Natsumi Saeki was 7 years old when her parents, Midori and Shojiro, took over an Indian restaurant called Silver Spoons and opened Japanese American Ducks in 1995. The restaurant began with a small menu of Japanese homestyle dishes such as warm bowls of fried pork cutlet and curry, broiled unagi served over rice, and soba noodles accompanied by towering plates of tempura swathed in a popcorn-like batter. Although the offerings haven’t changed too much in 30 years, Natsumi has taken over and continued her family’s legacy of feeding San Gabriel Valley residents.
The dining room of Ducks remains comfortable and unfussy. It feels like eating in an auntie’s living room: a collection of rubber ducks gifted from longtime customers line every windowsill and shelf and portraits of Natsumi’s cat, Chibi, hang on the walls. Bookshelves of manga series are also available for perusing.
For heat seekers, order the curry extra spicy. You can also request drops of an in-house chile oil, fiery enough to amplify any dish with just a few drops.
Dining and Cooking