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Daimo Chinese Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Chinese Chinese [Edit]
1456 E 14th St(between Joaquin Ave & Juana Ave)
San Leandro, CA 94577
(510) 351-8131
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 3 pm
Mon-Fri 4:30 pm - 11 pm
Sat-Sun 11 am - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
180 reviews for Daimo Chinese Restaurant
Review Highlights
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180 reviews in English
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Review from David S.
San Leandro, CA
Daimo is a pretty solid Chinese Restaurant. Everything we had there was very tasty (honorable mentions to the chow fun and this beef stir-fry thing whose name I wish I remembered. Ginger beef something?), and our waiter was exceeded my expectations for what I'm typically used to in Chinese restaurants. More water? No problem. More tea? Allow me to leave a pot on the table. Sri Racha? Let me get that for you. What a boss.
Four stars for above-average food and above-average service. So far, my favorite place for Chinese food in San Leandro, so I can expect to come back in order to reliably satisfy my cravings for Chinese food. -
Review from Patrick C.
San Francisco, CA
Daimo is a chain...they usually don't disappoint me much, lol. I really like their clay pots w/ rice...just that it takes too long to cook and I hate waiting here. Everything else is mediocre. Nothing too fancy for my taste buds while they cook Chinese food like I can cook Chinese food (hit or miss).
Try Ming Tasty down the block...way better. -
Review from Jeanette Y.
Oakland, CA
MEH service. MEH food. MEH on small portions.
Overall? MEH. -
Review from Christina L.
San Francisco, CA
Small place for a chain store.
Service:
Medicore service for a typical asian restaurant. I always have to remember that it's a asian restaurant so I cannot compare to the service of an american restaurant since there is a huge culture differences.
Food:
The food was okay. I like the quality of the Daimo in Albany better. But I didn't think it was completely horrible, but it could be been improved ALOT!
This is actually a bad place for a family dinner since the place is so small. If you have about 4 people, then it's pretty good. But if you want 6 or more people, it gets really crowded and they only have 2 large family tables.
Overall:
I wouldn't recommend this place. -
Review from Pat D.
Oakland, CA
We went last night. Had Won ton soup, Mongolian beef, fried chicken and green beans. The beans and beef were good. The soup was a fish stock - not something I would expect. This place is a porridge house with all the usual offerings I get in Oakland China Town, only not as good, and not open until 3 AM. Added to the menu were dishes you would find at canton and szechuan restaurants. I think they are trying to do too much. The fish broth turned me off, I will not go back. Oh, and the 3 or us spent $60! Oh, again...I don't like chairs with sparp edges that dig into my legs, but I would put up with them if I liked the food.
I halting admit that the noodles looked good. Not sure they are worth the money. -
Review from Mary D.
Hayward, CA
We've only come here for two things so far, and both were good. One was Jook and the other was Siu Long Baos. The prices are good, they are tasty and the orders arrive in good time.
It's nice to have a place like this in the SL area. Someday we'll try the other dishes too. -
Review from Tommy H.
San Leandro, CA
Pretty authentic Chinese food. If my parents say that the food is good here, it must be authentic right? The place is a little crowded though - they try to cram as many tables as they can when it gets busy. The lines get a little long too. Street parking only.
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Review from Deana I.
Before heading back to LA, Victor S. took Darshan R. and I here for dinner. We ordered the Family Dinner and left with so much left over, we could've eaten it for 2 more meals. Our entrees were: Honey Walnut Prawns, Mongolian Beef and Sweet & Sour Pork. All were great and I'd recommend all. The Hot & Sour Soup was a little too spicy for me, but the rest of the appetizers (Egg Rolls, Pan Fried Pot Stickers) were delicious. The House Special Fried Rice was good too; not to greasy. We left the restaurant stuffed and more than satisfied. Darshan and I weren't even hungry on our flight back home.
[TIP] The Family Dinner maybe $15/person, but the amount of food you'll get is completely worth it. -
Review from Jin S.
