Dha Rae Oak — Review by Grub with Greg
Los Angeles, United States — Asian
The reviewer returns to Dha Rae Oak to enjoy their signature clay pot duck, a dish that takes hours to prepare. The duck comes perfectly cooked and tender, served with purple rice, potatoes, seeds and nuts, along with crispy duck fat-fried potatoes and a flavorful duck broth with noodles. The restaurant and its dishes clearly impressed the reviewer who was excited to be back.
What was great: Clay pot duck that falls apart, crispy potatoes fried in duck fat, duck broth with noodles and shredded duck, the overall quality and preparation of dishes
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The star of the show is the clay pot duck, an impressive dish that requires hours of preparation. When it arrives at the table, the pot is broken open to reveal the tender duck surrounded by purple rice, potatoes, seeds and nuts. The duck meat simply falls apart, showcasing the careful cooking process. The reviewer also enjoyed barbecued and seasoned duck that gets fried on a flat top, with the rendered duck fat used to create perfectly crispy potatoes. These potatoes are served with mustard and green onions, with the green onions adding a fresher dimension to the dish. Additionally, there's a duck broth with noodles featuring shredded pieces of duck, creating a comforting and flavorful soup component to the meal.
The Experience
The atmosphere appears casual and welcoming, with the chef present and engaging with the reviewer. There's clear rapport between the reviewer and the staff, with friendly interaction and laughter throughout the visit. The kitchen work is visible and the chef takes pride in explaining the dishes and their preparation methods.
Value & Pricing
No specific prices are mentioned in the transcript, but the level of preparation and time invested in dishes like the clay pot duck suggests quality craftsmanship that likely justifies the cost.
Notable Moments
It's something that takes hours to prepare. It comes to your table right out of the clay pot.
This duck just falls apart.
With the onion is more better.
The Verdict
Dha Rae Oak is clearly a destination for serious duck enthusiasts and those seeking traditional, carefully prepared Asian cuisine. The clay pot duck alone is worth a visit, and the attention to detail in every component of the meal demonstrates a chef who cares deeply about their craft. This restaurant is perfect for anyone wanting an authentic, high-quality dining experience.