Machi Chuuka started out great once it replaced Sky Express, and was a great new concept at first - but quality has skyrocketed downwards. Fast. I looked forward to trying the Mapo Tofu Curry (+Katsu) the first time, and to my dismay the sauce was over-starched, the Katsu was soggy and breading wouldn't even stay on... was just "ok". Last night, on a whim I finally tried their Tan-Tan ramen and it was abysmal - had a horrendous, stanky smell (not even "fragrant") and the broth was so salty I had to pour an entire cup of water into it just to be able to eventually not-even-finish it. On top of that - I'm Chinese. I think I know what Tan Tan anything should smell/taste like. The handmade Karaage, Gyoza, Shumai were great at first but even at the beginning, quality control would have it be S-tier on some days, and barely a C+ on the others. Yesterday, the Karaage had bits of bone/cartilage in it, and was burnt to a crisp that it was blackened. The pro is they're open until 8pm every day.. but as a Mitsuwa Food Court regular even I've noticed their business is getting less and less customers. Likely coincides with the food quality getting lower and lower. The other spots are still flourishing because they provide an insane quantity:price for their dishes, but I just can't see myself paying 150%+ more for food that's worse when I could've literally gotten two things from something next door for the same total price and been more satisfied. Their remaining cashiers are becoming more and more unfriendly/incompetent, I've had to repeat orders and even negotiate replacements (to failure) when they run out of rice or other musubi... All-in-All, I'm firm on my 2* and will be sticking to my usual other 4 spots within the food court. read more

Machi Chuuka by Eboshi - Tan-Tan Ramen, extremely salty, smelly, and essentially inedible. Ramen was undercooked (not even "firm"... literally undercooked). - Chinese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Machi Chuuka isn't just a restaurant in the Costa Mesa Mitsuwa, it's also a style of Japanese food. It's basically a Japanese take on Chinese cuisine, and tends to be sweeter and slightly less greasy than equivalent Chinese dishes. Some of my favorite Japanese restaurants in LA serve this, so when I saw that there was a restaurant like this in Orange County, I had to give it a try. I came here with my entire family. Mitsuwas are always super clean, and this food court was no exception. We came super early before the food court was packed, and got our choice booth seats. The Mitsuwa staff bus tables which was a plus. Because I love Japanese-Chinese cuisine, I ended up getting all my dishes from Machi Chuuka. After discussing with family, I got mapo nasu, tenshin chahan (fried rice with an omelette), and also got a trio which included chanpon ramen, karaage, and fried rice. The karaage was a bit on the dry side. But the fried rice was amazing. I'm typically fairly meh when it comes to fried rice, but this had a ton of wok hei and was quite tasty. The chanpon was amazing, also. The tenshin chahan was good. But my favorite dish aside from the fried rice was the mapo nasu, or mapo eggplant. The mapo sauce had just the slightest hint of mala without being overwhelmingly spice numbing. The eggplant still maintained its structural integrity. It was overall just an amazing dish. I would definitely drive 40 minutes just to come to this place again. Amazing take on Japanese/Chinese fusion. read more

See all

"Japanese-style Chinese Cuisine", Machi Chuuka's specialty, is about the last thing I'd choose from a food court where every other place is offering straight-up Japanese cuisine but I was intrigued by a poster announcing a new menu item, "Iron Chef Mapo Tofu with Pan-Fried Noodles". Not only have I never knowingly had Japanese-style Chinese food, but I've also never seen a single Iron Chef episode; the combination of trying two things new to me was one I couldn't pass up. The Iron Chef Mapo Tofu (about $14) was a sizable, satisfying portion, served up within about 5 minutes. Though initially put off by the look of the somewhat gelatinous-looking sauce in which the tofu and noodles swam, things began blending together more as I ate, improving the overall look and texture of the dish. It was a good choice, tasty and filling, even though I remain uncertain a) what its Iron Chef affiliation was and b) how this Japanese-style Chinese cuisine differs from ordinary Chinese cuisine.* I'd probably be unlikely to choose a meal from Machi Chuuka were I to return to the Mitsuwa Marketplace in which it's located but that has more to do with a desire to try the other places than any displeasure with this place. What I had here was good. If you want - or think you might want - Japanese-style Chinese cuisine here's the place to try it. * AI bots tell me that Japanese-style Chinese cuisine is "Chinese cuisine which features Japanese flavors, presentation, and often a lighter taste". Though I enjoyed my meal here, it could be said that I prefer Chinese cuisine in the Chinese style. read more