San Jose, CA
Came here with some friends after a long day of shooting at Chabot.
Ordered some tofu, lobster noodles, yin yang fried rice..and others.
Food was good, but not great. I certainly thought the Daimo in Richmond is better.
Too bad the place isn't bigger, we did have to wait a bit. Overall, good experience just didn't make me a fan.
P.S. someone in our party found a small piece of steel wool in the fried rice. -
Review from R O.
Hayward, CA
Over rated food.
I dont' care if you got a photo of Martin Yan on the wall with the owners, it doesn't mean your food taste good.
Over priced too.
I might as well go to P.F. Changs or Dai Bai Dang to get charged $10 or more for basic americanized chinese food.
Aside from the quality of the food, what confirmed this place seriously sucked, we went in with a party of 8, ordered 9 dishes and they came out all within 10 minutes, one after another, even the beef stew clay pot, that tells me you got some pre cooked eats and you just re-heated, how do I know because the food was semi warm
Asked for straws and got the you stupid mofo look from the waitress
parking is good. open late with respect to the san leandro area 11pm -
Review from Garrett O.
Fremont, CA
I think the food is pretty good, I don't know why people are complaining. Fish and gailon and salted fish fried rice are pretty solid (though I don't recommend eating it for leftovers around other people due to the smell). True, some of the waiters/waitresses can be inattentive but there's one guy in there that has awesome customer service; he'll remember your face and what you order if you go in regularly.
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Review from David C.
The food here tastes great. They serve traditional Chinese food (cantonese style). They have a great variety of items of lunch special, as well as a variety of very traditional Chinese seafood dishes. I can appreciate the cleanliness of this place as well. Service was quick, and the waiters were attentive.
We had the hainan chicken rice, the beef chow fun, and the fried whole fish. The hainan chicken rice tasted good, but it was not 'real' hainan chicken rice in which the rice is cooked with the sauce of the chicken. Instead, they served the rice with some sort of curry seasoning. The fried whole fish was good, and is a very traditional cantonese dish. The chow fun tasted great and had a large portion of meat, vegetables, and noodles.
The only thing that turned me off was the slightly higher price. There places in Oakland that serve the same quality with slightly cheaper prices. -
Review from Casey S.
You know, this place is alright.
It's a little classier (and a little pricier) than those divey Chinese restaurants that litter the Bay Area, but the food at Daimo is consistently good. Be sure to get the salt & pepper spareribs! -
Review from doctor g.
Alameda County, CA
Been here to eat a lot. They feature banquet specials in the evening and they are conveniently translated into english. Once again, we had the five person special banquet that I reviewed earlier. It was excellent, especially the salt and pepper pork. This is a dish that features thinly sliced pork chops that are marinated, and then deep fried. Jeez, this dish is good.
I like this place because although there are thankfully a lot of good Chinese restaurants in the Bay Area, this restaurant's interior happens to be new, clean, and well designed. The service is adequate. Street parking is not available in front on East 14th, but available in the surrounding blocks. You can also park in the bank's lot on the corner to the right of the restaurant, but do not park in the Bank of America lot to the left of the restaurant during banking hours.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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1/3/2011
Good sized portions, very tasty food, reasonable prices, nice decor, decent service, decent parking.… Read more »
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1/3/2011
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Review from feisty c.
Oakland, CA
This place is hella nasty. I wonder how did this restaurant get 4 stars. I got tricked on coming here. .. thanks to yelp! =( the shrimp chow fun was cold when it came out..the bbq pork and roast duck was nasty and salty. hella not worth the money! service is horrible too!
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Review from Jeff C.
San Lorenzo, CA
I've come here a number of times for their noodles and I haven't been disappointed! It's a little on the pricey side when you come in for dinner but they definitely give you a lot of food. I had the chicken and mushroom pan fried noodles and the lady had the wonton and shrimp dumpling noodle soup. Both were excellent and we left stuffed! Service was decent, it's nice to have a good Chinese place close by!
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Review from Annie W.
