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lola |
rumor has it one of the previous owners of kung food has been looking around for a space and is looking to re-open 'another' kung food, maybe not all vegan, sometime towards the end of 2008.... keep your fingers crossed!
if anybody has been back to the old kung food to try the 'organic healthy ' restaurant that opened in place when kung food shut down (this new place is such a joke they maybe have 1 vegan item) then you know this is happy happy news to hopefully have another kung food back! |
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Amy |
I live in NYC and visit SD often, and go to Kung Food every chance I get. I haven't been out there since February and am wicked sad to find out that Kung Food has closed. My sister is out there on business and I told her to go there for lunch :( They had amazing food. I hope they reopen in a new location. That would be awesome for everyone. |
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Jamie |
Kung food is closing on April 1, 2007. Employees say that it's because the landlord won't renew the lease, wants to raise the rent, and wants a new business to occupy the space.
Apparently, business has been up and the new serve-yourself style has been effective.
I personally feel that this is a blow to the San Diego Vegetarian community!
Right now they're focusing on trying to sell a few of the products through Whole Foods. No one knows whether the owner will elect to move to a new location. |
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rebecca |
I can not wait to move to san diego, and this place is one of the reasons why! I love your wholesome vegan food and the service is friendly, too:) Cool outdoor cafe seating! |
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Alissa |
I drive through KungFood several times a week, and Im not even vegetarian! Its very fresh and healthy, and very very tasty. Prices are more than a non-veg is used to paying for a burger, but totally worth the health benefits. The breakfast buffet is a little cold and pricey, but I love the drive through options and it all tastes great! |
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Rob |
The sweet potato fries rock! Go for just that. But they have weird rules about items you can only order walking up to the drive-thru, and some things that you can only order inside. It's like the drive-thru is a separate restaurant. Pretty dumb. Also, it would be nice to have a garden burger option, as some of us are not into Boca. Great location on 5th Avenue in Hillcrest, though. |
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jdvthejd |
The buffet is lousy. I've never heard anybody say they liked it. But the drive thru is pretty solid. The sweet potato fries are excellent and the burgers are good as well. |
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Coral |
ok to answer anyones qouestions about kung food being organic.....of course it is. I know that for a FACT!!! It's not a 100% but its about 90%. yeah your food might not always be warm, but the style is buffet style, im sure that if you were to go to another buffet all of their food wouldnt be warm and perfect either. The only reason it's expensive there is because CA's crops...citrus and avocados are freezing causing higher prices in CA's agriculture. Also because organic is always going to be more expensive, and dont cry about it, get used to it, its way better for you. Maybe you guys should try more of the raw food there because that stuff is the shit, it's fresh and way better for you than the cooked food and plus maybe thats why the cooked food doesnt taste as good, because our bodies are meant to endure completley natural raw food and not cooked food. Our bodies arent meant to process soy or 'mock chicken'. get real. All in all kung food is great, it's clean and has a mellow atmosphere, you can even bring your pets. |
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Herby |
Been there a few times and it has yet to disappoint. Loved the 'Bacon CheeseBurger' at the drive through and the 'Chicken' Pot Pie was amazing. Also the sausage during the bruch is the best vegan sausage I ever had. Will be a regular customer |
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rhea sherman |
this place is great, and i love it's variety. i highly recommend it. |
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Steve |
I don't understand it. The place is never full, yet they keep raising the prices.
The food is always acceptable, never bad. However, it rarely stands out. Especially the second time.
One big exception. I just tried the raw live hummus. The freshed tasting and best tasting hummus I have ever had.
Get regular plates and wash them. Use the paper only to go. |
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Sara Harmon |
I've been to the drive thru many times and loved it. Tonight I decided to check out the cafe menu. The girl was super nice and offered me several samples, most of them weren't very good. The pumpkin stew was decent, so I asked for a container of it and a piece of corn bread. I was completely shocked when my order came to over $10! The menu board said soups and stews were $4.50 and corn bread was 50 cents extra with soup but the girl weighed the whole thing. When I asked about the high price she said only soups were 4.50 and stews were weighed. She was nice and took the cornbread off the scale and only charged me .50 for it, but my order was still $8. On my way out I noticed that the sign for soups specifically said pumpkin stew was $4.50 for a large (I don't even know if that's the size I got). I waited for several minutes to get some of my money back but none of the staff ever came back to the front. I was still willing to chalk it up to money to a good cause.
