RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK Dr. Yoo’s Chinese Kitchen writes prescription for Chinatown cuisine in Pyeongtaek
The food at Dr. Yoo's Chinese Kitchen in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province / Courtesy of Shuttle Delivery
Nestled among neon-lit storefronts of Pyeongtaek’s Anjeong-ri, just outside of Camp Humphreys' walk-in gate, lies a hidden gem waiting to tantalize your taste buds. Dr. Yoo's Chinese Kitchen isn't your run-of-the-mill American Chinese takeout joint — it's a culinary oasis where fragrant aromas waft from the kitchen. Stepping inside is like journeying through a portal to a vibrant street market, the walls adorned with colorful posters and the air buzzing with the symphony of sizzling woks and chattering diners.
But the true magic unfolds on Dr. Yoo's meticulously curated menu, a who’s who of American Chinese classics with some innovative twists that will leave you wanting more. Forget the greasy takeout and MSG-laden fare — Dr. Yoo's philosophy centers on fresh, high-quality ingredients and authentic cooking techniques, ensuring every bite is an explosion of flavor.
Orange Chicken is one of the beloved favorite of Chinese American cuisine, known for its perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, and Dr. Yoo has the cure. They deep-dry chicken thighs until they achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior. The chicken is then generously coated in a sweet citrus garlic glaze made from a delightful blend of orange juice, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce and garlic that imparts a citrusy and mildly spicy flavor profile. The tanginess of the orange zest, combined with the sweetness of the sauce, creates a mouth-watering experience that is both rich and refreshing. The Orange Chicken is a perfect complement to either the Chowmein or the Fried Rice and the most popular choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Orange Chicken at Dr. Yoo's Chinese Kitchen in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province / Courtesy of Shuttle Delivery
The Kungpao Chicken does a fiery dance on the taste buds. Imagine tender chunks of chicken, glistening with a fiery-red glaze, nestled amid a bed of crunchy peanuts and crisp vegetables. Each morsel is a symphony of textures and tastes — the tender chicken yielding to your bite, the peanuts adding a satisfying crunch and the vegetables offering a refreshing counterpoint to the heat. But the star of the show is undoubtedly the sauce, a complex concoction of chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns and ginger that dances on your tongue with a fiery intensity, tempered by a subtle sweetness. This dish will leave you wanting to lick the plate clean.
General Tso's Chicken is another classic dish in Chinese American cuisine, an irresistible combination of sweet, spicy and tangy flavors that patrons of Dr. Yoo will want to write home about. It features succulent chicken thighs deep-fried to a crisp, golden perfection and then tossed in a robust and slightly sticky sauce, which is the heart of the dish's appeal. This sauce is a masterful blend of garlic, ginger, sugar, soy sauce and red chili peppers, often with a hint of vinegar to add a subtle tang. The result is a rich, flavorful coating that clings to each piece of chicken, offering a delightful contrast of textures. Garnished with green onions and sometimes sprinkled with sesame seeds, General Tso's Chicken is a feast for the palate that is not to be missed.
General Tso's Chicken at Dr. Yoo's Chinese Kitchen in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province / Courtesy of Shuttle Delivery
When you're craving a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine, Dr. Yoo serves all of the American Chinese classics. With its flavorful fare, vibrant atmosphere and warm hospitality, Dr. Yoo's is more than just a restaurant — it's a prescription for a delicious escape.
Dr. Yoo’s Chinese Kitchen is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., daily. If you're around Pyeongtaek’s Anjeong-ri, you can skip the queue, pay online and place pickup or delivery orders using the Shuttle app or shuttledelivery.co.kr.
Mark Boesch is co-founder and chief marketing officer of Shuttle Delivery.