Machi Chuuka by Eboshi - Iron Chef Mapo Tofu with Pan-Fried Noodles: the gelatinous look subsided as the flavors blended while being consumed. - Chinese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This place is absolute fire! My third time eating here and I should have left this review much sooner. They have daily meal specials Monday through Friday. I especially love the half of karaage chicken in Tuesdays. The pieces are HUGE and can definitely be split between two people. I also get the Eboshi Chahan rice. Some of the best fried rice you'll find anywhere around. The staff are always super nice. It's in a pretty bustling food court so keep that in mind if you are going to sit there and dine. read more

See all

Man! It's crowded for sure! But for the good food I will surely be back for more! This restaurant has fresh and best food, the chicken is so good and honestly! My picky kid and hubby adores the omelette and even the tofu!!! Their fried rice that was in the combo is beast! Seriously I think it'll be usual, oh I was wrong! The soup that was in the combo is still steaming hot and it was so filling! They need to add more table though in this food court! The hype is real! Love it read more

Machi Chuuka by Eboshi - Chinese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

Hidden gem inside Mitsuwa food court thats growing on me. Normally im a 97% santouka loyalist, and 3% the curry stand next to santouka that i can never remember the name but $9.95 for a curry plate is value in 2025. I always thought this Eboshi place was an oddball, it seemed more fusion compared to the other food stands (tempura - rice bowls - this spot - ramen - curry/soba/udon - beef tongue bbq). Also theres never really a line at this stand compared to the other ones so that also steered me away. BUT, so far, both experiences id say its a solid decent place. Not phenomenal out of this world taste, but price point and variety of dishes its a filling choice. Seems like Japanese Chinese fusion and a little Korean sprinkled in. Also they always have specials combos or deals which is how i got sucked in becuase i. love. a. deal. 20% off? ok ill bite 50% off? super sold. buy a $13 entree and add an appetizer for $5? sign me up. Eboshi Chahan (Fried Rice) $13.80 - so this time cuz i got the +5pc appetizer combi $15.88 iono if the FR portion was smaller. It seemed slightly smaller than last time but it is still more than enough to fill me up and take out for a 2nd meal. Flavor is awesome 4/5, lots of succulent pork chasu cubes and diced onions & green onions. I prefer to mix the pickled ginger into the mix, together it amplifies the deliciousness somehow, without the ginger its kinda muted. Tori Karaage - surprisingly id say 4.5/5 on account of the super light yet thin coating, it was almost like a fuzzy crispness but immediately crumbles as you bite, it didnt feel as oily as the paper under it looked, and the chicken inside was so juicy but scalding hot. This is the one time i dont recommend using the lemon. Enjoy the purity as is. The complimentary soup ive not enjoyed any of my visits. Its a dark brown barely clear soup that tastes like a salted fish?/seaweed?, very salty to me, and im the type that will drink ramen broth to the bottom cuz its deliciousness but this soup i can take a couple sips and then i pass. Previous visit - Honey Chili Orange Chicken $12.28 - it comes with a bowl of rice. Its an entire entree plate by itself, I foolishly got that plus an Eboshi chahan 50%off. I had enough to feed a family of 2-3. Very strong flavor. 100% you need the complimentary rice to soak up the sauce and spread out the flavor cuz otherwise it just slaps you. Bug chicken pieces, large flat cut vegetables is a splendid blend together. Solid 4/5 id come back for this. Just dont order multiple entrees next time. Parking - shared w Mitsuwa, hectic narrow outside lot angled oarking, they redid the entrance parking area which i feel opened it up more, underneath parking still has crazy drivers going back around the 1 way lane. Weekdays plenty of parking. Weekend park at your own risk, 110% packed, even at like 2-5pm like why would it be packed at non-meal hours!? iono but the food court is overfilled with families and kids like its a theme park. read more

