Described by owner Tomas Su as “if Panda Express and Chipotle had a baby, but offered more traditional Chinese cuisine” in Eater, Tigawok Mini-Bowl pairs an intriguing concept (robot-prepared small bowls) with relatively affordable dining. The formula appears to be working: after the successful opening of its store on Sawtelle Boulevard in West Los Angeles last year, Tigawok is currently celebrating the soft opening of a new store at 132 E. Palm Avenue in Burbank, adjacent to Burbank’s Town Center.
With interiors designed by Jonathan Wang Design, Tigawok’s new location is an optimal blend of convenience and welcoming decor. According to the designer’s website, “The bowl, a characteristic element of the company as they define themselves as ‘specialist in mini bowls,’ is utilized to give character to the main wall of the buffet. Its repetition in a grid pattern creates an original and impactful visual motif that reinforces the company’s identity.”
Despite being the main driver of the restaurant’s affordability, the robot “chefs” aren’t front and center: they are guided by humans and located in the back of the restaurant. They are programmed to boil, stir-fry, stew, and simmer up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit in an attempt to emulate “wok hei,” which refers to the signature high-heat flavor of traditional Chinese-style wok cooking. The restaurant currently has plans to add locations in Irvine, Lake Forest, and Chino Hills.
Burbank Town Center appears to be a reflection of national trends: while many independent businesses like the newly opened Candeeland Burbank are thriving, formerly substantial companies like the Sears department store, which opened a new location at the Center in 2023, are shuttering.
For its part, Candeeland offers parents a place for their children to play on weekends and most federal holidays, as well as the option to “unwind in massage chairs while keeping an eye on their little ones.” Now, they also have the opportunity to walk across the street and sample Tigawok’s authentic yet inexpensive cuisine.
