Want to echo Amy H sentiment that Asian Box filled an important niche for people with a gluten allergy or Celiac disease in Orange County. Can anyone make a recommendation for another restaurant serving any type of Asian cuisine that sources all their sauce ingredients to be gluten free? It's always such a mystery to me why more owners don't do this since Asian food is basically gluten free to start with and it's just the processed sauce ingredients that make it not allergy-safe.
Amy H.
Devastated this is closed. This was my go-to quick lunch or dinner on busy days (nearly weekly!), and when you have a gluten allergy, there are really not a lot of choices that are fast, healthy, and affordable. will miss you, Asian Box!
Andrea B.
Initially I was going to eat at the Habit, which is next door to Asian Box but there was a line out the door & I didn't want to wait outside in 96 weather so I came to Asian Box. The place is very nice and clean inside. There's paper menus as soon as you walk in. You have the choice to create your own meal or to choose one that they make. I got a chicken and jasmine rice with veggies and a Vietnamese coffee. I sat down and in less than 5 minutes, my food was brought out to my table. Everything was very tasteful with lots of flavor. The only down side was that it was a tiny amount of chicken considering it was about $15. They also charge extra to add some veggies. Otherwise it would just be rice with a small amount of chicken. The coffee was really good too but very small. It cost about the same price as a venti at Starbucks but half the size. The restroom was very nice and clean as well. Overall I would recommend it to try it out but be prepared to spend a little more than most places that sell chicken & rice/ coffee.
Anese S.
I recently moved to the area and this is my absolute favorite place to eat locally. I always get their spicy chicken box and it always tastes so fresh and it is guilt free. Another perk, which I was told by a friend with a gluten allergy, they use no gluten- even in their sauces. If you're looking for a fresh and healthy option, I highly recommend Asian Box.
Christine L.
Solid 4 because of the student box. Healthy and tasty considering it's price. Throw in a drink and honestly it's an affordable meal that also prioritizes my health. Quick in and out + service was fast and friendly. Ambiance is casual and you can dine there or in the patio. Would love if they could do meal prep + certify organic ingredients / sourcing.
Alireza N.
For years I kept telling myself this place isn't worth visiting then I finally tried and at 5pm, doors locked and closed. On a Friday.
Kyle T.
This Vietnamese-inspired Asian Box is like Chipotle, but with a fusion twist that'll make your taste buds sing with joy. The best part? They've got vegan options too, so even your animal-loving pals can chow down with you. The ambiance is clean, vibrant, and totally Insta-worthy, so you can show off your fancy foodie tastes. And don't forget to bring some extra peanut sauce for self- I drooling just thinking about it!
Sindy G.
First time trying this place for a coworkers birthday lunch. We ordered 10 boxes online and it was a quick process. Their website allows you to order days in advance (which is a plus). I had to make a change after my order was already placed and the process was very easy, the customer service was great! I had "The Miss Jones" box and it was really good, I would rate it a 8/10. Some of the other boxes picked were the chicken curry and their workout box, everyone enjoyed their meal. Look forward to coming back and trying out something new.
Eli R.
Sick of the same old food line-up? Looking to try something different, but you're worried it won't be good ? Well I got the thing for you. I got this catered at my job recently, and I was surprised I haven't heard of this place sooner. I believe I got The OX BOX w/ the Sriracha on the side (can't do spicy ) and it was delicious! First of all the plate was packed with a combination of ingredients. The steak was medium and it was very juicy and tender. The ratio was spot on with this plate. I definitely look forward to checking out more of there food and visiting it in person. I suggest you do the same
Alex Flavell
Disappointing. I had pretty reasonable expectations for the soup (really, pho), but it was a let down. The one positive is that the ingredients are all high quality; there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with the condition of the food.The pho broth was egregiously sweet. It almost tasted like the cooks dumped a cup of limeade into the broth, or that sugar-forward hoisin sauce was dumped in indiscriminately. It seriously tasted 8-10x sweeter than anything I’ve ever had before. Something went seriously wrong.Additionally, the chicken was grilled before its inclusion with the dish. It creates a really weird, unpleasant clash between the sweet broth, tangy lime, and grilled chicken flavors. The fat was not cut well enough on the chicken either.My partner’s chicken curry box was awesome.
100% gluten free restaurant. We enjoyed the green curry with chicken and Ox box with steak. The portions were filling. It's a fast food ambiance. The gf chocolate chip cookie was tasty and not crumbly.Dietary restrictions: 100% gluten free. Lots of vegetarian options.
Curtis Hu
This place used to be my favorite. Got it pretty much everyday. But since 2022 September, everything has changed…. Not only is the portion way smaller (only few pieces of meat and veggies) , the price is higher too. I gave it a few more tries, but it still was the same, which then I decided not to ever go there again. I know the owner wants to earn more and get greater margins, but this is simply stupid…. Is it better to get bigger margins when you’re loosing all the customers, especially the loyal ones?
Jackie P.
I ordered their student box with Six-Spice Chicken and it was pretty good, I found it to be comparable to that of a Flame Broiler bowl- was about $13 and it comes with rice, chicken, veggies, and a drink (would recommend their Vietnamese Iced Coffee). Note- If you check in on Yelp you get a free house drink but you can't combine this offer with the student box.
Random Rainbow
Honestly the service here is really horrible and the food is MID. I also saw an employee being yelled at which is so unprofessional to do in-front of their costumers. Would not go there a second time. If you are a UCI student try another restaurant to have a good lunch at after classes this place is NOT worth it. Wishing I can give 0 stars :/
Katy C.