See all

Got take-out from here and it ended up being pretty decent. Went with the kaisen yakisoba which I was worried would be too garlicky given the way it smelled on the drive home but it was really pleasantly seasoned with a good amount of seafood. Also grabbed karaage because it was 50% off the day I went (Tuesdays). I probably didn't need this: it was nicely seasoned but the crispiness was a bit lacking and parts of it were frankly soggy. The food court itself is pretty solid with a bunch of rice/noodle/etc options. I will say most of the things here, including this takeout and the market itself, are rather on the pricy side. However, the food was made quickly and I got a little buzzer so I could explore the market while waiting. It's overall a pretty lively place and it's nice that they have a parking garage. read more

I went to this place just expecting to scratch the itch of curiosity I had over "Japanese Chinese Food". Turns out, this is a Top-3 spot (maybe in all Orange County!). I got the combo (~$13), Honeydew float (~$6), and then my own order of gyoza with it all (~$6). Wasn't a cheap lunch. Tan Tan Men was INCREDIBLE (they also have the OG Chinese equivalent Dandan Mien if you're curious---as I am!). The food took a minute (but I was w/ my SO waiting for her meal as well). It's a VERY busy food area; but well worth it! Lot's a delicious foods but Machi Chuuka's gotta be on everyone's foodie must-have list. 10/10. Would easily come again; am excited to see how it is w/ delivery. read more

See all

3.5/5 stars overall They have a good combo deal for a little under $20: soup, main dish like stir fry seafood and veggies, small side of green beans, appetizer like chicken karaage, rice, and a carbonated drink. Soup was too salty. The stir fry wasn't bad and worth it but also salty. The karaage chicken was good, not bad and crispy but I've had better. The small side of green beans was cold but good. Carbonated yuzu drink was also expired... Super cool where this is in a cool central hub with other food places within the Mitsuwa market. read more

Machi Chuuka by Eboshi - Choose Your Own Combo Plate - Chinese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

Did a road trip from Henderson to Costa Mesa, and we stopped at Mitsuwa Market to do some shopping and have some lunch. First, finding parking was horrible. So, if you're coming for lunch, the entire food court is packed! This was a Saturday. We waited for a seat before ordering, but it was just impossible. We decided to do our shopping first, then come back for lunch. Coming back, the food court was still packed, but we happened to snag a seat. I ordered KANITAMA CHAHAN WITH SOUP. it's a fluffy and tender crab omelet on fried rice, covered with a sauce. OMG, it looked absolutely delicious, and it was, and i ate it all! Highly recommended. read more

Machi Chuuka by Eboshi - Chinese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

This spot is located inside Mitsuwa Marketplace. Got the Kanitama Chahan ($19) for lunch, and it was delicious! This is a crab omelette over fried rice that comes with a sweet and sour sauce on the side. The omelette was quite big, although there wasn't much crab. I think the crab was imitation crab. The fried rice was solid and came with some meat pieces. The dish comes with a seafood soup, which was pretty good. Overall solid lunch! read more

Machi Chuuka by Eboshi - Kanitama Chahan ($19) - Chinese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Delicious Japanese-style mapo tofu + chahan combo. A little on the slow side, but a nice combo with a drink. read more

Machi Chuuka by Eboshi - Mabo Mapo Tofu Choose Your Own Combo Plate - Chinese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Ordered the fried rice with crab sauce. It was big enough to share and delicious. Food came out quickly too read more

Machi Chuuka by Eboshi - Tenshin Han Big enough to share - Chinese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

One of the food stalls Inside Mitsuwa. They have a la carte and combo special offers. I got the seafood ramen one that came with fried rice and a small appetizer (less than $20 as of Dec. 2024) that was enough to share with another human. The variety of vegetables and seafood in the ramen was appreciated and the fried rice and gyoza were good. The shumai was cooked but somehow looked raw from the color. Not sure why the fried rice is world famous. Ramen was slightly on the saltier side so I'll ask for less salty next time. read more