When I got home I decided to check out what other people thought of Kung Food so I started looking at VegSanDiego. I started eating my corn bread and after one bite the entire thing disintegrated into powdery crumbs. I think it was stale, but its hard to tell when you are just eating a few crumbs. What a mess and most of it went to waste. On to the pumpkin stew, it was okay. There was a sorta wierd after taste to it. I was down to my last few bites when I decided that I was going to post and give t KF three stars when I got a bite with a hair in it. Even worse, when I pulled the hair out of my mouth it was black, short and curly. Ick.... I'm really hoping it was just from someone with really short hair.
So, I'm giving KF 1 1/2 stars. If I'd only been to the cafe it would have been a big fat zero, but since I have enjoyed the drive thru, and the employees are pretty nice, just completely clueless. I'm not sure I'll go back though, the hair freaked me out. |
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Dara Perales |
This eatery combines a comfortable, classy setting with amazingly satisfying foods. If you haven't had brunch here on a weekend, you owe it to yourself to go. Kung Food is hearty food, freindly service, and very, very fair prices. |
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SanVegan |
I like Kung Food to the extent that they have a great variety of things, they have organic beer in bottles available (it would be nice to see them stock more of the larger bottles for people to share, less glass used that way), and a selection of raw food available. However, the raw selections can be a little bland when they do not need to be! We spent almost $6 on some stuffed tomato that tasted like a tomato and ... nothing. Also, I know that their disposable dishware is compostable, etc. but it still seems wasteful (they take energy to manufacture and transport, etc.) I will probably keep eating here, but with some hesitation. |
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betsy |
The food at Kung Food is pretty yummy (except the dessert--don't get that weird fruit block thing) but the staff seems perpetually confused and the plates, eating utensils and napkins are ALL disposable. What the heck is THAT about? I'm vegetarian in part because not eating meat is better for the environment, and then I have to eat on disposable plates? Seems like a pretty big contradiction to me. However, this is the best tasting fast-food vegetarian I've had in San Diego. |
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Mae |
I became disenchanted with Kung Food very quickly at the start. It was bland and unimaginative. After avoiding KF for a good while, I went back for the new table service. Admittedly overpriced, the food was very quite good and different from the daily cafe fare. Not haute cuisine, but an enjoyable veggie meal (with dishes reminiscent of a good ole greasy spoon). The positive experience led me to the drive through: even better. Actually hot, fresh, and fast. Still pricey, but it was worth the convenience and taste- and God Bless them for being open late! |
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Kath |
An all vegan restaurant with a drive through! The food is great and the ambience is fun and casual. Don't miss the vegan soft serve, 'chicken' chipotle dishes, and the great selection of raw items. And, the desserts are amazing too! |
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Rob E. |
I stopped to eat there the day before I ran the Rock and Roll Marathon. The taste was great, and I certainly could have eaten more. Slightly pricy but within reason. The crowd on this date was hippish, with some college students and an older crowd. Did not feel rushed or crowded and setting was pleasant. |
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Laura |
I love this place. The sweet potato chips and cheezburger from the drive-thru satisfy my occasional fast food cravings beautifully. The portions are big, so either be prepared to share or come with an equally big appetite.
A friend and I dined inside on a Friday night with their new dining service and were simply blown away. The waitress was so friendly, bringing us samples of the wine and desserts to help us decide.
I haven't been to the burrito bar yet, but look forward to exploring everything they offer. Though not completely vegan, I try to stick to a vegan diet as much as possible and wonderful restaurants such as Kung Food make it that much easier!! |
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Tanya |
I would really love to know what brand of un chicken that Kung Food uses for their Chicken Parm and their Chicken tenders...it is wonderful! However I don't live anywhere near San Diego and would really like to make this chicken at home too. Anyone??? |
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David |
The food at the thursday-friday sit down dinners are amazing. the BBQ plate and the sandwiches are top notch. it is better deal than the by weight maddness on other days.
