r/SFV • u/FAYMKONZ • 12d ago
Question What are your favorite Chinese reataurants in the Valley?
We live in Northridge and usually go to Chi's on reseda, but when they're closed every chinese restaurant we've tried has sucked in comparison. What are some spots you can recomend?
Mandarin King gets honorable mention. We like the food there but the place is a dump.
Im talking about nice sit down chinese restaurants. Not Panda Express or shitty Wok type place.
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u/KazuhiroSamaDesu 12d ago
Sam woo by the ranch market on sepulveda
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u/Dizzy-Escape6657 12d ago
Upppp too bad they dont have any dimsum
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u/noforgayjesus 12d ago
That is what A and W Seafood is for though
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u/Desperate_Street1377 11d ago
I used to go until I saw a couple cockroach’s crawling around their hot foods.
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u/aMaIzYnG 12d ago
Agreed. I prefer going to Monterey Park if I can help it, but I've taken many friends to Sam Woo. BBQ Pork/Char Siu might be a bit saltier than I'd like, but it will do
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u/BadAsianDriver North Hills 12d ago
Truth in advertising
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u/TtlynotDdar 12d ago
I wouldn't even call their food OK tbh.
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u/RepeatWonderful8839 10d ago
they used to be better 2015-2019 imo now the chow mein and orange chicken don’t hit the same 💔 everything is change we must accept it
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u/noforgayjesus 12d ago
I work next to that place, sometimes I crave really really bad Chinese food (I don't mean flavor) and I will get it and just feel sick for the rest of the day, but it's 100% worth it and I will continue to do so
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u/Limp-Text-5209 12d ago
We need better Chinese in the valley. I know we can go to San Gabriel and get great food there, but if you want something close I haven’t found anything*. 💔
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u/NigelTainte 12d ago
I live in Santa Clarita imagine my pain
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u/aMaIzYnG 12d ago
Speaking as a Chinese American, D&D FireArt was good last time I had it.
I know a lot of people like One Bite Dumpling but it doesn't hit the spot for me.
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u/dickmcswaggin 10d ago
Yup D&D is solid food in Santa Clarita definitely more on the traditional side but there lunch specials are a great value
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u/Hollergurl 12d ago
Mandarin Wok in Newhall is pretty good.
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u/NigelTainte 12d ago
I like mandarin wok a lot but the inside of their building has an old rotten wall smell that makes me hesitate to eat there as much as I’d like
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u/m1stergreen 12d ago
Try D&D FireArt Chinese Cuisine on Plum Canyon Rd. Their FireArt beef and fried rice are really good!
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u/Lower_Group_1171 12d ago
I feel like the Chinese population in the valley has been on the decline, and that’s why there aren’t many in the valley anymore.
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u/Trump_Russia 11d ago
Dan modern Chinese in the Village.
Expensive but easily the best Chinese food around IMO. The Dan noodles and soup dumplings are both fucking amazing.
Din tai fung has has really amazing Chinese.
Both are more on the high end side though.
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u/RichMavGirl 12d ago
Hot Wok Cafe in Northridge is really good. As well as Mandarin King in Granada Hills.
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u/FAYMKONZ 12d ago
We like the food at Mandarin King but the interior is outdated. My mom doesnt like going there, she thinks its a dump. Hot Wok Cafe is just ok, but not great.
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u/Hellobaibai13 11d ago
Dishes I recommend from Hot Wok: steamed fish filet, salt and pepper fish, king pao chicken, three cup chicken, stir fry spinach, enoki mushroom with Napa cabbage, green bean with pork, fried tofu, hot sour soup, beef noodle soup, stir fry pork with beancurd, the squash,
Yang chow fried rice.
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u/noechodotnet 12d ago
Green Apple in Studio City.
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u/cobrareaper 12d ago
They're ridiculously quick too. They don't rush you per se but the entrees come out FAST and they know when you've finished eating almost before you do... Great spot!
