While everyone else is raving about combo number 5, let me be part of the voices that cheer for what tastes like a slice of heaven, the pork chops. These are some well-seasoned, thick, juicy and tender slices of pork chops. What adds to this plate is the meat juices from the pork chops dripping onto the rice and making it so fragrant and delicious. I'll have to bring all my friends back to this hole-in-the-wall Cordon Bleu for some yummy pork chops...

Cash only! One of my favorite places in SF that I regularly go to. The only reason why it's not 5 stars is that the taste can be a bit inconsistent -- sometimes being too salty. Get the chicken (duh) or mapo tofu. The portions here are generous, especially for the price. People rave about the imperial rolls -- they're good and heftier than your typical egg roll, but I also find it MUCH oiler so I'm not a huge fan. Everything is made to order and service can be slow, so don't come here when you're in a rush. Limited seating

Sad that I only found out about this place after I moved out of the neighborhood but it's amazing and totally worth a visit (or multiple)! Cash only, amazing grill - truly the best grilled chicken I've ever had being able to watch the action on the grill and the lady boss is so kind and so badass at the same time. The tofu dish was so tasty I forgot it was meat free and the portion was huge enough for take away and a side dish at home!

Just the best little hole in the wall this city's ever seen. No frill or fanciness just fantastic food. Run by the two nicest little ladies who know how to cook a fantastic roast chicken, and provide great service. I don't know what I'd do without this place anymore. Cash only! So make sure to be aware of that when coming but definitely an amazing local spot if you're new to the area.

No frills, pretty good portion size for the price. Reminiscent of a Vietnamese family backyard bbq. Katie, the owner seems down to earth and has good rapport with all the customers that dined in. It's cash only tho so just remember to bring some 20's before you come here. Definitely will come back :)

Cordon Bleu is a special place. The moment you walk in here and see who is behind the counter and how they are cooking, it's pretty obvious you're going to get epic food. Not a complex menu but reallllyy complex flavor right in your face. This is just no frills, great eats and it's truly legendary. If you live in the neighborhood this is probably a place you frequent. As a San Francisco resident this is a must try establishment. The single grill in there has seen so much meat, it's probably keeping 1000 farms in business to this day. The imperial rolls are epic. The shish kabob is my favorite. But obviously the chicken is great and the meat sauce over rice is something new. The only negative thing I can say about this place is it's cash only. That's deterred me from several meals when I've been walking by. Cordon on Bleu, good on you. This has been my love letter. (4.7 Stars)

Cozy little spot tucked away in California street. We walked in with a party of 4 and took half of the bar seats (that's how small it is) it's big enough for the 3 cooks to grill and a few customers to sit at the bar with a small table in the back for 2. We all got #5 which includes their chicken, imperial egg roll, and pork slices on top of a bed of rice with a meaty bean sauce + salad. The charred chicken was my favorite especially paired with the sweet fish sauce. One of the main cooks or owner? said they've been here for 15 years and haven't changed the recipe. Quick and friendly service with huge portions and it comes with an intimate grill experience. Would come again to try their egg rolls!

So, I had a hankering for 5 Spice Chicken & happened to walk by this place a week ago, it's a sliver of a restaurant but there was lots of chattering coming from inside the place, it intrigued me. I had already eaten but decided to give it a try next time. So after reading all the positive reviews, I went. As I entered the place I noticed the narrow counter/seating & surrounding area is in bad shape, not the cleanest, by no means. I was pretty surprised. The place needs a good wash down & paint but perhaps that would raise the prices on the fabulous, large portions of food. The opposite side where the chef/owner cooks is where the magic takes place. Flames are grilling the meats, heating up the area, the exhaust sucks out all the smoke. Another woman is bringing out large pots of steamed rice. The meals are being plated, egg rolls, salad, dressing. It's like an assembly line. And some how the chef doesn't forget anything the diners are adding or subtracting from their orders. She tallies up the charges on a yellow pad, taking cash only. This is her domain. You can tell she loves every moment, order & customer.

If you asked me what my favorite reasonably priced cash only restaurant in the us is I would probably say cordon Bleu. The food, although simple is so satiating. Don't expect table service or for that matter quick service but trust me it'll taste good. I always order the number five. What makes it so good? The charring of the meat? The vibe- you're literally sitting over an open fire watching the sole proprietor work her Magic. Or is it the perfectly crispy imperial roll? Wait could it be the rice with meat sauce? I love this place, sometimes it can be a little chaotic, and sometimes you may have to wait for your check. But trust me it's worth it. Oh btw the chase atm is no longer functioning so plan ahead.

My friends brought me here because they have been eating here for years since they live so close. We came for lunch around 11:30 AM on a Wednesday with a group of 4. The restaurant had just opened so we were the only ones there but after we sat down more and more people stared coming in. The restaurant is small with a few counter space and one small table in the back. It has a very hole in the wall appearance which is understandable since it has been open since the 60s. We had a nice chat with the owner who was very friendly and told us she has had this restaurant for the past 28 years! Service was good. And food came out quite quickly. I was told by my group to get entree five which I did. The chicken was tender and had a nice flame grilled flavor to it as did the kebab. The imperial roll was huge and very tasty - definitely my favorite part. My friends really like the meat sauce over rice but it wasn't my cup of tea. However, the plate overall was great! They are cash only but can take Venmo if needed but the owner prefers not to. All in all, I can definitely see why this place is an institution and really makes for a nice, comforting lunch spot.