I felt funny paying 15 bucks for food that I ate on disposible stuff. If I am paying that much you should wash a few plates. |
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David |
Now the food is good but the cost is insane. the by weight thing is dumb.at $7.95/lbs my wife paid ten dollars for a plate of tofu scamble. sick. But when you at the counterb there is nothing you can do but pay it. Yesterday I ordered a small 'chicken' tenders Got three sticks for .69 more i can get 12 oz. of the same thing frozen at whole foods.
I should not have to be making $25 an hour to afford to eat at a vegan place.I want to support, but damn it San Diego makes me poor. |
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VeggieLover |
I would like to see the drive-through food be more consistantly good. I love it when it's 'on' but when it's off - so disappointing! I found the food inside the restaurant to be void of flavor despite how good it may have looked.
Whomever posted the scolding for critisim, please realize that this is a page for opinion and review. I appreciate honest feedback otherwise, why bother having a forum? Consistancy is the key, though. |
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confidential |
this restaurant is great.
good vegan food.
reasonable prices. |
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Helen and Pam |
Spice and flavorings in dishes are unique and tasty. Inside decor is ipleasant. Service was fine whenever we went there. Prices are fair, definitely not 'expensive.' If you eat a ton, then you pay. You buy food by weight. Anyhow, we love this place. |
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Deanne |
I eat here all the time. The best deserts ever. ...The best chic. pot pie dish, the soft serve is the best I have ever had. Coconut drinks are perfection.
Best guac. and pita chips. I eat out all the time, this is my fav. everyday restaurant |
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theCuban |
This board really disturbed me. So much negativity shown against such Good intentions. Kung Food is and has been a pioneer of Veggie Culture and balance in this city and instead of providing considerate and helpful suggestions you all throw stones. The food is not as bad as all of you say and the staff may be inconsistent but all show Humanity like all of you. Kung food has healthier choice than most veggie places on this website.......do you all even know why we are vegetarians/Vegans/Raw??? To be healthy and sustain our environment and turn the tide of madness that plagues the innards of the majority. Where's the Community in all of this? Where are the real conscious Raw foodists and Vegans who commune and aid each others projects and help advance the cause instead of hurt the business' online reputation. I have brought alot of people to KF because I love the intentions and would much rather support a Raw and Vegan business than the other 98% of lost profiteers and uneducated eateries. I have also had some lackluster service and I've got my qualms too..........but I BELIEVE!!!!!!! Kung Food is only going to improve and will be the finest Green restaurant this city has ever seen ....if you all step into the light and change YOUR attitudes. Kung Food's weaknesses are a reflection of the conscious movement in this area....lots of talk but no ACTION.
We need to support these kinds of business' anyway we can so that our Health and Universe will be sustained for the Love of...........Love!
Believe!!!!!!! |
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David ag |
Well I am still so-so on the cafeteria style, the drive thru is amazing. the cripsy 'chicken' sandwich with veganaise and side of vegan chili cheese fries is amazing. |
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Gustavo |
You guys really amaze me!! All the items I tried were excellent flavor and quality. It was a great experience for me and I will go back for sure many times. |
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James |
the food still needs a lot of work, i won't give a restaurant a high rating just because it's vegan, i still wouldn't mind eating there if the price was lower. |
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Tina |
Brunch with 'green eggs and ham' was awesome. Clever and yummy, thank you. |
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Rose |
I really wish Kung Food could make better food. I tried it 3 times because I really want to support Vegan Restaurant, unfortunately the food was consistently bad and the price is still too expensive. :( Sorry to say but I will never go back and neither will any of my friends. The service was decent, not great either. |
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Jeremy |
'Chicken' tenders. The... Best... Ever. As a n00b vegan, the unchicken items alone make it very easy to forget about meat. The sweet potato fries and the variety of specialty 'burgers' keeps me coming back.
