Dim Sum Express, Monterey Park, CA

Dim Sum Express
326 N. Garfield Ave
Monterey Park, CA 91745
626-307-5800
Walk-up stand; 4 tables and benches on the side.
Parking in the lot behind.
Open 7:30a-7:00p.

Visited: May 2010, Late afternoon, Take-out


We were a little apprehensive in visiting this place because almost all of the dim sum items are sold by the piece, and that just seemed way too expensive (and unlike most other dim sum places). However, after we saw how large they were, and how tasty, we were sold.

The Siu Mai ($0.75) were large and plump, and very flavorful. I sometimes worry when siu mai are too big cuz they don't cook all the way through, but these were great.

The Har Gow ($0.85) had large pieces of shrimp - you could actually tell they were shrimp, not just minced orangey-pink bits. Very good.

The steamed Cha Siu Bao ($0.85) was also very tasty. There could have been a little more filling, but overall it was still satisfying.

The Hom Suey Goks ($0.75) were very large. They were a little greasey, but the dough was nicely chewy and the meat filling had a nice flavor.

We don't usually order Egg Rolls ($0.75) for dim sum, but thought we would try them while we were here. Yeah, no. They were nicely crisp and had lots of veggie filling, but they were very oniony. The overwhelming flavor was onion.

The flat Fried Wontons ($1.35) were disappointing. They tasted like fried egg roll wrappers (which is fine) but there was hardly any filling.

The Pot Stickers ($1.35 for 4) and the Steamed Dumplings ($1.25) had plenty of filling and were very tasty.

Also good was the Chicken Rice in Lotus Leaf ($1.65). The rice was tender, and there was the right amount of chicken filling. This would make a great lunch.

And the Turnip Cakes ($0.75) had a very nice pan fried char, and lot of yummy tasty bits.

The last thing we ordered, we were a bit disappointed in. They also feature some 'fast food' non-dim sum items. We tried the spicy Deep Fried Pork Chops and rice ($4.49). For the price, you get a lot of food. But it didn't have much taste - definitely not spicy.

Overall, we were quite pleased with this little dim sum walk-up stand.

Shakas Hawaiian Flavors, Monterey Park, CA

Shakas Hawaiian Flavors
2300 Garfield Ave
Monterey Park, CA 91754
323-888-2695
http://www.shakas.com/
Casual; order at the counter.
Located just north of the 60 freeway.
Parking in the strip mall and on the side street.
Second location: 101 Main St, #C, Alhambra, CA 91801

Visited: May 2010, Lunch, Take-out


Shakas is a nice casual Hawaiian fast food place. We tried just a few things, but were quite satisfied, and will definitely be back to try more menu items.

We had the Kalua Pork Tacos - two crispy tacos FILLED with kalua pig and topped with raw cabbage, cheese and pico de gallo. The kalua was smoky and rich, however, I figured out that kalua tacos are not for me. While tasty, they were waaay too rich for my blood.

We got a side order of the Mochiko Chicken. Boneless chicken pieces that have been marinated in a sweet soy sauce, and then lightly coated and deep fried. These were delicious little morsels. They identify the Mochiko Chicken as a house specialty, and they're right.

We also got an order of Spam Musubi ($1.95) which was very fresh and flavorful. I love it when there's just a little sauce on the rice, and this how they do it. It was larger than I expected - maybe 4 inches long.

They have all the other traditional Hawaiian grindz (Loco Moco, Kalbi, Katsu, Huli Huli Chicken, etc.) so we'll be back to try.