My partner and I love this place! We've tried four different drinks so far and all have been fabulous. The Honeydew Slush and Guava Slush in particular are fantastic, as well as the sweet potato fries! The service is friendly and fairly quick, too. We're local so we definitely plan to frequent Why Thirsty often. :) read more

Why Thirsty has been my go-to during the pandemic -- strategically, it has been en route to my errands for a quick bite. I really enjoy their popcorn chicken and have gotten it a few times this year. I do feel very thirsty afterwards though, but given the portion size, it is very filling and worth it. The fries are also well-seasoned with generous portions. They are always friendly and quick -- making my trips to Grocery Outlet that much more efficient and tasty. There is no minimum credit card charge now, as they have negotiated with their third party vendor to remove the charge. That's a bonus! read more

I ordered a railroad and sausage rice bento boxes for dinner. The railroad pork chop is okay. Sausage bento has very little sausage and the sausage tastes so dry. Besides, milk tea is very watery and boba is very soggy by the end of the day. Kinda disappointed with the food quality. SGV should have better options for Taiwanese food. read more

Best. Taiwanese food. Ever. I picked up Why Thirsty for Father's Day lunch because this is my pa's favorite restaurant for a railroad bento (apparently this is as close to Taiwan as you can get). I ordered 3 Railroad Bentos and 1 Popcorn Chicken Lo Mein to go. I went to Grocery Outlet while they were preparing my order and they were done super quick! I would say my order was complete within 10 minutes of ordering. The Railroad bento is so delicious. It comes with huge pieces of deep fried pork chop that's braised in a garlic-y sauce. The pork chop is super tender and soft. It comes with a generous amount of sautéed cabbage, corn, and also half a braised egg. The rice underneath the pork also has some minced pork topping and a side of delicious pickled veggies! Portion is enough for 2 meals. The popcorn chicken lo mein is also so good! The popcorn chicken is all dark meat, well seasoned, cooked to tender perfection, and an all around winner. It comes separately packed from the noodles. The noodles were a bit on the soft side, but the flavor was so on point. Service was friendly. They speak both English and Mandarin. There's a minimum for credit card purchases. The bill came to be just under $50. Parking is ample and free in the parking lot. read more

Why Thirsty - Taiwanese Near Me - San Gabriel, California

We ordered for to-go, and the food took about 15 minutes to prepare. Portions are decent for the price. Popcorn chicken (mild) with rice: We normally order food in mild, and I think I would've preferred to order medium level spicy for this. The chicken was still crispy, but the batter was very hard instead of soggy like at other places. The dish came with steamed mixed veggies, half a soy marinated egg, corn and eggs, and some spicy raddish like veggies over the rice. It wasn't the best popcorn chicken dish I've had, but it was okay, 3.5/5. Fried pork-chop with rice: There was a white powdery thing sprinkled over the pork-chops that made it taste a bit chalky. The pork chop itself was soggy when we went to eat it. The dish also came with steamed veggies, corn and scrambled eggs, and half a soy egg. We didn't enjoy this dish because of the powder like substance on top of the pork chops, and probably wouldn't reorder, 2.5/5. read more

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Railroad Braised Porkchop: 5/5 Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan): 3.5/5 Beef Stew Noodle: 3.5/5 Jasmine Milk Tea: 4/5 Rose Tea: 4/5 My Food Rating: B+ Ambience/Decor: 3/5 Presentation: 4/5 Service: 6/5 Cleanliness: 5/5 Price: 5/5 My Experience Rating: A+ Location: 3/5 Wait: 5/5 Hours: 5/5 Parking: 5/5 My Convenience Rating: A Pros: - Service is amazing by the young gentleman! Food items were introduced to us clearly. Server served us the food with both hands and even handed us utensils with both hands. - Our order came promptly. - The food and drinks here is reasonably priced. - Parking here is convenient and easy to find, it is located in a plaza with a rather large lot. - They open from 11AM to 9:30PM. - Fried pork chop was tasty, crispy and tender. Cons: - They were sold out of two different teas when we arrived. - Beef noodles were a bit too salty and too soy sauce heavy. - Braised pork rice was slightly on the dry side since they use lean meat. I like lean meat but wish they would have drizzled a bit of oil over the meat just a tad. Conclusion: This place is deserving of your business. The service was impeccable, and the attitude of the young gentleman overwatching the restaurant was impressive and admirable. I would definitely come back and try their other popular items. read more

I got the braises railroad pork -- yum! So moist and delicious!! I also really liked the egg wrapped in green onion pancake! The yolk and pancake in the same bite was so good! Service was attentive and parking was easy! read more