The only downside of the drive-through is their apparent lack of staff. There never seems to be more than one or two (usually one) guys back there cooking and putting together your entire order. Adding one more guy to share the workload would make for hotter meals and faster service. Despite being overworked, the staff has always been friendly and inviting. I just wish the owners would spend more resources on streamlining the experience. |
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Alex |
My boyfriend and I have been eating at KF pretty much twice a week at least, and I've eaten there twice a week for most of 2005. It's a big improvement over the old Kung Food, certainly in atmosphere, and variety. Since I eat there so often, yes, some nights are better than others. Some nights are a little slimmer than others as far as available items on the drive-through menus are concerned, and if you show up to eat an hour before closing, there's less inside, and maybe the lasagna tasted better at 8:00, but whatever. if you show up late, deal. seriously. if your want your food to be all hot and pretty at 9:00, cook it yourself. As far as vegan places go, we're not exactly besieged with vegan restaurants in san diego, so I'm thrilled to have Kung Food back. their unchicken parmesan will always rock. period. and their spicy unchicken sandwich at the drive-through window rules. until we have a whole bunch of vegan restaurants in san diego who are open late, we can't do better, and honestly, the food is great 99.5% of the time. everyone has an off night. |
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David- CFA |
Chili cheese fries! Awesome! They need to do Breaded mushrooms! The resturant has all around improved. Raw dishes are wonderful. |
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Jonathon |
kung foods breakfast is great. best vegan biscuits ive had. great grazy, scramble, pancakes. brownies rock, cake is great. fresh coconut water! |
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Rex! |
If you are brave enough to go again, I will be sure to make it worth the trip.
I'm a current Kung Food employee... True, we've had crappy employees. It's also true, that KF's food was mediocore in it's begining. But, a lot has changed since then. We're still not at our full potential, but we're doing fairly well now. I get nothing but positive comments from the drive through. I'm sorry Diana had the misfortune to be treated badly by a bad employee but it certainitly is not commonplace.
There are no mouse traps, end of story.
Take care, support vegan business.
<3
RexVx |
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Chrissy |
I ate at Kung Foods yesterday, it was delicious! I ran Race for the Cure and then had a huge craving for KF Quiche. I go there a few times a month, but there is always this one guy who is a server and he never talks, and it seems like he hates his job. But maybe he's just shy...other than the extremes in service, I think the food is awesome! The lasagna is definitely one of my favorites. I haven't tried the desserts yet though... |
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diananotbombs |
This place always finds someway to suck. I got excited because of the drive-thru and wanted to give it a try. Decided to eat inside, but ordered off the drive-thru menu. Got our food cold. Not luke warm like it has been in the past, but cold. When I took it back and asked for it to just be reheated the person denied the fact that it was cold. She said it had to be the condiments making it cold. I totally make veggie burgers at home and the veganaise never screws with the heat. My partner also wanted his reheated, but didn't because she argued it couldn't be cold. She even told us that they sit at 180' till they are served soit couldn't be cold. We didn't give any attitude... we didn't want new food... we just wanted it reheated. My burger was good when I got it hot, but my partner's seitan was dry, flavorless and bunk. The softserve is the only thing worth going there for.
The staff on the inside was super nice though. |
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doren |
Some are too harsh on Kung Food.
Pros: Some very good food. Some of the food is pretty exotic utilizing seeweed etc. Seat yourself indoor and outdoor seating. Resonable prices. VERY VEGAN AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY.
Cons: The food varies. You have to have an adventurous pallet. Since it's buffet the help seems to turn over quite a bit and the buffet service is a bit slow.
I think they should get an extra star just for trying. Really people lets give them support. Unless you want to see less and less vegetarian restaurants in this santuary of Republicanism. |
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PrincesaMichelle |
I read through the other reviews, and it doesn't take a scientist to see that there are many unsatisfied customers. First, with regards to the mouse traps, I was told they were glue traps (WHICH ARE NOT HUMANE). Second, I think equating the food to what I remember eating in the cafetaria of my elementary school is about right. The food was luke-warm, with some cold spots, they messed up a drink order(fresh juice) and when it was up (like 15 minutes later) they didn't even bring it to us, they were yelling from the half door in the back.
The only good thing there is the desserts. The salad bar at Soup Plantation has way better selection..if only it were vegan.
Staff wasn't very friendly either, but extremely presumptious and unattentive.
I've given this place a chance...three to be exact. Not really worth it for the cost.
