Mama Lu’s Dumpling House

Women-owned & operated

Kid friendly

Noodle Street has always been one of my go-to places for comfort food and a good noodle dish. This…read moretime, I had about an hour to kill while waiting for my appointment at the Apple Store in Pasadena. I was walking around thinking about what to eat. The I saw the Noodle Street sign. Of course, I went in because I already know the quality of their food. I always find their noodles fresh and chewy, and the dishes are rich in texture and flavor. But this time, since I was by myself, I didn't order a noodle dish because I was just by myself. So, I ordered the beef roll, which is also to die for! Just really enjoy their food overall. If you've never tried Noodle Street before, definitely check out their menu and give their noodles a try. This particular location was clean, the staff was nice, and the wait wasn't long when I arrived. I would definitely come back again! I'd like to add one more detail. While I was waiting for my food, one of the staff members, possibly the manager, Justin, came over and asked if I'd like to have a small bowl of broth on the side. I said yes and was impressed by that offer. Why? This young man understood that I had ordered only the beef roll, which is a dry dish. Having a little warm broth on the side made it much easier and more enjoyable to eat. I had water, though, but I personally never drink water before or after my meal, so the broth was definitely a perfect complement to the beef roll. This is the first time in my Noodle Street eating history that I've been offered something simple to enhance my dining experience. A small gesture that I think is worth mentioning, as it showed that he was attentive and had very good common sense when it comes to customer service. Thumbs up to him, and an extra star from me for this location.

Old Town, Pasadena Super fun and comfortable Korean noodle and rice dishes place. It advertises…read moreitself as an Asian fusion noodle restaurant. Most of the dishes are Korean and Korean spiced versions however so be prepared. I expected the food to be much spicier and more pungent. They are not -- they are modernized slightly lighter versions of Korean noodle dishes. I'm addicted to the cold noodle salad with kale, carrots, and you can ask for it with tofu as I'm not eating beef for the next six months due to the beef recalls nowadays. Love the modern simple setup. There is a crew of chefs in the back cooking behind the glass. The staff are attentive and they take Apple Pay. I cannot believe the prices here. They are very reasonable. Why go to a fast food restaurant? End of Yelp.

Stir Fry Noodles with Tofu ($15.80) - onions, spinach, bell peppers and carrots. With triangle noodles.

Dining room

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Beef Stir-Fry Noodles

dan modern chinese

4.1(893 reviews)

1.1 mi

Dan Modern left a great impression on the table…read more Ordered the following: 1. Baby Bok Choy 2. Chicken Lo Mien 3. Shrimp Fried Rice 4. Pork/Crab XLB Everything tasted amazing and well prepared. The prices are premium, the quality matches! Enjoyed every dish!

This place is a family favorite. The food is consistently delicious and we highly recommend the Dan…read moreDan noodles with pork chop,Three Cup Chicken, Chinese chicken salad, and the spicy pork dumplings. A special thank you to our server, Eric, who took care of our family. He was warm, attentive, and genuinely kind, making our dining experience even more enjoyable. He also recommended the Dan Dan noodles with the pork chop which we had not tried before and my family raved about. Unfortunately, our experience with the host was the complete opposite. When we asked if we could be seated in a booth, he responded with a sour expression and unnecessary attitude, as though having the booth cleaned was a personal inconvenience. Even after we thanked him for accommodating our request, his response remained cold and dismissive. That interaction is the reason we're deducting one star, because customer service matters just as much as good food. Our family frequently visits the Sawtelle Japantown location, where we've always been welcomed with outstanding hospitality. We hope this location can provide that same level of warmth and professionalism in the future.

Dan mein chicken

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Crispy Pork Dumplings

Joy

4.5(2.1k reviews)

3.5 mi•Highland Park

I absolutely love this place it's a small but lively restaurant. The workers are always so kind and…read morethe wait time usually isn't long 15- 20 max. Love to come here with my friends it's so yummy and cheap.

Taste: 5 Value: 5…read moreService: 5 One of the best Taiwanese meals I've had since coming back from Taipei at the start of the year. The hot and sour soup was thick and chunky, just how I like the soup. The scallion bread sandwich with 5-spice beef was distinct. The bread was perfectly baked and the beef was flavorful and juicy. There was both mustard greens and pickles that gave crunch and acidity to balance the meat and bread. The lotus root salad was refreshing while still having a kick from their in-house chili oil. Dan Dan noodles were also excellent. Fresh cucumbers, chewy noodles, flavorful sauce. Hearty portions with enough for a lunch the next day. Also appreciated the speed of service. Lines move quickly and food comes out quickly. Looking forward to my next visit!

