This weekend, crowds lined the streets of Alhambra to experience the long-awaited collaboration between Alhambra favorite Sam Woo BBQ and Chef Roy Choi’s globally recognized Kogi BBQ. Guests eagerly waited to try two limited-edition fusion creations available only during the two-day event: Roast Duck Kimchi Tacos and Char Siu Blackjack Quesadillas.
For Karen, one of the daughters of the family behind Sam Woo BBQ, the collaboration represented months of planning and decades of family tradition.
“We’re known for our Cantonese barbecue. The food is good, and people love it,” she said. “This event has been six months in the making, and we’re excited it’s finally happening.”
Alhambra Mayor Jeff Maloney joined the morning crowd to sample the special menu and reflected on what the partnership means for the city.
“Alhambra is a food destination. We have some of the best restaurants in the entire country,” Maloney said. “When you have somebody like Roy Choi and the Kogi brand coming here and recognizing Sam Woo, it reinforces that.”
Much of Alhambra’s dining reputation is built on family-owned restaurants where recipes and techniques have been refined and passed down through generations. As the oldest operating Sam Woo location, the Alhambra restaurant has become a fixture of the community, serving generations of loyal customers.
For Karen, carrying on the legacy of the restaurant and quality of the food is everything.
“When I was little, I remember sitting by the cashier while my mom made her coffee. I’d sit there talking with customers and capping sauce containers. This is where I grew up,” she said. “There’s a generation and a community that love our food. I am so passionate about continuing that legacy and making my parents proud.”
While Chef Roy Choi and the Kogi brand have earned international recognition, the collaboration also highlighted the growing reputation of Alhambra’s own culinary institutions. As visitors from around the world continue discovering the San Gabriel Valley, partnerships like this showcase why Alhambra has become one of Southern California’s premier dining destinations.
