Originally founded in Changsha, Hunan Province in 2008, Jue Wei quickly became a staple throughout Asia for its flavorful braised duck products. This new opening in San Diego marks the chain's latest expansion into the U.S. market, with other locations in Queens, NY, and Los Angeles.
The new Jue Wei Food outpost is situated in the Plaza Del Sol shopping center on Convoy Street, an area renowned for its diverse array of Asian eateries. The menu focuses on various cuts of duck, including necks, wings, feet, and gizzards, all prepared using Jue Wei's signature slow-braising technique with a special blend of seasonings. Beyond duck, the selection extends to other popular Chinese snacks, such as pig feet, crawfish, beancurd skin, quail eggs, and lotus root, catering to fans of traditional Chinese street food.
The store, owned by Serena Wang, showcases a variety of snacks in refrigerated cases, with each item offering a distinct burst of mala spice - the famous numbing and tingling flavor of Sichuan peppercorn. Wang, who moved to San Diego from Dalian, China, opened Jue Wei Food to bring a taste of her hometown to the local community. Although Jue Wei Food in San Diego is similar to the well-known Asian chain, this location is independently run and most closely shares ties with Jue Wei Kitchen in Los Angeles County's San Gabriel Valley.
For those looking for a full experience, the shop offers everything from duck heads and necks to skewers of chicken, beef, and sausage that can be customized with various seasonings, including five-spice, spicy, and sweet-sour. Other popular options include fried eggplant, crispy squid, and stinky tofu in a spicy sauce. With just a few tables inside, Jue Wei is designed mainly for takeout, and orders can also be made through the Hungry Panda app for added convenience.
Jue Wei Food is located at 4698 Convoy Street in San Diego’s Kearny Mesa district. For more details on menu options and hours, visit juewei.com.sg.
Originally published on November 14, 2024.