Chou Ma Ma's Kitchen
(between Cedar Blvd & Jarvis Ave)
Newark, CA 94560 (510) 745-5688
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: No
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: No
- Outdoor Seating: No
54 reviews
Palo Alto, CA
"This place is a beautiful, upscale Cantonese banquet restaurant. You won't embarrass your great-uncle from Hong Kong if you take him here…" read more »
14 Reviews for Chou Ma Ma's Kitchen
Good wonton soup, well a little oily. Didn't really try anything else here. Well, also have really cheap pearl tea.
For what it is, I think the food is pretty good. My wife and her parents have lived in Taiwan and my feeling is that this place serves pretty authentic Taiwanese food. If I really liked Taiwanese food, I'd probably give this place four stars. I gave this place three stars because I do not dislike it nor am I a huge fan of Taiwanese food.
This hole in the wall is a good find. Nice people. Small family place with two and a half tables in the restaurant (two tables that seats x4 ea and one table that seats x2). You could eat in (if these tables are available) or take out (which is what most do). Good flavors with enough seasoning and cheap prices.
We had the "Beef stew noodle soup" ($5.50), "meat stew w/thin noodles" ($6.50?), another vermicelli-like sliced meat soup and finally a "soy-sauce duck over rice" plate. Everyone was happy with what they ordered with no complaints. Each order was in the $5-$7 range. We also ordered the "Summer special milk-tea boba promotion for $0.99!" (even though it'll be spring next week) It was acceptable.
The menu consists of maybe 30 so-odd numbered dishes to order from on one wall. On the opposite wall, they have 12 other "pictured-Denny's-like" orders on display to choose from. (we ordered 2-3 orders from here). In addition, they have small pre-made traditional Taiwanese dishes in clear take-out boxes ready for you chilled in the soda refrigerator when you come in on your right.
Credit cards are accepted only for orders over $25.
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I have been to Chou Ma Ma for ages (probably more than 10 yr). They have always been the same price ($5) forever. I think within the last 2 years, they go up to be $5.50. But it is still a bargin.
(However, I think they have changed the owner in the last two years. Chou Ma Ma is no longer there to do the cooking.)
Anyhow, it is still a good price for the food. For quick lunchbox or dinnerbox, you can not beat that price and the tasty food.
You get what you pay for... $5 lunches are good, but not outstanding.
I got some type of chicken thigh and it wasnt completely cooked. A bit on the salty side too.
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Very authentic Taiwanese style food. It's only a take out place but it is a good value. The pearl drinks are okay. If I had to choose, I'd go with the avocado shake. They also use the ghetto Chinese intercom. As soon as you place your order, the cashier will scream it out in Chinese for the kitchen. I felt like I was back in Taiwan.
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Okay, so California has loads of Chinese Food places. HOWEVER, Chou Ma Ma's is quite the pleaser.
It's a Mom and Pop shop along a strip mall in Newark. Yeah, I bet you're thinking, "That's not very appealing and so not cool."
Well, if you are willing to revoke your own cool, urban chic card for a weekend of quietness and relaxation in Newark, California, I recommend this establishment. The 'shop girl', Claire, is the best! She's friendly, sweet and helpful. In any case, if you're in the neighborhood, you should stop by and purchase a Boba drink from Claire. They are not sickly sweet and refreshing!
So, give up the big city for a weekend, explore Suburbia in the TriCity area and pass by Chou Ma Ma's while you're at it.
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cheap Taiwanese hole in the wall takeout -- get your meat over rice with pickled vege and soy egg in a styrofoam container. nothing fancy--it's convenient.
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Pretty authentic Taiwanese style box lunches (egg, meat, pickled mystery, rice etc.) ....but you may need a entire pitcher of water afterwards.
I have had samples here and there when my mom takes togo boxes for days she doesn't have time to cook, I can't eat too much of this stuff that is all I can say.
Oh, and this isn't a sit down restaurant, it's like a burrito joint with a few seats here and there.
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Visited this with my uncle and fell in love with the food and the staff. This is pretty authentic CHEAP Chinese / Taiwanese fast food. Almost every rice dish comes with the daily vegetable side, marinated egg and meatball packed in a styrofoam bento. They have a lot of homemade simmered and marinated meats for sale to eat at home. Their fried pork chop with rice is the best in the bay area.
The decor is very bland and not really a recommended place to eat at. Most of the customers are take out and with a menu that is based around $5 each it is a steal to eat for lunch or dinner.
-------- Updated 10/04/07
Ownership has changed, but the prices and food is still the same. The only thing that has changed is the consistency of the dishes. It just depends on the mood of the cook now. Chou Ma Ma has sold the place and moved back to Taiwan for sometime now.
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I only had their noodle soup before. It was really good...loaded with flavours! HOwever, don't eat there as it is too hot and stuffy. I saw a lot of people buying takeout lunch boxes which looked pretty good to me. I think i'll try them next time.
This place also sells phone card at extra discounted price. I always get my phone cards there and the people there are very friendly!
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Very nice people. Small but friendly.
Very good for take out. they have limited choices but the taste is good.
this is what I called CHINESE SOOOUL FOOD people!!!! it doesnt get more authentic than this, cheap, good, and a little dirty.
David H. eats there everyday, he said he'd love to marry Chou Ma Ma one day.
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Update (4/30/08):
They changed owners. Chou Ma Ma doesn't work there anymore. It's now China people making Taiwanese food. Not that they can't get it right..but..actually..they can't..it's missing something! Plus they are not very nice. No smiles..no thank you..just take your money and give you your food a little while later...where did Chou Ma Ma go?!?!
OLD REVIEW:
This is one of the best places ever. It's a little Chinese deli owned by a little Chinese lady. She is incredibly nice and the people there are nice as well. They have an assortment of Chinese snacks, appetizers, entrees, and drinks. It can fit about two or three people eating there, but it's great for takeout. The food is cheap and delicious. I go there at least once a week for takeout. It's right next to Ranch 99 in the Lido Faire Shopping Center.
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I first found this place 5 years ago when I first moved to Newark. Back then the takeout bento boxes were $5 each and I always get the fried chicken steak bento box. They've upped the price recently but it's still just as great. The lady there is always really friendly and reminds me of cashiers in Taiwan by the way she gives change back to me.
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