Discover Vibes and Authenticity at QUA Contemporary Chinese Cuisine

A Warm Welcome to QUA

The moment you step into QUA Contemporary Chinese Cuisine, you know you’re in for a special dining experience. Spanning 9,000 square feet with soaring 15-foot ceilings, this restaurant is designed to be both modern and inviting. A central 32-seat bar showcases mixologists who whip up creative cocktails, aptly named Forbidden Jade and Melon Ball, to start your dining adventure. The warm staff greets you upon entry, setting a friendly tone. A vintage collage of family photos, including one of Executive Chef Viet Nguyen’s grandmother, Vu Thi Lan, hangs near the entrance. Known as "Grandma Vu," her legacy is woven into the restaurant’s fabric, with a prominent sign reading, “The Heritage Wall: Honoring our roots, our families, our legacy.”

The Essence of Kei Concepts

QUA is the latest addition to Kei Concepts, a collection of popular eateries that includes VOX Kitchen, KIN Craft Ramen & Izakaya, and more, all nestled in Fountain Valley. Each Kei restaurant offers a unique take on Asian cuisine, but QUA truly stands out. The restaurant’s name means “to overcome” in Vietnamese, reflecting Nguyen’s deep connection to his heritage and the Cho Lon Chinatown district of Saigon, where his grandmother settled after fleeing North Vietnam. “Before QUA was a restaurant, it was her kitchen,” the website notes, encapsulating the inspiration and love behind the dishes.

Nguyen’s Culinary Journey

Executive Chef Viet Nguyen shares a personal narrative that inspires the menu at QUA. “For years, I created what people asked for,” he says, expressing a newfound desire to share flavors shaped by his childhood. The menu is both authentic and approachable, allowing diners to explore traditional dishes while feeling comfortable. Offerings range from adventurous options like Sichuan Pig Ear to accessible favorites like Sichuan Bang Bang Chicken. This balance makes the restaurant appealing to a wide variety of diners, from seasoned food aficionados to those new to authentic Asian cuisine.

Navigating the Extensive Menu

Despite the vast array of dishes, Nguyen has designed the experience to be collaborative. My husband and I were initially overwhelmed, surrounded by tempting options like salted egg yolk lava bao and various stir fry preparations. Our server, Cory, expertly guided us through the selections based on our preferences. We started with an outstanding XO abalone paired with fried tofu. The abalone, firm yet tender, was complemented by a complex XO butter sauce, a mix of chili, garlic, and dried seafood that elevated the flavor. The tofu, crispy on the outside and soft within, was enhanced by a garlic-spiked soy sauce.

Indulge in House Specialties

As we ventured further into the menu, we sampled two of QUA’s standout house specialties: crab roe and Dong Po pork belly. The crab roe dish was a delightful stew featuring more blue crab than sauce, served with your choice of noodles or rice. The warm, thick stew paired wonderfully with marinated mushrooms, pickled cabbage, and ginger. Mixing these components together created a flavor explosion that lingered long after our meal. The Dong Po pork belly, a traditional dish from Hangzhou, stole the show. Braised in a sweet-salty sauce, this indulgent cut of pork was rich and satisfying, served alongside baby bok choy and jasmine rice. It was truly a dream for pork belly enthusiasts.

An Evolving Experience

During our visit, which coincided with the restaurant’s soft opening, Cory actively sought our feedback on the dishes we tried. This commitment to customer input reflects the ethos of Kei Concepts, as co-CEO Ivy Ha remarked, “Our communities inspire us. Their feedback and support fuel our innovation.” As a result, diners play a vital role in shaping the restaurant’s direction. For those eager to explore authentic Asian fare, QUA offers a welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, and a journey into the heart of Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine in Fountain Valley.

QUA Contemporary Chinese Cuisine, 16121 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Price Range: Appetizers ($8 – $27), Dim Sum ($4 – $12), Rice ($16 – $20), House Specialties ($22 – $59), Noodles & Hot Dishes ($12 – $27), Desserts ($8).

With its captivating ambiance, rich connection to heritage, and flavorful dishes, QUA is not just a restaurant; it’s a tribute to family and tradition that deserves a spot on your culinary map. Come explore the tastes that shaped Chef Viet Nguyen, and prepare to savor a unique dining experience. Whether you are a seasoned eater of Asian cuisine or a curious newcomer, QUA is destined to become a highlight in your gastronomic adventures.