I wish them the best of luck...and I want Real Food Daily to come down from LA. If anybody is interested in investing in them...they are looking to come down but they need some dinero! |
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Mike Weinberg |
Despite past experiences with lukewarm entrees, my wife and I were in the area and in a hurry, so we stopped in to partake of the buffet. To our relief, even though it wasn't crowded (which meant the food in the steamtable trays wasn't being replaced quickly), the entrees were warm & tasty. And to our surprise, they had just put in a drive-thru, fast-food window with burgers, fries, etc. (all vegan, of course) which we can't wait to try. With its food, events, and entertainment, Kung Food is really making some strides! |
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Anonymous |
The food is pretty good, and the buffet style means you can get your food immediately. Also, the soft-serve is delicious for desert! |
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Tasha |
The food was bland and cold. That alone I could deal with. It's the service that ensured I would never be back. We were charged three times on my credit card for the meal because the guy couldn't even handle running a cash register. Not worth it. |
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ninja |
All ingredients are clearly labeled for every entree. If you were as concerned about these ingredients as you sound in your blog, then you would've taken the time to educate yourself and save face from the embarrasement you just caused. Any honey-like substance you may have seen was most likely AGAVE...you ever heard of it?? Study up on it, it's good, taste alot like honey...easy to get the two confused if you don't know what youre talking about. Moron.
Comin from a 'non-vegan' point of view I don't think they're all that bad. I really enjoy the new raw dishes and I heard they're going to have table service in the near future...good luck KF! |
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David |
Things like the honey mustard dressing are made with Agave as far as I know. I think that is the confusion.
My only problem was the last time I went I paid $7.00 for a piece of lukewarm lasagna that only had two noodles. |
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Job |
I have read all the reviews and still decided to give it a chance. I was so saddened to see many items with HONEY at a place that has been described as 100% vegan! Makes me wonder what else they are lying about. Is the food actually organic? For the price, I'd rather go to People's Deli, where it IS organic, 99% Vegan, fresh and always made with love!
The food really DID taste like leftovers, was barely lukewarm and tasted bland and unappealing. What a disappointment! I had the shits all the next day after eating there! Never will I go back. One girl who was working there was really friendly, but several guys were sullen, rude and unhelpful, putting the icing on a shit-cake; I won't be back. |
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carl |
tried it in March and loved that the philosophy supported veganism, but was a bit disappointed in some of the food, especially the salad. However, tried it again in May and the food was much better and the service friendlier. From a 3.5 to a 4.5 with one point for being vegan. |
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colleen |
The first time I went here, it was such a strange place and the food looked less than apetizing, that I just walked out. I heard from some friends that they liked it so I gave it another try. It was really good. I like being able to sample all kinds of stuff. It was all so good. I ate so much, I could not eat the sweets which looked really, really good. Service was very good and I'm goin back! |
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Bob Alba |
The employees always provide excellent service, a rarity in vegan restaurants in San Diego.
There is a great range of foods, most of which are excellent and full of flavor. It is a little pricy but so are most restaurants. If you want to save money, pack a lunch. Otherwise, that's the cost of eating out.
Smoking is not permitted on the premises. My smoker friends gladly oblige. |
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Mike |
maybe it cause it's a buffet and the food is out for hours but it wasn't good at all, it wasn't hot enough and things were soggy and just unflavorful,
and i rather be able to order food made fresh, i don't want to go out to eat and feel like im eating leftovers |
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Mary |
Get off you high horse John Daniels. You don't know the real story about the mice. Do as I did, go in and ask instead of taking one person's opinion. What are you, a sheep? Follow along now little boy.
No the food isn't perfect here, but it's one of the few places thats all vegan in San Diego. It has it's good and bad days - like ANY buffet style place. |
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Gary Hanson |
The food is awesome and fast! I am always on the go and this is THE place to find wholesome, fast, delicious, healthy food. I wish all restaurants had buffets. I love that I can pick and choose from such a large variety.
Gary |
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Randeep |
I've been in San Diego on business for a while scavenging from restaurant to restaurant trying to assemble a healthy meal and discovering Kung Food has saved my life! I think the food is always delicious, but, most importantly, healthy. I also love the To-go sandwiches they have in their fridge- some of them are absolutely gorgeous.
