The Classic: Chinese Chicken Salad @ Feast from the East

In Los Angeles, Chinese Chicken Salad is almost synonymous with Feast From the East, a restaurant in Westwood that has specialized in the dish for almost 30 years. Feast from the East is located on Westwood Blvd, 2 blocks south of Santa Monica Blvd and has expanded over the years to include a large dining room, although most customers get takeout.

The Chinese Chicken Salad is described as Romaine lettuce, shredded chicken breast, sliced almonds, sesame seeds and scallions. Wonton Strips and their signature sesame dressing are packaged separately. It comes in small and large sizes and the large at $8.45 is enough for two people.

The wonton chips are less greasy than my dining companion and I remembered, and consequently less flavorful and good. The chicken breast tasted fresh, and the dressing was as usual (it is even sold in bottles). Overall it is a fine salad, but not something special. But if you are in the mood for Chinese Chicken Salad, this is a reliable spot to get it quickly and at a good value.

The other signature item at Feast from the East are their Sesame Chicken Wings (pictured below). They come in orders of six, twelve or eighteen pieces and include both wings and drumettes (mini drumsticks). The drumettes have about twice the meat of the wings. The wings are a pleasant accompaniment to the salad and unlike many wings are not too sticky so you will not need a ton of napkins.

Feast from the East: 1949 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles. Phone: (310) 475-0400. Website: www.ffte.com