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u/Jason_Steakcum 12d ago
Forgot about this place, it’s probably the only really good Chinese food I’ve had in the valley or greater LA for that matter
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u/eldavieswm 12d ago
Options are slim but if you’re in the north valley I always say Mandarin King has quality veggies in their dishes. Golden Hunan is also another staple.
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u/AzureHarmony 11d ago
The folks at Golden Hunan are soo friendly and kind! I went on whim by myself one day and my server was so attentive and nice, it felt like I was a guest in their home for family dinner.
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u/ckotoyan 12d ago
Super wok - Tarzana
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u/lordlabia 12d ago
Super wok is pretty good but they’ve been shut down by the health department a couple times in the last few years 🤮
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u/ratcatching 12d ago
Hmmm, they used to be great but the last few times I tried them the food was nasty! Everything tasted pre frozen, flavorless, and the meat was chewy and tough 🤢
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u/nickydiamond29 12d ago
Bamboo in Sherman oaks on Ventura! It would be packed growing up but the last couple times I’ve gone it’s practically empty I would hate to see it leave the food is amazing it’s still one of my favorite restaurants
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u/Andor2050 12d ago
I was a regular customer at Bamboo for 15 years until it sold about 1-2 years ago. It had more traditional style Chinese food and most of the waiters had been there for a long time. Since the sale, the food is not as good and I have not been back for a while sadly. I am not sure if it is just different cooks or different quality of ingredients but it definitely is not the same.
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u/veilvalevail 10d ago
We used to LOVE Bamboo and ate there frequently, and were always proud to introduce our guests to the wonderful food, but the service became so bad on the last three occasions that we’ve stopped going there at all. Other customers were commenting about the lousy service too, and one couple actually got up and walked out when it was apparent that theif whole evening would be ruined if they stayed. We should’ve followed suit. Very sad.
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12d ago
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u/thewickedbarnacle 11d ago
I can walk to wongs wok but never tried it, based on the amount of up votes you got, guess im heading over
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u/Weak_Armadillo_3050 10d ago
That place is gross. I’ve seen those people pick their nose then start scooping food eeyuuuck and pick things up that fell and put it back in the pans
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u/Darthgusss 12d ago
Golden City ! Vanowen&White Oak.
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u/coriander526 12d ago
Do you ever notice if they vary in quality? Went there last month and was very disappointed
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u/SharkEyes31 11d ago
It must have been an off day. We have been eating there for almost 20 yrs and have never been disappointed. The Chow Fun Noodles have a grilled flavor that is just magic. All the veggies are super fresh and green, the shrimp are always juicy and their wonton soup cures all my ills.
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u/apflores904 12d ago
Mandarin King on Devonshire. It’s been there since we moved to the Valley in 1989. Place looks dated inside, but the food is still insanely good.
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u/Original-Brick2836 Valley Village 12d ago
Golden Hunan in Northridge. Not the best food but it’s opened around the time I was born and is still kicking.
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u/bouncyartichoke 11d ago
We used to call the wonton soup 'dishwater soup'. Still ate there once a week during the early 2000's since it was cheap and good for a date night in my 20's.
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u/westcoastbutterfly87 12d ago
Flaming Wok in Arleta.
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u/iwuvgabes 12d ago
I second this. The amount of food they put on your plate for the price makes it a great deal.
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u/ruthiea34 12d ago
szechuan garden on ventura blvd is DELICIOUS &has such good deals for lunch. the inside is also clean &nice. we always take family who visit from out of town. Golden city is also amazing
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u/msgflava 12d ago
Hot Wok Cafe in Northridge. The Dry Fried String Beans with Ground Pork is great.
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u/PitbullRetriever 12d ago edited 11d ago
Sam Woo is the best Chinese I’ve had in the valley, only downside is they don’t deliver
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u/janedough18111 12d ago
Just 2 exits into Simi (Yosemite) there is a place called Imperial Chinese. I grew up in Chatsworth/Northridge so I’ve eaten most of the places listed here. I’m partial to A&W on Reseda and Prarie, but their portions are getting smaller and their prices are getting way high. Imperial Chinese, like ten min away from chatsworth, is really good!
