San Diego’s Convoy District is well-known for its Asian cuisine, yet it features a standout restaurant that defies this norm: Flama Llama. This establishment specializes in Chifa, a culinary tradition that melds Chinese and Peruvian influences. Flama Llama is easily recognizable thanks to its large, playful llama logo and is helmed by Chef Franklin Chou-Chan, who is also known for other local favorites like Formoosa and Steamy Piggy.
Chifa cuisine has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century, when waves of Chinese immigrants arrived in Peru seeking work. Over the years, their culinary practices fused with local ingredients, leading to a thriving local heritage of Chifa food, characterized by dishes like lomo saltado and arroz chaufa.
At Flama Llama, diners can expect to indulge in traditional Chifa favorites, as well as a range of Latin American dishes, including mojo pork and paella. The restaurant offers an enticing happy hour, featuring discounts on various items from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and again from 8 p.m. to closing.
The lomo saltado, a beef stir-fry, and tallarin saltado, a noodle dish, share common ingredients such as soy sauce-marinated beef, stir-fried vegetables, and a spicy aji verde sauce. However, they differ in their bases—one served with rice and fries, the other with stir-fried noodles.
While some dishes, like the fried calamari, fell short of expectations, the fried calamari’s golden crisp exterior did not make up for the tough squid texture. It was served alongside aji verde and a creamy, spicy dip.
In contrast, the mojo pork fries were a highlight, featuring crispy fries loaded with tender pork, cheese, pickled onions, and aji verde sauce—a true representation of encumbered fries.
Overall, Flama Llama provides a unique opportunity to experience Chifa cuisine in San Diego, making it worthy of a visit for food enthusiasts looking to expand their culinary horizons.
Flama Llama
Cuisine: Chinese Peruvian
Address: 4433 Convoy Street, San Diego, CA 92111
Highlights: Lomo Saltado ($19.50), Tallarin Saltado ($14.50), Fried Calamari ($9.50), Mojo Pork Fries ($13.50)
Rating: 7.5/10