be and overcame an illness just by changing to a Vegan diet. Thuc Anh our waitress was as sweet as can be. Five stars all the way around. Looking forward to next time.

    Photos
    Seaweed salad dressed in faux fish sauce with crisp rice crackers.
    Seaweed salad dressed in faux fish sauce with crisp rice crackers.
    Fragrant tomato rice paired with roasted chicken. Our Vietnamese Ro-Ti made with vegan chicken is sure to please all eaters.
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    Our Hu Tieu has chrysanthemum leaves, mushrooms, yuba and rice noodles in a fragrant garlic broth.

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    Our Hu Tieu has chrysanthemum leaves, mushrooms, yuba and rice noodles in a fragrant garlic broth.
    Flower Child

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    I've only been a few times, but Flower Child has quickly become a go-to. The vibe is elevated fast…read morecasual, a notch above Sweetgreen, with a semi-sit-down format. Think Urban Plates, but with a sharper focus on lighter eating. The avocado caesar salad with grilled tofu is amazing. The avocado adds a different kind of creaminess to the dressing than a traditional caesar, and the tofu is firm and substantial. The produce quality is noticeably good across the board. My boyfriend had the Thai Wrap and enjoyed it. The vegan options here are solid and varied. Service is reasonable, slower than fast food, but nothing that tests you. The price is on the higher end for quick healthy eats, but the quality backs it up. If you're in the area and want a lunch that actually feels light, Flower Child is worth the stop.

    This place is so good. We went there yesterday and were so…read moreimpressed. Located off Bison near UCI in a shopping center that has a lot of good food. It is a large restaurant that is beautifully decorated. You order at the front counter, and they bring you your food. We all ordered bowls. I had the Yaki Soba bowl with chicken. It was a delicious combination of so many flavors and textures. It was very tasty. My party ordered the Mother Earth bowl and the chicken enchilada bowl. Everyone ate every bite of their food. My only complaint is the portions are a bit on the tiny side. We want more food, please! The taste and freshness were excellent.

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    VOX Kitchen & Bar - South Coast Plaza

    VOX Kitchen & Bar - South Coast Plaza

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    Stopped by around noon on a Sunday and had no wait to be seated. Since it's located at South Coast…read morePlaza, parking was easy with plenty of spaces available in the surrounding lots. Service was attentive throughout the meal, with the staff checking in regularly without being intrusive. There was no lunch rush when we went, making for a nice, calm brunch atmosphere. The lychee lemonade came with unlimited refills, which was a nice bonus. It tasted how you'd expect from a classic lemonade with a noticeable lychee flavor, and had lychee pulp throughout. We ordered several dishes to share. The Calamari was a good appetizer. It had a light, crispy coating with good seasoning, and the dipping sauce paired nicely with it. We also tried the Carne Asada Fries, which were loaded with flavor. The meat was well-seasoned, and the sauces tied everything together without overwhelming the fries. The Garlic Noodles with filet were a solid choice. The noodles were flavorful, and the filet was cooked well, tender and juicy. The Fried Rice with Pork Jowl was probably my favorite dish. The pork jowl was rich, tender, and packed with flavor, and the fried rice complemented it really well, offsetting the fattiness. For being at South Coast Plaza, I thought the prices were fairly reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. It's not somewhere I can afford every week, but it's a great option when you're looking for a nicer lunch while shopping. I'd definitely come back to try more of the menu.

    Fun food and attentive service. Similar fare as offered in the Westminster location at good prices…read more The only thing is the seating isn't very comfortable -- the seats are very hard. Outdoor seating offers major street view, restaurant interior is tight while mall seating is equally odd. I will visit again for Hapoy Hour next time!

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    Half Shelled Scallops. Part of our new Spring/Summer menu at VOX Kitchen & Bar.
    Half Shelled Scallops. Part of our new Spring/Summer menu at VOX Kitchen & Bar.
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    Caló Kitchen + Tequila

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    JP and the entire Calo's team is simply amazing. Had family visit from out of state. They had…read morenever been to Calo's traveling from the East Coast. We had a table of 15. When I tell you first class experience...wow! My family were simply blown away by the amazing attention to service detail, welcoming environment and hospitality. For a quality, fist-class dining experience visit Calo's at SCP. JP and his team are amazing. Class act! Preston

    Calo Kitchen & Tequila was delicious! The restaurant is beautiful with a fun, lively atmosphere…read morethat works just as well for a casual lunch as it does for date night or even a birthday celebration. We loved that they started us off with complimentary chips, salsa, and bean dip, everything was so fresh and flavorful. We ordered the mango tuna ceviche, fish tacos, and lobster enchiladas, and every dish was delicious. The portions were generous too, we ended up taking plenty of leftovers home and didn't even have room for dessert. We'll definitely be back to try more! The only thing I'd mention is that the food does lean on the spicy side, and there doesn't seem to be an option to adjust the spice level. I have a pretty low spice tolerance, so even some items, like the beans, had a noticeable kick for me. If you're sensitive to spice, I'd recommend asking your server which dishes are the mildest. Other than that, we had a fantastic experience and hope Calo's stays at South Coast Plaza for a long time. It's a great addition to the mall!

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