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Found this place on a Facebook group who recommended Taiwanese food in the area. Why Thirsty is a small restaurant with a few seating inside. Since Covid 19 they are doing take out only. I placed a call for a few items and it was ready within 15 minutes. They accept card and cash which is great since most little spots don't take cards. I ordered fried pork chop rice, spicy fried fish cake and a spicy popcorn chicken noodle soup. Everything tasted pretty good and it has your Taiwanese snack flavor. The only recommendation I have for this place is please make a hole on the fried pork chop rice box because the steam on the takeout softens the fried pork chop. Other than that the food has a decent price and decent portion size. Overall: Cleanliness: 9/10 Food: 10/10 Service: 10/10 read more

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One of my favorite togo spots during the shelter-in-place. They take your order over the phone and will tell you exactly when your food will be ready. Unlike some restaurants that underestimate the actual time when the food is ready, this place is spot on. This restaurant also does not short you on any of the items. In fact, it seems like they give you more than what you normally get when you dine in. My favorite is still the pork chop rice called the railroad, which comes with several side dishes. You can also substitute the rice with noodles. For drinks, you can request less sugar. Definitely will come back again. read more

I been coming to this place over 7 years, food is good as always. Even now I still drive 20 minutes to get the foods 3 times a week. Popcorn chicken is the must try item and the braised pork chops are the classic. Fired pork chops is delicious and crispy, recommend eating it right away or less than 20 minutes otherwise will get bit soft. Food is freshly prepared so it takes around 10-20 minutes to wait, totally understandable (McDonald takes longer than that ) I rather wait 20 for my popcorn chicken than the nuggets. read more

After circling around Arcadia for Taiwanese cafes/restaurants, i have finally uncovered another new favorite in the neighboring city, San Gabriel. Thanks for being here, 'Why Thirsty'. Customer Service: 10/10.....(I would) definitely rate them 10 stars if I could. Compared to that of Sinbala, this place is totally honest. They advertise on the front display chalk board, 'No MSG added in any dish.' When I arrived around 12:30pm-ish earlier today, the restaurant was already full for dine in guests. I'll be back to try other dishes This entire week. You had me at hello!!!! Food Quality: 10/10. Just lovin' the variety of their sides (ie)~corn with scrambled eggs, soy sauce seasoned egg (half piece,) broccoli and cabbage....yummmm. Location: 10/10....the parking lots is quite spacious!!!!! I always found ample parking. Need I say more?! Come on over, Yelpers, if you like Taiwanese food, this place doesn't disappoint. Cya tomorrow, 'Why Thirsty.' read more

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A hidden gem! If you're in Pasadena looking for Taiwanese food, I highly recommend this place for their beef noodle soup, railroad (pork chop) rice and assam milk tea! Food tasted delicious and clean! Will definitely be back to try other menu items! read more

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Was surprised I hadn't come across this restaurant in my time in the SGV. They're prob one of the most economical places to dine right now in terms of their prices and portions. I like that you can choose between rice or noodle soup when it comes tot heir entrees. I like them because they give a big portion of food but also veggies and they're not overly salty like most restaurants are these days. They also have a wide selection of drinks to choose from so overall it's a great spot to add to your rotation. The owners seem like really nice and honest people and was very accommodating to us as guests. They also have plenty of parking outside and seating inside!! read more

Why Thirsty - Braised pork with noodle soup - Taiwanese Near Me - San Gabriel, California

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Best tea in town! Real Chrysanthemum tea with fresh aloe vera bites. Even no surgar still tastes great!! read more

Why Thirsty - Best tea in town! Real Chrysanthemum tea with fresh aloe vera bites. Even no surgar still tastes great!! - Taiwanese Near Me - San Gabriel, California

This Taiwanese spot has a good railroad pork and rice dish a would be my numero uno choice. We got the Lo mein and the railroad with a side of fried pork just to taste it but I prefer the grilled pork instead. We also got the curry flavored popcorn chicken but it was too salty. I'm sure with less spice I'd enjoy it better. Customer service was good as they kept checking in on us. The place is small but able to gather a small party of 10 if your wanting to party. They have a variety of good food and teas on the menu. Come by and give it a whirl read more

Why Thirsty - This railroad was pretty good, but I liked my friend's basil chicken - Taiwanese Near Me - San Gabriel, California

The food was delicious! The portions were smaller than before but you can't fault them with this economy. It was still sufficient for me.

