Shau May - Monterey Park

Pandemic Era Review: 04/02/22 Amazing place that has been serving the community for decades!!! This is a 'picky-choosey ' place where they have a huge display of food to choose from, but you can also order off the menu. Low prices (much lower pre-pandemic, which is amazing Good taste. Generous servings, the container is packed good (maybe because I 'm a big person? . I wish they gave more rice. HUGE VARIETY to choose from. No reservations, lots of seating (but this place is usually quite busy w/o a pandemic . Clean tables during the pandemic, but generally need a little to some cleaning during/after lunch. Indoor seating available. Mask on when moving around. Chance to practice your Cantonese (Chinese dialect ? lol Point at the display or learn item/dish names :P This place has MY FAVORITE egg tomato recipe made!!!! I will literally travel here just to check out if they have egg tomato in their display...and order a 3 item container with all egg tomato!!! They make the ideal egg tomato in ANY restaurant I 've visited. I don 't remember the name of the item/dish ordered off the menu but the little bite-sized breads filled with meat are amazing!!! Each bite into one has hot soup/juices pour out!!! They are delicious and I highly recommend them!!!

Best pork chop with noodles soup no 135) . Place is a bit dirty but food is really good.

5 for the excellent food and service, but about a 3 and a half for cleanliness and easy to spot location (which it was not, it was very difficult to find). Do not go in expecting it to be clean and easy to find as it is cheap, cafeteria type food. However, definitely get the buns and dumplings to eat with the sauce provided at the table. Very well worth it.

This restaurant is a hidden gem. While it's primarily a takeout spot, there are plenty of seats available inside. Parking is convenient with ample spots. Their fried bao is incredibly well-known and was even featured in the LA Times. The prices are very reasonable, making it accessible for everyone. Additionally, the shaved ice is fantastic and a big hit with customers.

This is an authentic Chinese fast food restaurant where you can pick your own dishes, offering various combinations at different prices. The food is delicious and very affordable. Dining here feels quite different from a typical restaurant in a Chinese city.