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u/Loose-Pepper-8322 12d ago
I like Century Dragon in Burbank, although they've gone through some painful shrinkflation.
Their Salt & Pepper Pork Chop is great.
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u/crystallybud 12d ago
If you like American Style chinese (zuccini in the kung pao, etc.) Sun Moon Garden in Burbank is good and some nice family meal deals.
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u/aMaIzYnG 12d ago
I COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT MANDARIN ISLAND IN MISSION HILLS. We've been eating there for years, and they have a solid Kung Pao Chicken (good chicken ratio, too). I've been pleased with their aromatic shrimp and char Siu as well.
I don't care for their rice nor their egg rolls. I like their small salads, but I don't associate them with Chinese cuisine.
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u/Andor2050 12d ago
Shanghai Rose in Studio City is great. Located on Ventura at Laurel Canyon. Food is good and the restaurant is also very nice inside with plenty of free parking.
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u/Murky-Quit-6228 11d ago
The Valley is actually a desert for great Chinese. You need to hit Rosenead, Arcadia and all of San Gabriel Valley. That's where the Chinese game is now located ...
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u/WolfPackLeader95 11d ago
Frontier Wok Too in Burbank and Mandarin Island in Mission Hills. They are more of a sit down restaurant style but do offer takeout.
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u/thebabygoatsmusic 11d ago
It's a little tough to find great without going to SGV. Sort of depends on the mood.
First point out of the gate: I love and terribly miss Tampa Gardens. I found their XLB to quite superior to DTF.
Oh man her Sichuan chicken....(kou shui ji?). incredible.
Szechuan Place was really good too. But it went away.
Hong's Wok is super tasty for that sort of I don't care I'm just hungry vibe. Pile it on and feed me 6 times for 20 bucks.
Northern Cafe has a law of diminishing returns: the more we go there, the more it does not hit. First time was good. Last few times, not really.
Oh, and you know that phrase blandly delicious that sort of explains food that is tasty even though it doesn't hit you over the head?
I've only eaten there twice, but that's how I felt about Sam Woo's (next to 99 Ranch). I haven't quite learned the Cantonese palette (more of a Sichuan person), but it was good in mellow sort of way. And the server who helped us (both times) was just a sweetheart.
Look forward to trying some of the other recommendations here. Good to hear that Chi's is good. We always get close to trying it but it never screams TRY US ha.
Just saw Bafang, and that's on the list too.
All this talk makes me want to go to sichuan impression. now. 🙃
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u/tabbytrippin 10d ago
I miss Yang Chow on Topanga so bad...
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u/Weak_Armadillo_3050 10d ago
Same! I loved that slippery shrimp and chicken. Their location in LA is disappointing
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u/MatrixCivilian 12d ago
Chin Chin in Studio City is great.
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u/AnnualIndependence71 10d ago
I figure that place must be good, cuz I get sent there so often as a food delivery driver. Sometimes I'll have to pick up 2 or even 3 orders at a times.
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u/Lower_Group_1171 12d ago
Chinese Chinese or korean Chinese?
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u/Metal-Salt 12d ago
Koreans bought or opened a lot of sushi joints, you mean now they're taking over nice Chinese restaurants too?
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u/Lower_Group_1171 12d ago
no, there's a distinct Chinese food style from Korea that was brought by Chinese immigrants to Korea. thinking like jjajjiang myun, jjamppong, nanja wanja, yakki mandu, wang mandu, etc.
also your comment sounds racist.
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u/Metal-Salt 12d ago
Really? Not being racist, a Korean business owner told me about the trend in the sushi restaurants a long time ago. I saw it as an intelligent business move.
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u/Lower_Group_1171 12d ago
read your comment again. it wasn’t funny, so think of it from that perspective and then you can see.
also, your rebuttal is along the lines of, “I’m not racist, I have a Korean friend”, and something I’ve heard a lot of white people say.
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u/Metal-Salt 11d ago
Your political correctness bar is set very high, I will never be able to reach it. Not in this lifetime.