What I Ordered:Student Box (comes with rice, pickled vegetables, steamed vegetables, choice of protein, and choice of drink)* super filling* definitely worth the price* balanced and quick meal8.5/10
Want to echo Amy H sentiment that Asian Box filled an important niche for people with a gluten allergy or Celiac disease in Orange County. Can anyone make a recommendation for another restaurant serving any type of Asian cuisine that sources all their sauce ingredients to be gluten free? It's always such a mystery to me why more owners don't do this since Asian food is basically gluten free to start with and it's just the processed sauce ingredients that make it not allergy-safe.
Devastated this is closed. This was my go-to quick lunch or dinner on busy days (nearly weekly!), and when you have a gluten allergy, there are really not a lot of choices that are fast, healthy, and affordable. will miss you, Asian Box!
Initially I was going to eat at the Habit, which is next door to Asian Box but there was a line out the door & I didn't want to wait outside in 96 weather so I came to Asian Box. The place is very nice and clean inside. There's paper menus as soon as you walk in. You have the choice to create your own meal or to choose one that they make. I got a chicken and jasmine rice with veggies and a Vietnamese coffee. I sat down and in less than 5 minutes, my food was brought out to my table. Everything was very tasteful with lots of flavor. The only down side was that it was a tiny amount of chicken considering it was about $15. They also charge extra to add some veggies. Otherwise it would just be rice with a small amount of chicken. The coffee was really good too but very small. It cost about the same price as a venti at Starbucks but half the size. The restroom was very nice and clean as well. Overall I would recommend it to try it out but be prepared to spend a little more than most places that sell chicken & rice/ coffee.
I recently moved to the area and this is my absolute favorite place to eat locally. I always get their spicy chicken box and it always tastes so fresh and it is guilt free. Another perk, which I was told by a friend with a gluten allergy, they use no gluten- even in their sauces. If you're looking for a fresh and healthy option, I highly recommend Asian Box.
Solid 4 because of the student box. Healthy and tasty considering it's price. Throw in a drink and honestly it's an affordable meal that also prioritizes my health. Quick in and out + service was fast and friendly. Ambiance is casual and you can dine there or in the patio. Would love if they could do meal prep + certify organic ingredients / sourcing.
For years I kept telling myself this place isn't worth visiting then I finally tried and at 5pm, doors locked and closed. On a Friday.
This Vietnamese-inspired Asian Box is like Chipotle, but with a fusion twist that'll make your taste buds sing with joy. The best part? They've got vegan options too, so even your animal-loving pals can chow down with you. The ambiance is clean, vibrant, and totally Insta-worthy, so you can show off your fancy foodie tastes. And don't forget to bring some extra peanut sauce for self- I drooling just thinking about it!
First time trying this place for a coworkers birthday lunch. We ordered 10 boxes online and it was a quick process. Their website allows you to order days in advance (which is a plus). I had to make a change after my order was already placed and the process was very easy, the customer service was great! I had "The Miss Jones" box and it was really good, I would rate it a 8/10. Some of the other boxes picked were the chicken curry and their workout box, everyone enjoyed their meal. Look forward to coming back and trying out something new.
Sick of the same old food line-up? Looking to try something different, but you're worried it won't be good ? Well I got the thing for you. I got this catered at my job recently, and I was surprised I haven't heard of this place sooner. I believe I got The OX BOX w/ the Sriracha on the side (can't do spicy ) and it was delicious! First of all the plate was packed with a combination of ingredients. The steak was medium and it was very juicy and tender. The ratio was spot on with this plate. I definitely look forward to checking out more of there food and visiting it in person. I suggest you do the same
Disappointing. I had pretty reasonable expectations for the soup (really, pho), but it was a let down. The one positive is that the ingredients are all high quality; there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with the condition of the food.The pho broth was egregiously sweet. It almost tasted like the cooks dumped a cup of limeade into the broth, or that sugar-forward hoisin sauce was dumped in indiscriminately. It seriously tasted 8-10x sweeter than anything I’ve ever had before. Something went seriously wrong.Additionally, the chicken was grilled before its inclusion with the dish. It creates a really weird, unpleasant clash between the sweet broth, tangy lime, and grilled chicken flavors. The fat was not cut well enough on the chicken either.My partner’s chicken curry box was awesome.
Restaurantji Recommends
100% gluten free restaurant. We enjoyed the green curry with chicken and Ox box with steak. The portions were filling. It's a fast food ambiance. The gf chocolate chip cookie was tasty and not crumbly.Dietary restrictions: 100% gluten free. Lots of vegetarian options.
This place used to be my favorite. Got it pretty much everyday. But since 2022 September, everything has changed…. Not only is the portion way smaller (only few pieces of meat and veggies) , the price is higher too. I gave it a few more tries, but it still was the same, which then I decided not to ever go there again. I know the owner wants to earn more and get greater margins, but this is simply stupid…. Is it better to get bigger margins when you’re loosing all the customers, especially the loyal ones?
I ordered their student box with Six-Spice Chicken and it was pretty good, I found it to be comparable to that of a Flame Broiler bowl- was about $13 and it comes with rice, chicken, veggies, and a drink (would recommend their Vietnamese Iced Coffee). Note- If you check in on Yelp you get a free house drink but you can't combine this offer with the student box.
Honestly the service here is really horrible and the food is MID. I also saw an employee being yelled at which is so unprofessional to do in-front of their costumers. Would not go there a second time. If you are a UCI student try another restaurant to have a good lunch at after classes this place is NOT worth it. Wishing I can give 0 stars :/
What I Ordered:Student Box (comes with rice, pickled vegetables, steamed vegetables, choice of protein, and choice of drink)* super filling* definitely worth the price* balanced and quick meal8.5/10