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Welcome to Yu Yu Za Zang

At Yu Yu Za Zang, a charming eatery nestled in Oakland, CA, authentic Korean-Chinese cuisine comes to life. Renowned for its delectable jajangmyeon—black bean noodles rich in flavor—this restaurant has become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors. The warm, welcoming atmosphere and friendly owners create a cozy dining experience that encourages patrons to savor every bite. Guests rave about the tangsuyuk, crispy meat served with a tangy sauce, perfectly complementing the comforting noodles. With its casual vibe, outdoor seating, and family-friendly facilities, Yu Yu Za Zang is the ideal spot for anyone craving a taste of Korea’s culinary delights.

Yu Yu Za Zang: Reviews & Ratings

Evelyn J.
Evelyn J.

This is my go-to place for jajangmyeon in the area! The most authentic place I've tried so far. My family gets both the jajangmyeon and jampong + tangsuyuk on the side. Cozy and craving-satisfying!

Sona K.
Sona K.

Best Jajangmyun and tangsooyuk!! We came up here from San Jose today and are leaving with happy stomach!! I dare to say this is the best Korean Chinese res in the bay area!!

Sonja P.
Sonja P.

A little hard to find parking, but one can get lucky. Found a spot right in front after a circle around the block. Nice, quaint spot, if you're looking for some good jajameun and jam pong. Here it is. They are both so comforting. I usually get the combo. I also order a tang sue, deep fried meat, vegetables, or shrimp. The sweet couple, who seem to own the restaurant, come out somewhat upbeat about the food. Nothing fancy in the restaurant but the food is tasty.

Veronica L.
Veronica L.

Been meaning to try the black bean noodles here and finally did! It's got the old established hole in the wall I miss from living for 11 years in NYC. The owners are a Korean couple that were kind and took our order and served the food. We ordered the GanZaZang noodles and the Tang Sue Chicken. Food took a bit longer than other tables to come out but was delivered freshly made and piping hot! I like that the tang sue fried chicken is served separately from the sweet and sour sauce so it doesn't get soggy and if you have leftovers like we did, you can reheat it easily and it doesn't lose its crispiness. I enjoyed the noodles, which were chewy and hot. The sauce to noodle ratio was great and there was a good onion/veggie/meat ratio as well. Lots of Korean speaking customers and we saw a few older ladies heartily tucking into their noodles as we left. Will definitely be back! This place is a hidden gem! Family friendly and their bathroom was clean and huge and would fit a stroller for parents in that phase of life!

Angela W.
Angela W.

Jjajangmyeon!!!! My favorite food ever. And this place hit the spot. I'd been craving jjajangmyeon for awhile, and Yu yu za zang was perfectly nearby, accessible by public transportation. First impressions: there was ample seating inside, I went for early weekend dinner (around 5pm), and my friend and I were the only ones there other than - what seemed like - an elderly Korean friend group. Service was friendly and prompt. We got the Gan Za Zang (jjajangmyeon) and tangsuyuk - our server said the difference between Gan Za Zang and the regular Jjajangmyeon on the menu is that Gan Za Zang will have a thicker sauce with more onions and meat. Tangsuyuk was also crispy and chewy, very nice! I usually have Chinese 炸酱面 (zhajiangmian), it's been awhile since I've had Korean jjajangmyeon. Jjajangmyeon sauce is typically thicker and sweeter - this place serves the Korean version - and reallllly hit the spot on the day that I went!! Not sure if I would make the trek here if I lived further than 30 min on a normal day, but definitely perfect for when those cravings hit!!

HanNa P.
HanNa P.

Went to a Zoo nearby and got recommended this place. Heard this restaurant has been here for years now. Hole in the wall kind of feel. Koreans eating at a Korean-Chinese place means it's good. I got Zampong and husband got Zazangmyun but big size. We also shared fried dumplings. All tasted pretty yummy. Noodles were fairly well cooked. Service was nice. Street parking in front or you can try parking in the lot

Kathy L.
Kathy L.

Came here upon the recommendation of a friend for jjajangmyeon (black bean sauce noodles). It's a neighborhood mom & pop restaurant serving Korean versions of Chinese food--a perfect marriage between the 2 cuisines. We were seated right away, and given menus. Because I knew what I wanted, I didn't bother looking at the menu. We ordered the tangsuyuk (beef) and jjajangmyeon and we were not disappointed. The meal was served quickly. The beef was crispy, not greasy/oily taste & the dipping sauce was perfectly tangy. The noodles were served covered in the jjajang sauce and I had great joy mixing the sauce & noodles. The 2 dishes together were the perfect combination and absolutely delicious. I would definitely return for their jjajangmyeon despite not living on this side of the Bay and maybe to try something else on the menu. Come in hungry, stay for the noodles, you won't be disappointed.