On the hunt for more Taiwanese food! Ordered their fried pork chop rice and my husband went with their minced bowl with a side order of popcorn chicken. Super generous portions - we had enough food for a third, very hungry person. My pork chop was the size of my two hands combined. Couldn't believe their minced bowl was only $7 - the bowl was covered almost entirely by minced meat and topped with a whole stewed egg too? Both dishes were paired with 5 of their daily veggies/sides. All tasted super homie and so so so much to eat. Popcorn chicken were so meaty and super juicy! Even as leftovers (yay air fryer), they tasted amazing! Overall - super friendly and welcoming staffs. All portions were humongous and under $10 too. Would def return to sample more of their menu! read more

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This is one of the only restaurant I visit whenever I come down from the Bay! They have two types of noodle options for all you noodles lover: Lo Mein and Noodle Soup. The Lo mein has a special sauce that's not over saucey and really great with any of the sides you pick. I would definitely get their beef noodle soup as the beef is super chewy and comes with tendons as well. Seasonal noodles: Taiwanese Cold Noodles! Really great for these summer hot days! (Only available in the summer). Their mostly known for their Railroad which is braised pork chop over rice. I can't find any other place that has great braised pork chops!!!! They are also known for their popcorn chicken- the BEST pop chicken I have tried thus far! WT also has a great selection of tea. You can also adjust sweetness in your drinks. My favorite is the Formosa Sweet, Oolong Milk Tea and the samurai. Customer Service here is on point! The workers here are chill and will make sure you are more than satisfied! That's a ++++ for me! read more

Why Thirsty - Pork chop lo mein! - Taiwanese Near Me - San Gabriel, California

Great place! Have been coming here for many years! Wife and 2 boys love it as well. Love the popcorn chicken w Lo Mein.

Great tea, milk tea and boba. Their food is also very good. Highly recommend the dry mixed noodles with your choice of protein like popcorn chicken, pork chops, taiwanese sausage, etc. They are located inside a plaza at the corner of Rosemead and Huntington with lots of parking spaces available. read more

We thought their popcorn chicken was excellent. I had the fried pork chop with noodle soup. Overall I thought it was good. The pork was really tender and had good flavor. The noodle soup was simple and good enough. I would definitely come back for the popcorn chicken. read more

One of my fav tea shops in the area. Real brewed premium Taiwanese tea and fresh boba. Lots of food and snacks also available. My fave the premium milk tea with fresh boba. The guys who own the shop are always real friendly. Plenty of parking next to a cool Indian market. read more

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My family has been coming here for over 10 years! We ordered takeout today and it was ready within 15 minutes. They have the best Taiwanese pork chop rice (The Railroad). The meat is soft and flavorful and definitely my favorite. I also love their lo mein which is a typical thin noodle with a green onion sauce. The popcorn chicken is also one of my favorites because of the thicker, fluffy exterior. I've had the basil chicken and sacha beef and they're fine too but would highly recommend trying The Railroad the most! read more

Why Thirsty - Basil Chicken Lo Mein - Taiwanese Near Me - San Gabriel, California

Genuine Taiwanese cuisine here. Service is always great. I always get Pop corn chicken and the pork chop dry noodle. Taste is always consistent which is a plus. read more

Their food is good and quick! The railroad pork chop noodles are yummy as is their fish fillet. Nice and fluffy.

Cute little boba shop with friendly service in an interesting strip mall. So refreshing on a hot day!

I don't think you can go wrong with this place. The food gets the job done, the prices are affordable, and the service is reasonably fast (my order was ready in 15-20 minutes as promised) and polite. There is also plenty of parking available outside. I definitely plan to come back here and try more items on their menu. read more

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Picked up a popcorn chicken bento box to go. Ordered extra spicy, and it had a good amount of spice and good size portion. The rice had some meat sauce and pickled veges, corn with egg and cabbage with broccoli. Good size and flavor, would recommend! read more

Why Thirsty - Popcorn chicken rice - Taiwanese Near Me - San Gabriel, California

Very good and traditional Taiwanese place. They are very small so I always do take out and located next to grocery outlet and an Indian market. Plenty of parking in the front. They are not the best in the area since there are many choices when it comes down to Taiwanese food, but still a top pick. Their bento rice dishes are very good with some pickled side dishes. Worth a try as a small hole in a wall. I heard their drinks are also good, but I haven't tried myself. read more

Delicious Taiwanese food with big portions. We ordered the beef noodle soup, popcorn chicken with noodles, basil chicken rice & fried pork chop rice. Everything was tasty, we didn't ordered drinks but will definitely go back & try it next time. They have a few tables for dine-in, we went on a Saturday at 5:30p & was seated right away. But when we left there were people outside waiting to be seated. I would recommend going early for dine-in or order to-go. read more