Machi Chuuka by Eboshi - Seafood ramen, fried rice, shumai - Chinese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Newest addition in Mitsuwa food court, I tried it because I came after 7pm on a weeknight and Miyabi Tei was already closed. I saw that they had daily specials so I wanted to give it a try. They had a promo for Karaage at 50% off and instead of me getting ramen next door, I just ordered it from here too. The promo was a hit, I had to wait 15+ minutes for the chicken. I ordered ramen because I felt under the weather. It was a bad idea because the broth was SALTY. I couldn't even enjoy it. I basically just ate all the noodles and left. I took the karaage home and when I opened the box, most of them were dark and tasted burnt. I didn't enjoy it either. I'll try to give them another shot next time but it's not going to be in the near future, read more

See all

Return visit and this go around I tried a ramen dish. Summer special $9.99 ramen bowls. I ordered the Tan Tan Men. As with my first visit the portion was Wow! Huge! Let tell you in packed a tasty punch. The bowl was filled with noodles, sprouts, ground meat, and spices. I stand by the five stars on taste. My son had a bowl of sticky rice. We were both happy with our meal and will return again. Also it is nice Machi Chuukan is open past 7:30p. This gives the Gyutan and Machi Chuukan options with all others who close at 7p or 7:30p. Thank you again Machi Chuukan for the tasty meal. read more

Machi Chuuka by Eboshi - Chinese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

$15 for a very delicious bowl of noodles that isn't pork bone broth based/so salty! MABO RAMEN + fried rice YAYAYAY AND YAKISOBAAA =========== Wowowow the universe works in mysterious ways. Was googling recipes for garlic fried rice and later this place happened to be on yelp. Got mabo tofu ramen with noodles on side I like making my own smaller bowls Broth is clear, but flavorful. Can see the oil on top, but it doesn't taste greasy. Pleasant Mabo tofu with ground pork So delish!!!!! Little gooey, sweet, soft tofu. Would be great over rice, but ramen is nice for something soupy. Not a huge portion, but shouldn't ?? Make you too food coma for work. Garlic chili sauce (on side) Quite spicy for Japanese standards lol there's even some sichuan pepper inside . I used a small spoon and that was enough for me or I'm getting old. I guess I should save the rest for my husband lol really satisfying meal. My stomach is so happy. I have high hopes for the fried rice now. read more

See all

New place to replace the old sky express and a great new addition to the food court. Ordered the combo with mapo egg plant, karaage, rice, soup and Mac salad. It's a lot of food and probably enough to take home. The mapo eggplant was hearty with a hint of spice, egg plant was tender and pairs well with rice. Karaage was juicy and comes with 3 pieces. Don't think of this place as a Chinese restaurant, this is Japanese Chinese which is unique and different than American Chinese. Overall recommended. read more

Machi Chuuka by Eboshi - Mapo eggplant combo - Chinese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Looking for something new and we found a great place. Where? The Food Court at Mitsuwa Marketplace. Machi Chuuka by Eboshi. Japanese Chinese Restaurant, how can you go wrong??? I had Kanitama Chahan. This is Crab Omelette with Sweet and Sour Sauce overI Fried Rice. This is soooo good!!!!. I'd come back soon! I read more

Machi Chuuka by Eboshi - Chinese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

If the iron chef himself invented the Mapo tofu curry then I'm saddened by the taste and originality of the dish. They have daily specials which is nice but not worth the taste imo. I believe this restaurant has potential but it is just not the right cup of tea for my palate. read more

Food is good, but they need to screen their cashiers. Ordered 3 things for takeout. When they called me. Cashier said "ops! called you by accident ". Second time they called me, they handed me 1 thing. Me: where is the other 2. Cashier: ops! here! Me: ... Where is the sauce for this one? Cashier: ops! here! Me: ... Where are the soup for these 2? Cashier: ... here. Maybe you should tip me for doing your job for you. read more

Amazing food and value. Get the combo meal chanpon ramen, fried rice and gyoza for less than $20. read more