My only complaint is that they close so early (9p.m.) so I can't always get there when I want. |
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Marty Kremlin |
Wonderful idea...great concept...and all vegan to boot! The chicken parmesan, chicken pot pie, pumpkin stew, soups, lasagne, quiche, cornbread, soft serve and cakes rule! The other foods are just O.K.
Marty |
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A dissatisfied customer |
what a waste of time |
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John Daniels |
you've got to be kidding me, i couldn't believe how bad this place was, and the price you pay for bad food,
i can't wait till native foods finally opens down here
and now hearing about the mice, but i guess that's a problem only for those with morals |
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Angela Giavetti |
What a 'groovy' place! The food rocks! We need more Kung Food(s) all over the world! |
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Eloquent Vegan |
The place was recommended by a dear mentor and upon my first visist, I was blown away! I'm always leary of trying new restuarants but since my mentor hadn't been wrong before, I figured I'd give it a try. The staff was very friendly, the outside and inside were very well kept, and the food was delicious. I'm glad that Kung Food is back. From what I have heard, it was killer in the beginning, and I look forward to watching it grow again. |
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michelle |
i was excited at the prospect of kung food, but saddened by the crappiness of the food. i'm sorry. i don't mean to be mean. maybe it was a bad night...the macaroni was overcooked to a pastelike consistency, the lasagna was like paste with tomato paste, the cornbread was like a slightly moist cornmeal brick...plus everything was OVERPRICED! i know i could do better...challenge me if you dare!
the waiter was unhelpful. we walked in lost, not knowing where to go or what to do. we didn't know it was serve yourself. the waiter watched us like we were idiots for not figuring it out.
on a positive, the organic beers were good. open mike was fun. |
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VeganWoman |
I love Kung Food but couldnt breathe during the concert so I stopped going.
Please make a special area for smokers if you feel smoking is important. |
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George |
i have to agree with most of the reviews,
although i did give them a try and hoped that they were wrong or just some unfriendly perso, the atmosphere is nice and deserts are good but when i go out to eat i want a good meal not something i can make at home or pop in the microwave |
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Gerry |
i can't support a place that was caught using killer mouse traps twice
how low |
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Wulf |
I visited Kung Food before I even came across these reviews and it was awesome. Great food, fast, efficient service, and biodigradable plates and cups (yay!). Maybe they were off to a rough start, but hey... everyone deserves a second chance. Overall- a place every veg*n in San Diego should try at least once. Hope they keep up the good work! |
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Paula Angeles |
Kung Food is definitely the 'happening' place for vegetarians. With FREE entertainment on the weekends, organic beer and wine...and, of course, many tasty 100% vegan buffet selections and desserts to LIVE for! My friends and I love the place!!! |
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Dani |
If it's anything like the original KungFood Restaurant (that preceded Veg Zone and started out in the 1970s by the commune chef from Hawaii), then every San Diegan vegetarian and meat-eater alike will be thrilled! I ate at Kung Food frequently since I was a child, and nearly every day for 10 years, often twice a day, when I lived in that neighborhood. I also did most of my shopping at their store since they had an amazing selection of takeout, basic goods, beauty supplies, music, books, jewelry and apparel - pretty much everything you could want crammed into a small space (not sure how they did it). A great many foreigners from all over the world knew about KungFood and whenever I met travelers they always had heard of it and wanted to go there. Everyone I know went there constantly including meat-eaters; if you were eating out with a mixed group (vegetarians and carnivores) it was the one restaurant everyone loved. It was usually impossible to find parking as it was such a popular place, but we all walked there through the beautiful park anyway. Actually KungFood started in the 1970s in downtown San Diego and was surely the first real vegetarian restaurant in town. After the owner got hooked on the Zone Diet, he for some reason totally changed the place, shut the store down to practically nothing, and changed the name to Vegetarian Zone. No one liked it anymore and we all stopped going. I'm not surprised it eventually failed and to this day I'm amazed that such an incredibly successful business would change for no reason. Hearing that KungFood is back where it belongs makes me want to rush right there and I plan to as soon as possible! |
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Eddie Fox |
I have been eating at Kung Food since they opened in December. Their food, selection and service has gotten a lot better. It is actually my favorite restaurant now. Those of you who didn't get a good impression of Kung Food should give it another try. You will be amazed at how much it has improved! |
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Lisa |
Kung Food, like any new restaurant, has to work out some kinks, but the atmosphere is sunny and nice as are most of the employees, and they have many new yummy raw salads, entrees, soft serve vegan ice cream (how many places have that??), etc.
