Happy Kitchen - San Gabriel

At the insistence of Mr. B, I found myself at a quaint Chinese eatery in San Gabriel Valley this week, called Happy Kitchen. He assured me I'd love it and would want to return, mentioning that his family, especially his mom, are regulars. Happy Kitchen serves dishes inspired by the Harbin region of China, where hearty stews are a staple during the cold winters. One standout dish is the Pork Sour Napa Casserole. This almost-soup dish is served in a large family-style bowl and features sliced pork and cabbage in a mildly sour broth that warms you up without being overly spicy. While it may lack the rich savory or sweet flavors that typically excite the palate, I found it unexpectedly addictive. Its appearance may not be particularly appetizing, but the sourness coupled with the tender cabbage was delightfully smooth, practically melting in your mouth. The pork, with a bit of flavorful fat, provided a mild saltiness and enjoyable texture. After a while, I discovered some glass noodles hidden at the bottom, which was a pleasant surprise! The owner, who hails from Heilongjiang province, often comes out to chat with customers. In this diverse melting pot of Southern California, you'll find patrons from various Chinese regions enjoying their meals at Happy Kitchen. We were treated like long-time customers, receiving a side of their roast chicken leg as well. I recently learned that the LA Times had featured a great article about Happy Kitchen, which means that more outsiders (ahem, white diners) are likely to discover this little gem soon. You won't find typical takeout fare like kung pao chicken, General Tso's, moo goo gai pan, or even orange chicken on their menu. Instead, you’ll find comforting hometown favorites such as onion pancake beef rolls and vegetable steamed dumplings. I was told that the beef rolls here are particularly delightful due to the thin onion pancake they use, unlike the thicker, greasier versions found at many other places. The vegetable dumplings were packed with finely chopped greens, tofu, and mushrooms, ready to burst with flavor. These dumplings are so rich that you really don't need soy sauce; a bit of vinegar is just right. As I savored these dishes, I found myself nodding in agreement with Mr. B as he shared his glowing impressions of Happy Kitchen.

The highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the Double Cooked Pork. Oh my goodness! I seldom use that expression, but this dish truly deserved it and more. I'm not entirely sure how it was made—perhaps it was battered and double-fried—but honestly, it didn't even matter. It was simply outstanding. Although we were all quite full, we managed to make room for this incredible pork. In fact, a couple of my dining companions enjoyed it so much that they ordered some to take home.

I've been an amateur food journalist for a while now, and from time to time, my friends insist that I check out certain restaurants. They often take me to hidden gems, proclaiming that I've just got to try the next big thing in beef. I might be...

The food here is fantastic, and the prices are reasonable. The menu features some unique specialties. There's a great deal where you can buy three entrees and receive a large smoked chicken leg for free. Plus, there's plenty of underground parking available. **Drawbacks: (2.5 Stars)** However, there are a couple of downsides. (1) The young waitress, who might be the chef's daughter, seems uninterested in serving; she doesn't make eye contact or smile and tends to keep her distance from customers. (2) Additionally, there are often smokers congregating near the restaurant, and the smell of cigarettes wafts in through the entrance.

Just finished a glorious lunch with friends! Had the braised pork shoulder in brown sauce, the sauteed finless eel with leeks and the beef with oyster sauce along with pork dumplings... So tasty! Highly recommend this restaurant