Robots May Be Cooking Chinese Food, But They Haven’t Figured Out Wok Hei

In the last year or so, multiple robot-powered fast-food Chinese restaurants have opened in Los Angeles, including Robowok, which operates out of a strip mall right across the street from the University of Southern California. Though “robo” is in its name, the only labor robots actually perform is the cooking itself, which happens in rotating drums right behind the counter; the preparation and doling out of dishes requires humans to take over. For an affordable and quick option, Robowok more than fits the bill, but don’t expect the same heart (or flavor) as your favorite neighborhood Chinese restaurant.

Robowok shares a lot with Smart & Final and Taco Bell, which means finding a spot can be a fiasco after work. There are a few metered spots on nearby side streets if looking to avoid the mayhem.

Robowok’s portions are intentionally small to let diners build their own combination plates, so don’t shy away from ordering a handful of dishes. Each item comes in at $6.99 or under.