Food was fresh and delicious. But, too mush MSG! I had a big fat headache after eating here. If you are sensitive to MSG you need to request your food without it, I can tell they use a ton.
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Review from S L.
San Ramon, CA
I love this place. Have come here many times. My favorite is their Empress Chicken!
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Review from Eve C.
Union City, CA
I would say the price tag that accompanies the food doesn't really match the price tag. We got the assorted meat and seafood congee, the duck and bbq pork plate and the fried chicken wings. The assorted meat and seafood congee is full seafood. The duck and pork were both tender. There was definitely enough salt in the meats. I would say the lack of flavor in the wings could be found in the duck and pork. I appreciate the fact the wings were crispy and not greasy at all. The rest of the entrees were on the pricer side. It's open late so that's a bonus but other than that, there isn't much.
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Review from Jim C.
My pop wanted to come back here for his bday, this is our default when we don't want to drive to china town in oakland.
We always get their set dinner, is a lot cheaper than a la cart, but I think the menu is only written in chinese, just have to ask the waiter for translation.
For the six of us, we ordered the dinner for 8 for $85,
mushroom soup
steamed fish
steamed chicken
mustard green
beef steak and pepper
prawns with veggie
crab
tofu and chicken
All the dishes are good, we tried, but we still have left over for days.
The entrance is odd, no, weird to be exact, you walk right by and won't even notice there's a door in there, maybe the foyer is for the homeless at night? BTW, steam rice is extra, and you get some pearl/tapioca stuff for dessert.
The parking is off street just around the corner, or park across the street at the strip mall. There's BOA next door with a big lot, but park at your own risk, BOA posted signs everywhere. -
Review from Ernie F.
San Leandro, CA
The Short:
Definitely a step-up after they recently changed ownership. The food has not been completely adulterated to appease the non-Chinese population in San Leandro, which is great. I tried a few dishes such as the Shrimp Dumpling Noodle Soup and Beef Chow Fun. The dumplings were gigantic, but the filling was too tightly packed which made it a little tougher than I would have liked. The egg noodles were well done. My favorite dish from dinner would have to be the Beef Chow Fun, which was executed well-- the noodles didn't clump together and the beef was crazy tender. It ran a little greasy, but nothing surprising in a Chinese restaurant. Service is not the friendliest and waiters tend to loiter around the cashier.
The main branch in El Cerrito is still better in my opinion because this branch has a more limited menu (fewer drink options like HK style milk tea and other snack-type foods). However, food is pretty good considering your options for decent Chinese food in San Leandro.
Recommendations:
- Beef Chow Fun
Pros:
+ Well decorated interior for a laid-back Chinese restaurant that serves Wonton soup and congee for dinner.
+ Solid dishes.
Cons:
- Selection is limited compared to the branch in El Cerrito's Pacific East Mall.
- No Hong Kong Style Milk Tea (which is available at their other branch).
- Waiters tend to stand around too much. -
Review from Eric F.
Not too shabby! Had dinner here with the family on Christmas Day and I was very satisfied with the chicken abalone congee - on par with the original Daimo over in El Cerrito. The wonton noodle soup was also quite good, though the noodles were a bit overcooked and lacked the al dente consistency of the original. Lastly, I enjoyed their take on General Tsao's chicken - very light on the frying batter and lean pieces of chicken breast rather than fattier ones.
I wasn't nearly as impressed though with the assorted meat w/ tofu clay pot, xiao long bao, and sweet & sour pork. The sauce for the clay pot was very shallow and one-dimensional (tasted like corn starch and sugar), the bao had soggy skin that broke apart too easily, and the pork was overcooked and tough.
Overall? Just choose your dishes carefully and you'll be ready to rock. -
Review from Kim S.
Fremont, CA
I've been here twice- both times, I've come in very hungry, both times I've left very satiated (and with leftovers!).
