An Oldie, but Still a Goodie
Mandarin Noodle House is a long-running Monterey Park restaurant that has been around for over 30 years. Proof: one of our parents used to eat here when they were dating in the 80’s. This is one of our go-to no-frills Chinese restaurants for a bowl of noodles and dumplings complete with friendly service and a great price. And make sure to bring some cash because they’re cash only!
Our order changes depending on the weather at Mandarin Noodle House. During the winter, we’ll usually order their beef stewed soup with regular noodles. They do a hand made noodle, but with this dish in particular, we prefer just the regular noodles. A solid Taiwanese style beef noodle soup with very tender meat and a flavorful broth.
Since it’s been warmer recently, we’ve been resorting to our go-to summer order: cold cucumber salad, pan fried dumplings, and a bowl of their noodles with spicy chili sauce.
Their pickled cucumber salad is packed with flavor and super refreshing. It consists of bite-size chunks of cucumber tossed in minced garlic and a white vinegar-based dressing. Every bite is a perfect balance of garlic, sweet, and sour. And if you come here starving, this is a dish that will tide you over until your meal comes because they have this salad pre-made and ready to go.
A highlight of this place and something you must try if you go are their dumplings. Both their pan fried and boiled dumplings are so on point. Just depends on what you’re in the mood for. They make their own wrapper and it’s a little bit on the thicker side but deliciously doughy. Their filling is incredibly flavorful and soft. Paired with your DIY dumpling sauce (we do a little of vinegar, soy sauce and chili oil), Mandarin Noodle House’s dumplings are heavenly. The dumplings are massive and you get 10 for only $5.25. Cheap, delicious and filling.
Last but not least is one of our favorite bowl of noodles: the noodles with spicy chili sauce. This probably sounds incredibly generic and could easily be looked over on their menu. If you like garlic and are in the mood for a dry noodle, do yourself a favor and order a bowl. The noodles are served with shredded chicken, cucumber, carrots, spinach, cilantro, bean sprouts and are topped with a delectable garlicky sauce. The noodles are perfectly springy and the dish is as a whole is a perfect combination of fresh ingredients and a ton of flavor. The sauce is seriously to die for, but make sure to bring some post-lunch mints because they don’t mess around with the garlic.
Mandarin Noodle House
701 Garvey Ave
Monterey Park, CA 91754
