Porridge Things - Millbrae
Porridge Things
Description
An authentic Chiu Chow–style spot in the Bay Area serves deeply flavorful, hearty dishes—seafood porridge with fresh shrimp and crab steals the show—alongside crusty roasted meats, clay-pot fish, noodles and generous portions. Expect homey, casual brunch-and-lunch vibes, family-friendly options and wheelchair access, though service and closing-time policies can be uneven, roast goose is pricey, and allergen/alcohol labeling plus some condiments (white pepper) aren’t provided. Overall, a must-try for lovers of genuine, comforting Chinese cuisine.
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The portions are ample, the flavors are outstanding, but the prices are a bit high. Additionally, it's difficult to find Chaozhou cuisine in this area.
I recently visited this restaurant for the first time, and it was quite an experience. I ordered two servings of porridge, which ended up being enough for four people, so everyone got to enjoy two bowls each. I also sampled the clay pot fish, which was a delightful surprise in terms of flavor. I was recommended a half chicken for $18, and while the chicken was delicious, I felt that the price for the small portion was a bit high. On the plus side, I also enjoyed their noodles. Overall, the service was good, and the food quality was satisfying enough that I would consider coming back to try other dishes. However, one aspect I didn't like was that they added the tip to the bill along with the tax. I believe this is unfair, as taxes don't benefit us directly in the same way our meal does. I ended up leaving an 18% tip based on the pre-tax amount.
This was my first visit, and I thoroughly enjoyed the food. The shrimp and crab were exceptionally fresh, and the other dishes were delightful too. I'll definitely be back next time!
The service was satisfactory and the food was good. My only complaint is that we were given the bill halfway through our meal, which felt quite rude.
I don’t understand why this place isn’t rated above 4.5 stars. The food is absolutely delicious and definitely deserves 5 stars. Although I’m not from Chiu Chow, where this restaurant specializes, I’m from nearby Hokkien, and our cuisines share a lot in common. Dining here feels like being at home. The dishes are incredibly authentic, full of flavor, and hearty—you not only enjoy tasty food, but you also walk away feeling completely satisfied and comfortable. The dish with crusty skin and a hint of onion is irresistible, the flavors pack a punch, and several other dishes exceeded my expectations with their perfect balance of crispy exterior and flavorful interior. Even their porridge is amazing—I keep craving more. Everything we ordered ranks among the best Chinese food I’ve had in the States. Of course, I might be a bit biased since I naturally love this style of cuisine because of its similarity to my hometown’s food. I can’t promise everyone will feel the same, but if you haven’t tried this place yet, it’s definitely worth a visit!
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