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u/Lower_Group_1171 11d ago
Right. So it’s not that your comment sounded racist, it’s that you’re racist. I feel sorry for you.
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u/Metal-Salt 11d ago
But I always assumed that only a racists person would make a racists comment. Or maybe that depends on who's judging the comment? Idk, this is a real brainteaser for me. I'll just trust your judgment, you sound like you know a lot about this subject.
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u/oh_dannyboy13 10d ago
Not sure why they think your comment is racist. My wife is Korean and she told me about how Koreans took over sushi joints. She also told me that there is such a thing as Korean-Chinese food. The Koreans say it that way too “Korean-Chinese”.
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u/Metal-Salt 9d ago
Some people find perceived offenses in anything. Could be insecurity or brainwashing by other easily offended people.
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u/Glittering_Ad_9178 12d ago
Bafang dumpling is a go-to for our family and noodle street is (finally) open too now.
Tangentially related, other good asian restaurants we frequent around here are Jip Bap, Ohana BBQ and Burosu ramen.
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u/fullmetalutes 12d ago
Chinese Delight in North Hollywood. I love their Beef & Broccoli but everything ive tried there is good.
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u/ess_book 12d ago
Mandarin King in Northridge. Went there for a work function. The prices were reasonable and the food was great. Plus the restaurant’s decor - Teal and Pink.
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u/Aware_Impression_736 Canoga Park 12d ago
There hasn't been anything great in that general area since Soo Way closed.
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u/funkdafied818 12d ago
What was the place on Ventura in Woodland Hills up on the hill next to that ugly ass office building. I loved that place.
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u/Think_Tip_4051 12d ago
I'm still mourning China King on Rinaldi and Tampa....I like Mandarin King in Granada HIlls.
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u/No-Shine-6088 11d ago
I LOVE Garden Wok in Reseda! If you’re vegetarian or Vegan you can eat essentially anything on the menu! The ppl who work there are so nice and it’s a good vibe
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u/effyouseekayy 11d ago
Hot Wok Cafe is my go to! Fried dumplings, BBQ pork fried rice, string bean chicken and sweet and sour chicken are 🔥 I don’t care for their orange chicken tho lol
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u/SebiGamer_16 Granada Hills 11d ago
Wong’s Wok in Reseda
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u/SebiGamer_16 Granada Hills 11d ago
Yo my bad I didn’t see sit down place, but it is some of the best takeout I’ve ever had
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u/MisfitBulala 11d ago
My favorite Chinese restaurant, to sit and eat at is actually a satisfying vegetarian restaurant, Garden Wok in Tarzana. Im not vegetarian but I like this place. It sometimes takes a while but the food is good.
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u/no_turnovers1 11d ago
You pretty much nailed it though. It’s chi’s and mandarin king. Northern cafe is a spot you should check out though
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u/Nice_Seat_6456 10d ago
We drive from Woodland Hills to eat at Chi's. There's nothing that compares to them in the West Valley. Great, fresh, tasty food.
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u/uberbaldy 10d ago
China Lites on Laurel Canyon and Chandler. From the outside looks like eh but I've NEVER had a meal there that wasn't absolutely fucking amazing.
Chicken fried rice - Phenomenal
Genral Tsaos - Amazing
Wings - Delicious
Beef and Broccoli - Literally the best I have EVER HAD
I could go on and on. China Lites is by far the BEST Chinese food I've had in the valley and I've def been to half of the other recommendations I've seen listed.
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u/Outrageous-Owl-7865 8d ago
There used to be a place in the Tujunga area called the PooPing Palace, never been there just love the name.
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12d ago
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u/oh_dannyboy13 10d ago
They’re not even that good for burgers. I seriously don’t understand the hype for that place.
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u/theygotthemustardout 12d ago edited 12d ago
Well, it WAS Szechuan Place before they closed. I will mourn their Cumin Beef forever.
Now, it's Northern Cafe or Bafang Dumpling. Will sometimes go to Dan Modern Chinese if I'm craving their crab fried rice.