Monday Munchies: A-Chau for egg roll showdown

Egg rolls can hardly fry fast enough at A-Chau, where one by one, patrons enter, order bags full of the 60 cent fried snacks, and then head right back out the door - to go become one with the couch, obviously.

For $6, you get a greasy bag of 10 egg rolls, but at this juncture, you’ll wonder if 20 for $12 is the better idea. It is - so avoid making mistakes - because these super savory snacks, densely filled with pork, shredded carrot and vermicelli rice noodles, are hard not to devour one after the other until they’re gone.

So what makes these egg rolls better than the rest? I’m no expert on the subject, but the ultimate fry job is a compelling start. After love at first, crunchy bite, you’ll start examining the object of your affection and discover there’s way more to admire on the inside. A simple, fresh-tasting filling with still springy rice noodles is a delightful reward after your fangs crunch through bubbled up, golden wonton wrapper. There are no soggy egg rolls packed with lackluster cabbage at this joint.

If you’d like sauce for dipping, there’s standard Sriracha or, for the fish-sauce inclined, a pungent, sweet version is available. This family- run business exudes warmth and friendly vibes - between the egg rolls, smiles, and what looks to be someone’s great grandma manning the fryer, it’s just fine to sit with your oil-marked bag of treats and devour them right there.

A-Chau is open every day of the week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and only accepts cash.

4644 El Cajon Blvd., Suite 111, City Heights. (619) 281-4066

Source: DiscoverSD