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Yum! I ordered passion fruit green tea with aiyu jelly at 50 sweet and my it really reminded me of Taiwan. The tea was authentic and the 50 was so perfect for me! PS. The passion fruit purée from the real fruit! read more

I tried their minced pork with rice and popcorn chicken. Both are very good! The minced pork is soft and flavorful. Will definitely come back again for a quick bite. read more

Why Thirsty - Taiwanese Near Me - San Gabriel, California

This is my go-to for lunch whenever I'm in the area. Reason? Well, I'm hooked on the basil chicken rice. Has all the important features of a good Taiwanese fish: freshly made, lots of garlic and green onion. Oh, and the fresh ginger pieces. That puts it over the top. 5*! read more

Why Thirsty - Basil chicken rice - Taiwanese Near Me - San Gabriel, California

I haven't been to this place for a while. The food portion is getting smaller and the bento box used to come with an egg. I tried the railroad pork chop which tasted good. There was only one table of customer when I ordered my food. The service is good and I may want to try its drinks. read more

Very good authentic Taiwan taste. The Stew Pork is so juicy and flavorful. Must try Assam Milk Tea. Love it. read more

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Popcorn chicken is absolutely BOMB here. I read some other reviews of this place which state the opposite, buuuut, if you like crunchy AND juicy AND flavorful popcorn chicken, this is the place for you. If you're looking for a meal, the rice plate is also pretty amazing... comes with some veggies (broccoli, lettuce, corn), half an egg, and a bit of sauce and pickled radish sprinkled on the rice. And in my opinion, popcorn chicken goes with milk tea like peanut butter and jelly. I've only ever gotten one drink here: the formosa milk tea, regular sweet. And I've got to say, it's not as overbearingly sweet as most milk tea places. I asked the server if it ran on the sweet side, and he kindly offered to let me try the drink first and if it wasn't to my liking, they could add more tea to it - this was a PLUS for me because not too many boba places are so nice about adjusting drinks. I give this place a YAY. read more

Why Thirsty - Look at these fat juicy popcorn chicken bites !!! - Taiwanese Near Me - San Gabriel, California

#63 in my tea shop expedition. This review is based on their drinks only and not their food. I think it may have been an off day based on most of the other reviews, but I was not impressed by my drinks. I ordered a Formosa oolong milk tea and a rose milk tea, and both tasted watered-down and lacking in flavor, like the tea needed to be steeped longer. The drinks just really weren't up to par. And the shop itself isn't exactly inviting nor the cleanest when I arrived, so given everything I have little interest in returning. read more

This is my go to place for Taiwanese food. It reminds me of street food because they have options for boba and snacks and other street like food! I always get their fish fillet lo mien with regular sauce. And for $1.50 extra you can get extra noodles! I like the get the extra noodles and split the meal with my boyfriend. Their portion sizes are pretty big and honestly even me and my boyfriend can not finish one whole order when we get extra noodle lol. I think for the price it's worth it. Also the amount of fish they give is A LOT. I also really like to get their drinks here. Even though it's not a boba place, for some reason their tea always tastes really fresh and strong. I love to get their Assam tea, Formosa tea, and creamy rose tea. read more

Why Thirsty - Fish fillet lo mien with extra noodles, popcorn chicken, Assam tea, and another drink - Taiwanese Near Me - San Gabriel, California

I know it looks like I'm at Bhanu but it's just cuz I got some food there after hahah. Why Thirsty is a Taiwanese spot and though I haven't tried their food yet I plan to. I really wanted to go here to get boba. I will def be going back. I've never had such natural tasting boba. The tea flavor is super strong and it tastes likes it's sweetened with natural sugar like honey. I really enjoyed it because I feel like really sugary boba is more popular. read more

Why Thirsty - Milk Tea W/ Boba - Taiwanese Near Me - San Gabriel, California

I was in the area and just wanted something to pick up to take home. I was not disappointed. I called in the green onion chicken plate, the fried fish cake and garlic veggies. The chicken dish was generously portioned. It came with a green onion ginger sauce. Sooo good! The chicken was tender and the veggie side dishes were satisfying. The fish cake tastes just like the ones in Taiwan. It's not like your traditional fish cake. It's Taiwanese street style? So chewier. The garlic veggies was also the way I remember mom makes it. Overall I'm very happy to stumble upon this place and will keep coming back. read more