The Cheesecake Factory’s Casual Asian Restaurant Opened This Week in Westlake Village

Social Monk Asian Kitchen opened on Monday in Westlake Village

Big full service chain restaurant The Cheesecake Factory introduced its first quick service restaurant this week. Dubbed Social Monk Asian Kitchen, the eatery takes a made-to-order model with dishes from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, China, Indonesia, and India. The first location is in Westlake Village.

The menu is full of items familiar to Angelenos, including spring rolls, lettuce wraps, and Thai meatballs for starters. There’s a Sriracha-laced crispy chicken sandwich and choices of banh mi, rice and noodle bowls, in addition to plenty of wok-cooked Chinese side dishes. For dessert, Social monk serves house made frozen custards, and to drink there are options like wine and beer. The place seems to take a strong page from the Panda Express playbook, though the menu bounces around more Southeast Asian flavors.

Social Monk comes from the crew behind RockSugar Southeast Asian Kitchen, including Singapore-born chef Mohan Ismail. Ismail developed the menu at RockSugar and wanted to keep dishes priced below the $12.95 mark at Social Monk.

Even with the low price point, Social Monk landed right in the middle of a busy area just off the 101 Freeway, with a posh Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas, and Tesla supercharger station nearby. Hours are from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily.

Social Monk Asian Kitchen. 4000 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Space C1, Westlake Village, CA

Courtesy of Social Monk Asian Kitchen

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Source: Eater LA – All – Mona Holmes