Woon - Pasadena

Chinese Restaurants in Pasadena, California

4.3 (134)

Category	Chinese Restaurants
Address	1392 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104
Area	Pasadena, California
Google rating	4.3 (134)

Hours

Monday	5:00 am - 9:30 pm
Tuesday	5:00 am - 9:30 pm
Wednesday	5:00 am - 9:30 pm
Thursday	5:00 am - 9:30 pm
Friday	5:00 am - 9:30 pm
Saturday	5:00 am - 9:30 pm
Sunday	5:00 am - 9:30 pm

About Woon - Pasadena

Nestled in the heart of Pasadena at 1392 E Washington Blvd, Woon brings the warmth of a family kitchen to the table, blending generations of culinary tradition with modern Californian sensibilities. Founded by Keegan Fong and anchored by his mother Julie “Mama Fong” Chen’s recipes, this homestyle Chinese restaurant traces its roots to Shanghai and Cantonese flavors reimagined through the lens of a second-generation Asian American experience. What began as a pop-up noodle stand in 2013—born from late-night meals for Keegan’s friends and Mama Fong’s lifelong dream of sharing her cooking—has evolved into a community cornerstone, celebrated for its chewy beef noodles, tofu in hot-and-sour sauce, and dishes that feel like a hug from someone’s mom.

The story of Woon is one of resilience and reinvention. After years of pop-up success, including selling out at every event, the family opened their first brick-and-mortar location in 2019, followed by the Pasadena outpost in late 2023. The latter’s journey epitomizes their tenacity: its grand opening on December 30, 2023, drew lines around the block, only to face closure a week later when the Eaton fire ravaged nearby Altadena. Despite water contamination concerns and a displaced community, Woon Pasadena reopened on January 18, 2025, serving as a beacon of hope with Lunar New Year specials like mapo tofu for abundance and cucumber “coin” salad for prosperity.

At its core, Woon is a love letter to heritage. Mama Fong’s recipes—crafted over decades and refined in her Los Angeles home—prioritize bold, comforting flavors. Staples include hand-pulled noodles, green beans stir-fried to crispy perfection, and date cakes that marry sweetness with nostalgia. The menu avoids fusion gimmicks, instead focusing on honest, ingredient-driven dishes that reflect the family’s Shanghainese-Cantonese roots. Even the pantry goods, like house-made chili oils and sauces, echo the ethos of a home kitchen meant to nourish beyond the restaurant’s walls.

The beverage program complements this vision, featuring natural wines and specialty beers curated to balance spice and richness. Whether it’s a crisp orange wine cutting through the heat of dan dan noodles or a locally brewed IPA pairing with crispy tofu, each selection underscores Woon’s commitment to thoughtful hospitality. The space itself—minimalist yet inviting—mirrors this balance, offering a backdrop where food takes center stage.

Community remains Woon’s heartbeat. From red envelopes gifted during Lunar New Year to collaborations with local artisans, the restaurant thrives as a gathering place for those seeking connection. Keegan’s background in marketing shines through in events that blend food with storytelling, ensuring every bowl comes with a side of narrative. Yet challenges persist, particularly for the Pasadena location navigating post-fire recovery. As Keegan noted, “40% of our market is gone, either erased or displaced,” a reality that underscores the fragility of small businesses in crisis. Still, Woon presses forward, its lease a testament to the family’s determination to feed and foster their neighborhood.

Today, Woon Pasadena stands not just as a restaurant but as a living archive—a place where Mama Fong’s hands-on cooking philosophy meets her son’s vision of inclusive, culturally rooted dining. It’s where natural wine enthusiasts and noodle purists alike find common ground, and where every bite carries the weight of history and the lightness of innovation. In a city teeming with culinary stars, Woon’s glow comes from its humanity: the late-night meals that started it all, the fire-forged resolve, and the unshakable belief that good food is, above all, an act of love.

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Latest Google reviews

The 5 most recent reviews shown on Google Maps. Reviews belong to their authors; read all of them on Google.

