With businesses scattered across each side of the road, companies on State Street in Clearfield work to find ways to distinguish themselves. Some set up in strip malls and shopping areas, while others like Dark Prime Collectables Toy Store place a full-sized storm trooper replica by their door.

The building for La Choi's Noodle Parlor features a sign on the south side as well as one over the entrance. That said, the way the restaurant strives to distinguish themselves is through bold flavors and authentic cuisine.

A community staple, La Choi’s has served Davis County for several years under a series of owners. Since 2019, the restaurant has been run by the Chu family, with Peter leading the kitchen and Linda serving patrons. 

“There’s a lot of people who come in [who], like, share their stories about coming to La Choi’s, like, when they were little,” said Yang Chu, a server as well as Peter and Linda Chu’s son. “Now they’re taking their kids to La Choi, and we’re kind of just keeping, I guess, the memory going now.”

According to Chu, his father has been cooking ever since he can remember – working for multiple restaurants and learning recipes from friends and families. Many of La Choi's most famous dishes feature either crunchy chow mien, thick lo mien or soft pan-fried noodles. These are often a part of the restaurant's lunch specials.

For Chu, his father’s pot stickers are what he enjoys most from the menu.

“I don’t think I’ve been to any place in Utah that actually has a dumpling or pot sticker that is as good as the ones we have,” said Chu. “I can’t get enough of those.”

In addition to perfecting recipes, La Choi’s focuses on keeping their food fresh. Each day, Chu’s parents personally buy items from the store and bring them back before opening. They then cut vegetables and prepare the raw foods before opening at 11 a.m.

Early into the Chu’s tenure as owners, they faced the storms of the pandemic – an experience that hurt several small, brick and mortar operations. To keep their doors open, they created online ordering and curbside pickup solutions. It was during this time when they experienced the love the Clearfield community has for their food, which helped them stay in business until they could open their doors again.  

“I just find myself commenting about how the people are really nice,” Chu said. “People across Utah are really nice, but it feels more like it especially here in Clearfield, it’s more, like, close knit.”

Though the restaurant has operated on its State Street location for several years, as construction on Lakeside Plaza begins and the building ages, Chu says that ownership may start looking for a new facility. That said, no official plans have been made yet. 

Wherever they end up, Chu hopes for his parents to succeed, and that their food will still be enjoyed by a variety of customers.

“They’re insanely dedicated, and I couldn’t be more thankful for them,” said Chu.