Great lunch special- soup of the day, salad, and a huge pot of rice come with your choice of entree. Depending on what you select, the price ranges from $6.25 to $7.99. All food included is good, and portions are more than appropriate, so I'd say that's a pretty decent lunch special. Especially when you can wash it all down with a Tsing Tao for only a couple of extra bucks. As is standard for most Chinese restaurants, they also bring you a pot of green tea.
Both times I've eaten here, I've had the Eggplant Sze Chuan style- noted to be spicy, which I will admit, I can be somewhat of a wimp about, HOWEVER. My incessant love for eggplant will always prevail over spice. Long story short- this eggplant proved to be not as spicy as I half expected, and as previously noted, it was great enough for me to come back and order it a second time.
Wait staff here are friendly and efficient. Atmosphere is okay, a little dated, maybe, but hey. I'm not here to eat the wallpaper.
Will definitely come here again, and will always be more than willing to bring and recommend to friends. -
Review from Raquel Y.
FUKIEN FRIED RICE.
omggggggg. I can literally stuff myself with this amazingly delicious dish!! We always get take out from here, beef with tofu and mushroom, and I forget what else. A lot of the dishes here are really good.
But the fukien fried rice is what makes this Chinese restaurant special to me, what makes me give this place 5 stars, what I crave! Yum!! I just feel like a little girl when my parents bring this home from Daimo! :)Listed in: Fav places to eat around the…
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Review from Tim T.
4 stars Food
2 stars service
2 star atmosphere
Food was great, fresh, hot and quick.
They had an anniversary deal where this set dinner was 50% off!
Some tables had fold up chairs which was a turn off.
Space was very cramped and did not follow safety regulations...if there was a emergency everyone would have been screwed because tables were set right next each other with seats only 6 inches apart.
The heater was not on so the restaurant was extremely cold . -
Review from Jowin C.
I would say its one of the best Chinese places to eat in San Leandro. If you want to treat someone out to eat, and take out places don't cut it, bring that person to Daimo! I came here for my mom's birthday, they were very accommodating by removing empty platters and getting all the sauces that we requested. The mustard green-salted egg-pork soup was delicious! I wish they would just hand me the whole pot of soup and a ladle. One of the dish I was a little disappointed at was the black pepper beef--the beef or the cut was horrible, another case of the "my meat taste like bubble gum". The texture was chewy, I kept chewing, and chewing, and I was about to have some buff cheeks.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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4/18/2009
I went in for their lunch specials, not bad for $6.99 I got a soup, salad, and the main dish. Their… Read more »
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4/18/2009
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Review from Jake S.
Castro Valley, CA
I wanted to like this place, based on the reviews but did not have a good experience. It is a clean restaurant so it has that going for it but I did not feel welcome. Maybe because I am white? The afternoon i was there seemed to be exclusively a Chinese clientele. You have to ask for a fork since it is not standard with their tabelware. Ok, not such a big deal but I was not crazy about the food either. Seemed cobbled together quickly as if they were heating up yesterday's leftovers.
I also did not appreciate it when one of their employees bumped into the back of my girlfriend's chair and did not apologize. In fact, he had a look like he could care less. I got the impression he had no respect for women or maybe for no one at all. I would have kicked his teeth in but obviously that would not look good in front of the girlfriend.
The waiter did not come to check on us once. No brown rice, just pasty white. No water brought to the table and no offer to refill the tea. Had to flag down someone just to get the freakin' check.
I left no tip. -
Review from Krystal C.
Oakland, CA
For a chinese restaurant, this place is moderately priced. I ordered the preserve duck egg congee and that was $5.95. It is average portion but I know you can get that at Chinatown for $5 and it isn't significantly better to warrant the 95 cent difference.
My friend ordered the won ton noodle soup, which you would like if you are a heavy noodle fan. She barely had any broth so it was pretty dry but the won tons were huge (the size of the soup spoon) and tons of noodle.
My friend ordered the singaporean noddle which looked typical.
My bf ordered the pork tenderloin which actually never came out until everyone was done eating. We ended up having to pack it to go since it took so long, which we later realized was drenched in sauce and gravy when we got home. So tho we didnt really get to taste it there, the service on it was poor.