Diana Chang 2 months ago

POV: You came for the noodles… but ended up ordering half the menu🤭🥢 Woon Kitchen in Pasadena is serving up comforting Taiwanese-inspired favorites that are seriously worth the visit. We tried: ✨ Veggie Fried Rice – smoky wok hei with perfectly seasoned veggies 🥩 Pork Belly Over Rice – melt-in-your-mouth pork belly over fluffy rice 🥟 Pork Belly Bao – soft pillowy buns stuffed with rich, braised pork belly 🍗 Mama’s Five Spice Chicken Wings – crispy, juicy, and packed with fragrant five-spice flavor 🫓 Scallion Pancakes – crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside 🌶️ Spicy “Mouthwatering” Tofu – silky tofu tossed in a bold, spicy Sichuan-style sauce 🥒 Chilled Cucumber & Tofu – light, refreshing, and the perfect palate cleanser To drink, we loved the refreshing House Seasonal Sparkling Shrub and the earthy, creamy Woon Matcha Latte🍵✨

regis kwong 9 months ago

I really don’t like writing bad reviews, but I have to say something so other people don’t fall into the same trap I did. Honestly, don’t come to this place unless you are a glutton for a ripoff. Let me explain. I know this spot is super "hip" and a lot of Yelp friends love it. But realistically? This place seems designed for people who just want to be "seen"—mostly well-to-do Millennials and Gen Z professionals with money to burn. The prices for the mediocre food are actually insane. For example, they charge $16 for two pieces of thin toast with a tiny bit of syrup. For comparison, you can get Hong Kong-style thick toast (that’s 3 to 4 times thicker) for like $6 at HK Macau Bistro. Then there’s the Pork Belly Fried Rice ($15)—it was a tiny amount of rice hidden inside a massive bowl. Even the chilled cucumbers were a letdown; they tasted exactly like the pre-packaged ones from a grocery store, not like authentic Taiwanese food at all. Despite all this, the place is packed and buzzing on social media. The only good thing I can say is that the decor is very cool/hip. But parking is non-existent. Bottom line: Don’t get ripped off here. Just drive a little further to the SGV for ac

Jan Lee 9 months ago

Amazing Chinese food served with cozy modern vibes. Beef noodles are amazingly chewy and delicate. A gem in Altadena/Pasasena area. This is the only modern Chinese restaurant that makes you feel relaxed enough to have a drink with friends and share a great meal. Completely forgot to take a photo of the ice cream in a fried bao which is a requirement for any meal at Woon

Eric Cruz 11 months ago

Tried this place for the first time. It’s nice. Love the decor. We’ve bought their sauces before. Lives up to the hipster hype. Modern Chinese. Beef Noodle, noodles were fresh and tasted great! Pork over rice was good. Kailan is super fresh. Overall loved it for what it is. Simple modern Chinese fare. Glad we came.

Heejin Kim 11 months ago

Already loved the OG spot, I was so excited to finally catch a day here for brekkie. The place obviously rocks. From the incredible design, the amazing staff, perfect sized menu, all the way to the small details of the place. Some people are complaining about portion to prices but like, did you not already see the menu and photos beforehand? And to the edge-lords who always seem to talk about “authenticity” of these places.. they are mostly run by second gen people who are appealing to all audiences while also sharing cultural dishes. If you want 100% authentic just catch a flight to that country. Not everything on the menu is for me (ex: the French toast was just okay but I know many who absolutely love it) but I still have enjoyed everything I’ve ever tried at either locations. The staff really make this place what it is too, asides from the food. Always a lovely time at Woon :^)

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Woon - Pasadena located?

Woon - Pasadena is at 1392 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104, in Pasadena, California. Use the “Open in Google Maps” button on this page for directions.

What kind of business is Woon - Pasadena?

Woon - Pasadena is listed as a chinese restaurant.

What are the hours of Woon - Pasadena?

Published hours are Monday: 5:00 am - 9:30 pm; Tuesday: 5:00 am - 9:30 pm; Wednesday: 5:00 am - 9:30 pm; Thursday: 5:00 am - 9:30 pm; Friday: 5:00 am - 9:30 pm; Saturday: 5:00 am - 9:30 pm; Sunday: 5:00 am - 9:30 pm. Hours can change on holidays, so call before a special trip.

Is Woon - Pasadena open on Sunday?

Yes, on Sunday it is open 5:00 am - 9:30 pm.

How is Woon - Pasadena rated on Google?

Woon - Pasadena has a Google rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 134 reviews.

Does Woon - Pasadena have a website?

Yes, the website of Woon - Pasadena is woonkitchen.com (linked on this page).

Are there other chinese restaurants near Woon - Pasadena?

Yes. Pasadena also has Go China Restaurant, Panda Inn, Yang Chow Restaurant among others; see the full list of chinese restaurants in Pasadena at the bottom of this page.