This place has made SO many efforts to provide vegans with a cheery, healthy place to eat and meet. Plus they have awesome open mikes and concerts, and jewelry for sale. Why not support such a place as fellow vegans rather than have sky-high expectations and bashing on this website?? |
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Andrew Forbes |
You've got to try Kung Food now! It is so much better than it was when it opened a few months ago. Maybe they had to work out the kinks. Whatever it is...they totally rule now! The food is much fresher and tastier. There is a much larger selection than before, especially of raw items. Also, they have the best vegan soft serve ice cream. |
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Little River Peace Flower |
First, on your web site bio, the first thing you announce is that your last venture went out of business or was otherwise a failure. This is not a good advertising practice.That's like opening a counciling office and using 'I INVENTED ELECTROSHOCK' as your promo.
As for the service, you have to decide who you're serving by your location and not by personal opinion. The comments on your site...? Well,it's obvious that most of them are by frustrated employees and or their friends with too much free time. 'Hand me the bong........Cuz i'm on line dude!!!!' More pride, time and investment would probably bring out a better energy in the workplace, thus reflecting a more positive customer response. The Grateful Dead are neither..... |
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NICO |
First of all, I agree fully with other views expressed in reviews on this page. As Vegetarians/Vegans we have little choice when it comes to food, save a nice chunk of meat in your 'vegetarian' dish. I am so happy that a place such as Kung Food exists, a place that actually listens and caters to my way of eating and living my life. The food there is good, not outstanding, but good and certainly not hot but served luke warm. the ordering process was confusing and a little bit off putting to someone who had never been there before and the staff, im sorry to say, was neither helpful in making suggestions or providing information, nor welcoming in their demeanor. i will probably go again but i will make a few suggestions next time. |
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GAIA |
real caring people took action,
they did have mouse traps that kill mice, it took outsiders to remedy it and get the humane traps after it was let known by people who work there.
and this is not the first time they've done it, it was also done at etopia and two mice were almost killed, and the owners got caught in a lie |
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compasionate one |
the mouse traps that are used are not the ones that kill the mouse but that trap them to be released to the wild...I personally don't like mice living in a resturant do you? |
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GAIA |
not everyone is vegan because they care and the owners show it by using in ethical and i would say immoral mouse traps |
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mikojak |
I've eaten here about 7 or 8 times since they opened. I've been blown away with the food so far, especially the raw vegan creamy italian dressing (off the heazy). The service seems to be improving. The first few times I noticed that the process was a little illogical but the last few times it went quick. Definetely check this one out. |
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QBN |
checked out this restaurant a few weeks ago with a friend. i was a bit wary about visiting the restaurant after perusing some of the not-so-great reviews on here. not as bad as i was expecting. for me, it's a matter of finding the entrees that i like best and sticking to those. the cafeteria kind of approach threw me off a bit. the dining atmosphere was quite lovely, and the workers there were really nice and friendly. i look forward to seeing and experiencing the improvements with time and so on. |
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Michelle |
I have eaten there twice since it opened. The first time went not very well, and the second time was a little better.
Sometimes, one chance is all an establishment gets to make or break a customer. I think that Kung Food's saving grace so far is that people have given it muliple chances because it's the only all-veg restaurant in SD.
Opening up new restaurants or stores is not easy and seldom goes without glitches. However, something like maintaining a safe food temperature is a serious public health issue. Also, if a restaurant says that they'll be open to X:00, they should have their doors open till then or revisit their hours of operation and repost it.
We do need to give this restaurant a chance. But we need to give others space to share their opinions, and to respect what they say. There are too few vegans out there, and there is a spectrum of tastes within the group. Cussing towards others who share a commonality like veganism, and about valid issues is not a kind -- or fair -- thing to do.
