Lukshon has one of those menus I drool and pine and torment over and then half of the things kind of fall flat. Basically, Lukshon is a place where you need to know what to order.

There’s a very sleek, sexy, modern vibe to the interior. Like being in a futuristic Chinese airport lounge.

The menu prices are surprisingly low, considering your upscale surroundings. I guess we are in Culver City, however. $100 a person is what I was expecting to walk out of here with. Instead it was only $42 pp and that includes tip.

But let’s not chat about money, shall we? We’re better than that. Or, at least, I am.

HIGHLIGHTS:

HAWAIIAN BUTTERFISH – We couldn’t tell at first if this fish was cooked or not because it had a slightly fishy undertaste (usually signifying that it’s cooked) but it was a very nice, light start to the meal. The fish is, indeed, quite buttery.

OKRA AND POTATO – This simple yet effective dish really wowed us. The okra tasted slightly pickled (which did it justice) and the roasted potatoes held tons of flavor.

CHINESE EGGPLANT: I do not like eggplant. But I loved this dish and the combo of crispy and roasted eggplant. Flavors were Indian in nature, in case you don’t like that kind of thing. In which case, I don’t like you.

SPICY CHICKEN POPS: Probably the highlight of the meal. YUM! I don’t know their technique of placing this delicious ball of chicken at the end of some miscellaneous bone, but they’re fun, tasty and you will probably order another round.

BHUTANESE RED RICE: This race is on the crispier side and packed with a soy sauce flavor. Didn’t really taste the lamb bacon much but overall, it was quite enjoyed by all.

HOT AND SOUR GIMLET: A must order cocktail. This tastes like Thai food. Spicy, citrus, basil, all in a cocktail. Really fun and goes down quick.

LOWLIGHTS:

BRUSSELS SPROUTS SALAD: As this dish came to the table, we were overwhelmed by the smell of the sea. In essence, lots of dead fish. I would have liked a sweet component to this dish but instead it was just bitter Brussels sprout leaves and bitter fish sauce.

SPICY CHINESE RAMEN: Being an unofficial ramen expert, this was simply odd tasting and not enjoyable. The noodles were nice but the broth was bitter and weird.

DANDAN NOODLES: These were not bad. They were just the least good dan dan noodles I’ve ever had. Bad grammar aside, the sauce was missing something but the noodles were cooked perfectly.

SINGAPORE SLING: As Roy pointed out, “It tastes like a flat Mai Tai”. I would have liked a bit more cherry flavor or something to offset the pineapple. It wasn’t very tasty.

On a scale from 1-10, all four of us voted that the meal was a 7 (I might even say 6.5). Service was attentive and friendly, I loved the plush booths and open floor plan but just order wisely. That’s all I’m saying.

That and all the other crap I already just said, too.

UPDATE:

Several of our party has gotten the sh*ts following our meal. Take note. Take strong note.

3239 Helms Ave
Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 202-6808
lukshon.com