Would I come here again? I guess if it's the only thing opened since it doesn't close till 11pm. Otherwise, I'll take my chances else where. -
Review from Larry L.
Union City, CA
The food was very good here.
I came here with my family, a party of 8. We ordered a set dinner that included crab, veggies, beef, fish, etc. They were all very good. My favorite was the sweet and sour pork, which was included in the set dinner but we added it because Chinese people like to over-order. Let me know if it's not a Chinese thing. Then after we ate, we fought for the bill. I almost had my credit card ripped in half. Next time I should wear a leotard and prepare to wrestle. Tell me THAT'S not a Chinese thing! -
Review from chester c.
San Leandro, CA
MUST COME EAT HERE!!!!!
Daimo is the staple chinese restaurant that I go to now. You can find me getting takeout almost every week, sometimes a couple times a week. The portions have definitely gotten larger and the quality of food is one of the best in the Bay. In the WHOLE Bay?? YES!!! Everywhere I eat in the Bay, I have to compare it to Daimo. And Daimo wins out the majority of the time. I have friends from all over the Bay coming specifically to Daimo to eat because they crave the good tasting food!
Yes, the dishes are a little pricey, but for the quality and portions it is worth it. I get the takeout because of the extra dish I get for free if ordering over $30 or $50. This helps balance out the price per dish.
I have tried the majority of the menu and I have very few complaints of the taste. Even the 3 items for $18 selection is extremely good tasting. Typically these would be gross and very small portioned for the price, but not here!
If only they open late late night and have some HK cafe snacks/desserts, I would be here every day, rather than every week.Listed in: My Neighborhood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/19/2007
Daimo is inconsist for me. Sometimes the food tastes "americanized", sometimes the food tastes… Read more »
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9/19/2007
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Review from Ash P.
Hayward, CA
I had a craving for shrimp fried rice and I wanted to try somewhere new so I ordered from here. When I walked in the place was packed! And the food smelled soooo good, I was anxious to get home and dig in.
When I got home and opened the container I was pleasantly surprised to see that the rice wasn't super fried and greasy, the way most other places make it. The portions were large and I felt healthy eating the food. I'd love to come back here and try some other items on the menu. -
Review from Da X.
San Leandro, CA
Went here a few months ago and never reviewed this place.
We ordered:
Beef Chow Fun
Salt and Pepper Pork
Honey Walnut Shrimp
and something else that I can't remember, we went there at around 6pm.
The restaurant itself is pretty clean, not too small and not too big.
The Beef Chow Fun:
Very good, tasted better than the beef chow fun I get from other Chinese restaurants, but it was more expensive then other restaurants.
The Salt and Pepper Pork:
Newest Salt and Pepper Pork taste I've ever had, it seems they put some kind of powder, I think almond powder on the salt and pepper pork to give it a unique taste, which I found strange, but very acceptable. However, the price was again higher than usual, but the amount of meat was huge. Also, it was fried perfectly, not too over fried and not too under cooked.
The Honey Walnut Shrimp:
This is how Honey and Walnut Shrimp should taste like, but maybe just a bit less sweet maybe, this was one of the best tasting Honey and Walnut Shrimps I've had in the bay area, but if only they can lower the sugar from the mayonnaise, and once again, higher than usual price, but the taste was worth it.
Overall, this would be the best restaurant to take a family to in San Leandro, because of the size and cleanliness of the restaurant, as long as you don't mind the price.
4 Stars because it's a bit over priced. -
Review from Kevin P.
Still a great place, great Empress Chicken and Roast Duck!
Also still great service, made to order and is all on your table in 10 minutes! It's Fantastic!
Only thing wear light clothes cause their AC wasn't working and it gets hot there!Listed in: Me Likey Foodie, mmmm Tummy., Everything Asian.... unless…, This List Is Hella Norcal
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/29/2009
Daimo may seem like you're A-Typical chinese restaurant, but I assure you they are anything but.