For almost two decades as a vegan, I have seen so many veg restaurants close up all over the country because they just cater to vegans and/or vegetarians. Hmmm...targeting only to the 1% to 5% of the human population. That's not a lot of people. Just think if this restaurant could lasso in some of the other 95%, and not just being a VEGAN restaurant, catering only to vegans, and preaching veganism, but an tasty, fresh alternative to other mainstream establishments that serve animal products. Make it really appealing enough for those diehards who may still eat animal products to give it a try -- to like the food, and to come back.
Enough from me. |
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bob |
i agree w/ poly. If you want to have and experience vegan restaurants in SD you have to give them a break. Things are greatly getting better there and the things they will offer the community are awesome. If you SD vegans continue trying to down everything when it first opens without giving them a chance do you really think these other vegan and vegitarian restaurants will come open their doors here in SD....I think not |
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Poly |
Reading these reviews made me weary of going to Kung-Food. Curiosity got the better of me however, and I ventured inside.
I have since eaten there 3 times. The staff has always been extremely friendly and helpful - with the exception of one guy who was helpful, but a little spastic in his friendliness.
I don't know why other vegans have to be such fucktards about shit. There isn't a lot of options for us out there. I try not to judge things by first experience, because we've probably all got attitude from servers and luke warm food at any restaurant we've been too - at one time or another.
I mentioned these reviews to one of the staff members, and he told me that the biggest complaint they had gotten was temperature of the food. Honestly some dishes weren't the perfect heat, but I'm a bit forgiving, seeing as how they just opened up and haven't even had the grand opening yet. There is a period in any business in the beginning where bugs are being ironed out.
I found the food to be very tatsy. Well, most of it. I'm not a fan of their Thai Curry, and the Mac N Cheese is a little Blah, but come on people. It's not going to taste exactly like cheese, because it's not fucking cheese.
It beats having to eat at Sipz every day (which is great but you can get burned out on that style of food) or Ranchos (which is good as well, but you have to consider that they probably aren't real careful about keeping the vegan and non-vegan foods apart).
Another thing. How many strictly vegan restaurants are there in San Diego and surrounding area? Not a whole lot. So instead of crying in your pillow at night about how the world's a terrible place because your food wasn't scorching hot, or the restaurant closed early, try to instead make suggestions to the staff/owners, and support them for helping to promote veganism.
That is all.
Have a nice freakin' day.
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Vegan Love |
I'd rather eat at Spread. Now they know how to cook! |
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Grace |
I've been three times now. I would prefer a sit down restaurant to the cafeteria style. I don't particularly mind the biodegradable plastic utensils but the paper plates are a little yucky. I loved the brunch food, was luke warm about the other lunch/dinner items.
Obviously there are improvements that can be made, and I imagine the owners are working on it. I will continue to support the restaurant because I believe in the mission and the vision.
Please, please, please bring back the Eatopia wraps! Why do away with a great thing? |
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Shawna 10 year vegan |
Good idea, a vegan eatery. It sucks
overall. THe service is cocky and subpar. I swear one of the ladies who
worked there terrified me with a hyper-ecstatic greeting, I felt so uncomfortable and on the spot, she should resume her sales position at the GAP. 'Don't bother me...just let me eat'
okay.
The cakes are awesome, although I'm not accustomed to 'beet sugar'. Overall I still prefers Jimbos bakery in Del Mar. Food wise this preference follows.
The food is subpar overall however the vegan lasagna is fair.
Where's Herbivore? We need an Herbivore in this city!!!!!!!!! |
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v.c. |
I attempted my first kung food experience tonight but at 10:45pm on a Friday night they were already closed. Why do they say they are going to be open until 12am and then close early? |
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John |
mike i think more of where people were headed is that it would be bad for veganism if people think this is what vegan food is like, in my opinion it has gotten better but still subpar to most regular restaurants, or even some vegan ones, for instance, if native foods opens in hillcrest it would be bad for kungfood, im sure no one here wants it to close, but no one wants to promote something that gives people a false image |
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Gordon Brown |
...I'm not the least bit surprised by the reviews I see here. Mitch and Brad have their hearts in the right place, but it's | | |
3.34 out of 5 (108 reviews) 