Machi Chuuka by Eboshi - Chanpon. Fried rice and Gyoza combo - Chinese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I think this spot is relatively new to the Mitsuwa food court. It was my first time trying it, and I'm glad I did. For under $20 you get a decent portion, plus they had a special with a free float when you purchased any fried rice dish! We tried the ebi fried rice and the crab omelette fried rice! Both were good and I would get them again, solid 7/10. The drink was not my favorite, not much flavor but it was free so I'm not going to complain read more

See all

I ordered the Kanitama Chahan (crab fried rice) and honestly, it was a major regret. Usually I'm not one to complain, but this just wasn't good at all. Not sure what I was expecting, but maybe some real crab in the fried rice? It was clearly imitation (which isn't always a problem), but for the price, I've had actual crab in fried rice elsewhere and for the same amount of $$$. The dish not only didn't taste good, it also looked unappetizing. The offbranded spam(?) they used looked uncooked and discolored too. I couldn't even finish it and ended up throwing it away after just a few bites. Overall definitely not worth it, id skip and try the other restaurants they have in mitsua. I guess there was a reason why they weren't as busy in comparison... read more

Ordered the mapo tofu curry with pork Katsu. It was very salty so I had my husband get me extra red pickled vegetable that went with it. The girl said it would be extra which was kind of disappointing. I really had a hard time eating it so we tried to return it only then the guy says we can get more red pickles. I wouldn't come back to order that again. read more

This place took over where Sky Express used to be. I normally eat lunch at the other restaurants in the Mitsuwa food court, but I'm always willing to give a new place a try. For my very first visit, I ordered a regular sized Gomoku Ramen. It had stir fried veggies and pork with thick sauce. When my food was ready, the noodles were just a tad undercooked. Since the broth was pretty hot, I let it sit for a bit before I continued eating. It was not bad. Besides their regular menu, they have a board out front with their daily specials. While they still don't have as much traffic as the other well established restaurants in this food court, I'll have to return again to try other items on their menu to give them a fair shake. read more

See all

I frequent the Mapo Nasu. Very flavorful, with large portion. Very reasonable prices with great specials. The karaage plate on tuesdays are amazing.. 50% off. Love the chili oil crunch they use here too. read more

Eat this here. Some items may work to go, but eating it right after cooking is when it's best! My favorite ramen joint in Torrance opened a new location in the Costa Mesa Mitsuwa Food Court. I had to go. The maboyakisoba is my go to dish. It's just as good as the Torrance location. It's a nice low spice, slightly sweet mabo tofu over pan fried noodles (hence the name). I also couldn't resist getting the karaage. (It's 50% off on Tueadays). I'll dare to say this location's karaage is better than the original. It comes out a bit crisper and juicier. They have the Eboshi seasoning mix available (on their counter). Be sure to get some of that for the chicken! It's a food court so service is fine. Walk up, order/pay, come back when your buzzer device makes noise. Seating in the food court does fill up quickly, so be sure to have someone in your group find a table while waiting for your order. We'll be back soon! read more

Machi Chuuka by Eboshi - Mabo Tofu with Yakisoba (aka maboyakisoba) and torikara (fried chicken). - Chinese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Had the Mapo Tofu Curry and my Fiancee had the Yakiniku Beef BBQ. Both were really delicious! I have had quite a bit of Japanese Curry before, and this one was pretty perfect! Good spice level, the Pork Katsu was super hot which was great. The BBQ was alsp very flavorful and really good! If you're wondering where to eat in this court, this place is great! read more

So I was sad because this location used to be for Star Express which had the best fried rice in Orange County in my opinion. Fried rice is difficult to do well and very few places do, So I was excited to see its replacement actually be a "Chinese food, Japanese style" establishment. Ordered the: Fried rice Chicken Karage Sui Mai My thoughts: 1. The fried rice was good, not as good as sky express but in the ballpark. My suggestion would be to: a). Use or offer white pepper which is an excellent and traditional ingredient to fried rice b). Offer chili oil as an accompanying condiment. Then it would rank right up there with its predecessor! 2. Chicken karage was good, not great but needs either a dipping sauce or lemon to help it a bit 3. Sui Mai was a miss. Understandably it's a Japanese interpretation but it seem to just be frozen Sui Mai heated up and not made fresh. So if you are looking for truly good Sui Mai I'd not order it here, however: the hot mustard they served with it has to be the absolute best hot mustard I've ever had! Fresh tasting and fire breathing! Hurt so good! I would get the fried rice here again. read more

