Happy April Fools’ Eve, Trojans! With exactly one month left of classes, the senior year scaries are no joke and are really starting to set in for me. I have capstone projects and final assignments with mysteriously low progress, no matter how much work I’ve put into them. 

My late assignments could be a result of my spring break procrastination, but with graduation coming up, now is the time to lock in. And what better motivation could there be than great eats and a homey dining experience? 

So, for those who also relaxed a little too hard during spring break and are behind on work or need a brunch date spot, a short trek up to Koreatown to Liu’s Cafe will have you refueled with savory-sweet options situated within a modern, mid-century diner atmosphere.

Opened in September 2023, Liu’s Cafe is relatively new to the Los Angeles food scene. The restaurant is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays to Fridays and open until 3:30 p.m. on weekends. The owners have a sister ice cream shop called Liu’s Creamery, located right next door and open weekends around lunch, from 12 to 3:30 p.m., and dinnertime, from 6 to 10 p.m. 

Upon entry, customers are greeted by a cashier at the front, where guests order and pay before being seated, reflecting a fast-casual environment. The easygoing diner atmosphere continues into the dining room but transforms into a minimalist mid-century space that entices customers to stay and study for a while. 

Liu’s Cafe specializes in Chinese plates, Taiwanese-fusion brunch foods and family-style portions, ranging from rice bowls to large noodle plates. The diner is limited to just five main course dishes and five drink options, with selections of traditional teas, milk teas and lemonade.

From the food to the decor, the Chinese and American influence seeps into every corner of the diner. Liu’s Cafe spotlights a stunning gallery wall of framed artwork featuring chili crisp bottles, florals and Hong Kong travel posters that set the tone for an inviting destination meal. 

One of the best parts of Liu’s is the affordability built into the menu — everything costs under $15.50 per item. Despite the extremely competitive prices, Liu’s quality is top-notch and reflects a homestyle cooking reminiscent of a distant aunt or relative. 

Unfortunately for me and my fellow nut allergy readers, two out of the five main course options contain peanuts, and there is no option to edit the dishes. So, for those who do not enjoy rice bowls and have a severe nut allergy, you may want to stick to the drinks or French toast. 

That being said, I ordered everything non-peanut-related to still ensure a comprehensive review. And although I was limited to just a few options, those three dishes absolutely knocked my expectations out of the park and the taste buds off my tongue. 

The Chiayi chicken rice features shredded chicken and rice cooked in savory chicken broth for a smooth texture and a dish packed with flavor — reminiscent of a dish my mom would make for me growing up. Even though my mom’s is still better, Liu’s Cafe gives her a good run for her money with its sauce-like consistency throughout the chicken rice. 

The braised pork belly rice bowl hosts square-cut pork and spiral-cut cucumbers for a mixture of different textures and flavors. The braised pork belly has a consistency that melts in your mouth and a rich caramelized taste that isn’t too overpowering. The cucumbers also add a nice refreshing taste to all of the savory-centric dishes. 

The cherry on top of my dining experience was the cafe’s Hong-Kong-style French toast, for which I also paid $1.50 for the tiramisu-style add-on. The French toast boasts a crispy outside with a smooth, cakey inside. Topped with housemade tiramisu cream and coffee jellies, the toast is not too sweet and achieves a perfect balance of chocolate and cream that is difficult to accomplish. 

Between the rice bowls bursting with stacked proteins and savory flavors, as well as the French toast offering a sweet yet rich farewell, I am clawing at any chance to go back to Liu’s Cafe. 

Whether you’re looking for your next brunch-date plans in Koreatown or a simple study spot to lock in for finals, Liu’s Cafe is an essential stop on your next L.A. itinerary. Fellow peanut- allergy foodies beware that main-course options are limited, but I guarantee the dishes available to you will be worth the trip. 

Jason Pham is a senior writing about affordable eating and restaurants in his column, “Dining Dollars,” which runs every other Monday.