Jennifer O.
Jennifer O.

The owner is the hardest-working person I've seen running restaurant in a some time: She takes the orders, brings the plates, settles the bill and busses the tables. And in our case, tried in vain to get us to order a different entree because ours were almost identical. She was right. So, we had a lot of sweet & sour pork, hit the spot. Won ton soup had a good flavored broth with lots of dumplings and shrimp (medium, $15.95). Skip the vegetarian egg rolls, tasted frozen. We came in as soon as they opened and by the time we left, half the tables were filled and to-go third party and individual orders were steadily going out the door. As one Yelper said, "Come for the Chinese food, stay for the hidden Korean menu." Just about right. It's basic but the food is good, in sizable portions (even we with my swimmer had leftovers) and at reasonable prices. Street parking, accepts credit cards.

Bonnie S.
Bonnie S.

Would definitely come back here. It is hard to decide what to order as they have a ton of Korean and Chinese options here. We ordered the Jap Chae Bap, Za zang myun and sweet and sour pork. Everything was freshly made and delicious. The Jap Chae was sooooooo good! I'll be thinking about it for days. Service was friendly and fast. The restaurant had a decent amount of seating and was clean.

Farrah F.
Farrah F.

I was excited to try this out per someone's recommendation and the noodles are super tasty! (I got the ganzazang and really appreciate that they have a beef version since I can't eat pork!) Parking is kinda difficult to find depending on when you go, but service is pretty quick and fairly courteous. For the price, I was hopeful for a larger portion, but I may just be spoiled by the portion sizes over at Paik's, haha.

Location

  • Yu Yu Za Zang
    4871 Telegraph Ave Oakland, CA 94609 Hotline: (510) 653-2288

Welcome to Yu Yu Za Zang, Oakland's hidden gem for those craving an authentic Korean-Chinese dining experience!

Located at 4871 Telegraph Ave, this quaint eatery stands out for its inviting atmosphere, friendly service, and most importantly, its mouthwatering dishes that celebrate the beloved Korean comfort food: jjajangmyeon. If you're a fan of this iconic black bean noodle dish, you're in for a treat.

Yu Yu Za Zang prides itself on its authentic preparation of jajangmyeon. According to satisfied customers, the restaurant's version boasts a rich, thick sauce brimming with onions and savory meat, delivering a delightful umami punch. The Gan Za Zang variant enhances this experience with an even heartier sauce, ensuring that every bite is loaded with flavor. Coupled with extra crispy tangsuyuk, a deep-fried delicacy, this pairing has garnered rave reviews. Notably, Sona K. declared it to be the best Korean-Chinese restaurant in the Bay Area, underscoring the culinary excellence on offer.

Though it sits on a busy street, parking can be an adventure. Once you’re inside, you’ll find a cozy ambiance that’s perfect for families and groups. As Sonja P. aptly described, the space feels like a warm embrace, conducive for both casual lunch outings or delightful dinner gatherings. With limited vegetarian options, it's best suited for meat-lovers and those willing to share. The friendly faces of the owners greet you as if you were stepping into their home, making the dining experience all the more special.

Yu Yu Za Zang transcends mere dining; it offers a glimpse into a culture rich with flavors and warmth. Customers often rave about the fresh preparation method, highlighting the crispy tangsuyuk served separately from the sauce to maintain its crunch. Veronica L. appreciated this thoughtful touch, especially when savoring leftovers at home.

The magic of Yu Yu Za Zang doesn't just lie in the food; the entire experience—from the serene outdoor seating to the casual yet lively environment—lends itself to a perfect evening out. Whether you're stopping by for a hearty lunch during the workweek or indulging in a dinner with friends over a couple of beers or wines, the setting welcomes everyone.

With a solid lineup of happy hour specials, Wi-Fi access, and even dog-friendly seating, it's no wonder that this establishment appeals to a diverse crowd. The presence of Korean-speaking patrons further reinforces the authenticity of the experience, making it a home away from home for those who miss the tastes of Korea.

If delicious Korean-Chinese cuisine is calling your name, look no further than Yu Yu Za Zang. Give your cravings the satisfying response they deserve—comfort food that not only fills the belly but warms the heart.

For reservations or inquiries, reach out at (510) 653-2288. Enjoy the delightful culinary journey that awaits you!