Machi Chuuka by Eboshi - Chicken karage (good) Sui Mai (from frozen section at the grocery store) but that hot mustard was outstanding! - Chinese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

Oh wow, only my first time here but i will be back!! Loved their selection of Japanese & Chinese fusion items, literally combined my favorites into one. I tried the mapo tofu curry katsu - packed with flavor and sooo rich! Not as packed as other stalls yet because they're relatively new so i would recommend before people discover it read more

Machi Chuuka by Eboshi - Mapo tofu curry katsu - Chinese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

This is a restaurant that serves comfort food that is between Chinese and Japanese crossover. I got the fried rice with an over easy omelette and a clear mushroom sauce. This is kind of a spin on omurice or omelette rice with a different sauce. It was a huge portion size, and the sauce was very savory but light. The gyoza was on point with a savory filling but it didn't come with that crispy pan fried shell. Overall I'd welcome this new establishment to the mitsuwa food courts. read more

Machi Chuuka by Eboshi - Fried rice with over easy omelette - Chinese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

It was so good Just like my favorite foods in Japan! I am so happy that they opened here. Everyone should try it. read more

See all

I got mapo curry katsu. Very very good!!! Highly recommended!!! It's $4 to add katsu. read more

Not sure what the foods like. Waited 15 minutes for a 6pc shumai and as they pulled them out of the microwave, she vaped and exhaled over the food in the back. No thanks. Im good read more

I refuse to do bad reviews. This place is good. I had yakisoba, shu mai, karage chicken. The free soup is not to my taste but is well prepared and a nice touch. Gentleman preparing the food is nice and cooks good food. Do it. read more

Machi Chuuka by Eboshi - Yakisoba - Chinese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Will return because the food was great. An Asian friend recommended I eat here and it's authentic Asian food, as one would expect with such a recommendation. I sent pics to a different Asian friend who gets offended when I eat "fake Asian" food, such as Pei Wei (which I have no problem with)... He saw the Mapo Tofu, which I'd never heard of before, and was really excited The dumplings had so much flavor! I tried fried this time, next time I'm going to try the other ones. The surroundings didn't give me high expectations, but I had an amazing lunch combo with the most flavorful fried rice I've ever had. The Mapo Tofu on its own wasn't flavorful enough for me, so I combined it with the rice and that fixed the issue, because the rice was so good it carried enough flavor for both. I would prefer to not eat in a food court, but as this is the best Asian I've had in California (I live in Oceanside and can't find anything like this), I'll be back next time I'm in the area... It's worth it. The food took longer to make than I expected, but that's because it's not "fast food," even though the venue sets the expectation that it will be. I parked at the 711 next door and walked due to the parking lot being full, but there were tables available so that wasn't a problem. I think because of the parking and the fact that the food takes a while, this isn't a place I would rush to if I were in a hurry, but I certainly don't want to eat such a wonderful meal in a hurry, anyhow. The service was very friendly and he even gave me a free drink to compensate for accidentally calling me to come get my order before it was complete. That was so kind! read more

I was so excited when I saw this shop open The food came out so quick and the Mitsuwa food court has a lot of seating. Takoyaki was one of the best I've had since leaving Japan and I'm glad to have somewhere new to visit! I tried some of the chahan and it was also delicious, make sure to try this place sometime read more

Machi Chuuka by Eboshi - Ebi Chahan, Takoyaki - Chinese Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Came here on Saturday for lunch, and got karagee because they had the best one. It took long time for karagee to come out, and when it did it looked burned. When I asked for remake the young "chef" said there is no need because it's not burned! He preferred to give refund instead for remaking it. This place won't last long. read more

Constructive Criticism: 1) Karaage is always to oily/greasy 2) The food tastes good but it is inconsistent in terms of when we get it. For example, last time the Iron Chef mapo tofu tasted amazing and this time it tasted too salty. -I think having a really detailed recipe will help prevent this issue so even if the chefs are different, they can cook the same dish with the same taste. read more