Steamy Piggy Point Loma

**What sets this apart from nearby spots:** While PHO Kitchen keeps it straight-line traditional and Tandoori House trades on tandoor temps, Steamy Piggy plays the fusion card without apology—Bulgogi chow mein, Korean beef in ramen broth, bao flights that bounce between proteins. It's the kind of menu that could go sideways fast, but the kitchen keeps flavor profiles clear: the Bulgogi bowl gets mentioned for clean execution, and regulars specify the Steamy Piggy Ramen by name, which means it's doing something the generic "spicy pork ramen" slots aren't.

The Happy Hour (3-6pm) is the move if you're testing the waters—bao flights run three-for-one-price, letting you trial pork, chicken, and Bulgogi without committing to a full bowl. It's also when the Thai tea makes sense as a pairing instead of an odd footnote on a Chinese-fusion menu. Weekday lunch skews empty enough that solo diners don't feel exposed, though that might change as word spreads about the Bulgogi bowl's portion-to-price ratio.

The interior leans colorful and Instagram-ready, which cuts both ways: it's a date-night spot that won't bore the other person, but it's also loud when it's busy. The staff gets named in reviews—Phil, Eugene, Oz, Ethan—which usually signals either excellent service or a very small team working every shift. Either way, they're managing a kitchen that's putting out food fast and hot, even during slammed windows.

**Downsides worth noting:** The beef chow fun needs more beef. The music volume spikes when it's crowded. And if you're here for strictly traditional anything, this isn't your spot—this is fusion executed with confidence, not authenticity theater.

**Parking and timing:** Strip mall setup means easy parking. Wednesdays are reportedly dead at lunch. Evenings and weekends bring the wait, but turnover's quick enough that it's rarely painful.