… Read more »
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1/29/2009
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Review from Monica W.
San Lorenzo, CA
Daimo has some pretty tasty chinese food usually served in generous portions, although prices are a little higher than average chinese restaurants. I'm not sure if this San Leandro Daimo is associated with the Daimo restaurant in Richmond, but they both serve different types of food I think. This place is rather small, so if they're busy it may be difficult to find a seat.
My family has held new years, birthday, and graduation dinners here before and we always get a lot of food for the price we pay. When I come here for lunch I usually order the wonton and dumpling noodle soup, the dumplings are huge and have at least two piece of shrimp each in them. The lunch specials are also very good, although their hot and sour soup is too thick and tastes a bit too much like tabasco for my taste.
Daimo shares a small amount of parking space behind the restaurant with the businesses next to it so it can difficult to find parking in the lot. Street parking is usually ample, but it's metered. Free parking can also be found on the streets if you know where to look. -
Review from Charlie W.
Oakland, CA
I really have to give it up to this place. For a local Chinese restaurant they are pretty good. Even thou they are a chain, they did not let the quality of their food slide.
I often eat here when I'm looking for cheap good food. There are of course certain things better than other, but overall, their quality is pretty good.
Their fried pork chop is very good. It's always fried just right! Their fried fish are also extremely moist.
The most attractive thing about this place is their to go free food give away deal. Whenever you order 30 or more in to go.. They give you an order of noodle or rice for free. What a steal!
My goal is to order exactly 30 of food every time, so I can get the free order.. Haha. Call me cheap, but I think It's awesome.
Come here whenever you are craving for Chinese food. You can feed a whole family for $30 dollars!! -
Review from Christine E.
Oakland, CA
A side from all the fast food Chinese places to eat around this area. Daimo is the place to pick!
Reasonably priced..
love the FU KIN FRIED RICE & Chicken corn chowder soup.. mmm -
Review from Greg G.
I'm gonna be coming here more often...
Just found out about this place in San Leandro after searching Yelp for a good Chinese take out. Read some reviews and decided to give it a shot- Yelp did not disappoint!
I ordered 3 items- Salt and Pepper Pork Chops, Lemon Chicken, and a Fried Rice. This all came out to about $30 which seemed fair for dinner. When I got there, the cashier said "Here you go, a free Chicken Chow Mein with your order." I was like WHAT? I had no idea, but apparently you get a FREE ITEM with a take out order(over a certain price)
The food was awesome. The Salt and Pepper pork chops were bomb. And most importantly, the workers are honest! I could have walked out of there without my free item and never known- but they hooked me up! I'll be back to Daimo very, very soon.Listed in: Coupons & Discounts!
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Review from Annie S.
San Leandro, CA
I love their Shanghai Dumplings!
I came here a few times just to order their Shanghai Dumplings. It's juicy and everything about it is just so tasty! The restaurant is small and cozy. A bit more expensive for Chinese food but it's really good. -
Review from Max A.
Oakland, CA
Hands-down this is the best chinese food in the East Oakland/San Leandro area. My girlfriend just moved here from NYC chinatown, and this place makes her happy. They've got all the dishes you've never heard of, or the ones you've heard of but don't see in most chinese restaurants around these parts. Congee! Chinese donuts! Frog! Also, most of the customers are chinese people. It's usually pretty full.
Fat-friendly rating: 5 stars. The seats are great, and the place is roomy enough that you don't have to squeeze in between people to get to your seat. Haven't tried the bathrooms, tho.
I tend to park in the bank lot next door, but I'm a bit nervous I'll get towed if I keep doing it.Listed in: Fat-friendly (and…, San Leandro
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Review from Keith A.
Oakland, CA
The chicken and mushroom congee is reminisant of B Street from back in the day.
Listed in: Various
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/2/2010
The congee is my favorite and it's pretty much all I eat here. The wait staff is friendly and… Read more »
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6/2/2010