Partners with the local communities

Wonton Noodle Soup Milk Tea

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Hakka Mochi

Woon

4.0(278 reviews)

2.4 mi

I came to Woon in Pasadena for a solo dinner date. Parked across the street and walked on over to…read morethe restaurant. Very quaint and airy interior space. Love the beautiful wall decor. Got in line, placed my order, got a number, sat at an open table, and waited for my food. Staff was cordial and helpful with their recommendations. Thank you Miss! Food came out timely. Everything was delicious. Love to come back to try their other specialty dishes. Thanks Woon! Here is what I orderd: *Beef Noodles (free offer via mySGV passport - stamp #8) - very nice wok stir fried flavor, bouncy noodles, tender beef slices, top-notch dish! *Mama's Five Spice Chicken Wings - excellent, very tasty, love the five spice flavor, would get again! *Woodear Mushroom Salad - decent, but wished it had more seasoning *Woon Milk Tea - nice tea flavor, very smooth

this place is nice! its vibey, super casual, and serves decent food. service was fine, and food…read morecame out as it was ready. it was a great spot to catch up with friends without breaking the bank. there is some western influence from the flavors to the dish inspirations. and that's not bad! but don't expect traditional chinese food standouts pork belly over rice - the marinade was sweet and the brightness of the toppings and veggies really balanced the richness from the pork five spice wings - super tender with a great fry. not too greasy. extremely flavorful but I also love five spice so/

Our table

Not very appetizing chilled cucumber

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Pickled Chinese cabbage, don't like it

Y.our Cafe

Whenever I am craving for comfort food, this is the place that I instantly think of…read more My to-go order is the clay pot steamed rice combo. The combo consists of rice, clay pot soup, and either herbal jelly (dessert) or iced lemon tea. My favorite is the Cantonese cured meat. For soup I usually get the gingseng soup with silkie chicken which is packed with flavor and nutrients. I have tried both the herbal jelly and iced lemon tea, however my favorite would be tea. At first I thought the herbal jelly was drink, but I was surprised when it arrived as a turtle shaped jelly. Parking: there is a huge lot behind the restaurant. Service: quick and efficient

No more soufflé pancakes!…read more Portions were smaller than expected. Tasted good, but nothing impressive. Drinks were good, service was okay and polite.

Coconut soup with silkie chicken

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Coffee

Pine & Crane

4.3(3.4k reviews)

8.1 mi•Silver Lake

Always a great experience with pine and crane To go orders…read more The parking there stresses me out so I ended up door dashing. The food came well packed and was delicious as always. The BEEF ROLL and the DAN DAN NOODLES are my go to. The quality and flavor is always consistent. I tried the MAPO TOFU this time. The flavor was good and the portion was bigger than i expected. As always, can't wait to come back!

Food was delicious. We got the bean curd salad (standard and good), three cup chicken (so flavorful…read moreand their rice is soft and fluffy), wonton noodle soup (great wontons) ~ I ask for the thicker noodles, and beef rolls. Beef rolls and wonton noodle soup were my favorites of the bunch. Service is really friendly. You order at the front and find a seat but when it's busy they'll help you find seats so no stress. It was a super hot summer day in LA and their AC was there but it still felt pretty warm inside the restaurant. Parking can be tough around here.

Interior

Beef Noodle Soup

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Taro Milk Tea

Mr Dragon Noodle House

4.5(2.1k reviews)

5.9 mi

I recently came back here again for a quick Sunday dinner and here are some of the key highlights:…read more * Parking was easy this time as I was able to find an available spot in the parking lot immediately. * I was able to check in 5 minutes ahead of time via Yelp and only waited 5 more minutes in person before receiving a text that our table was ready on Sunday at 7:30 PM. * One of the most efficient services for Chinese restaurants in the SGV (San Gabriel Valley) area as the staff wasted no time serving food, refilling water, and responding to a check request. * Ordered slightly different dishes this time and C1 Xiao Long Bao (juicy pork dumplings 8 pieces -$13.00) and C5 Beef Roll (6 pieces - $16.00) were A-tier dishes. Xiao Long Bao's flavor profile tasted more like steamed dumplings. Beef roll didn't taste as good as I remembered (probably because it had slightly less hoisin sauce), but it was still a good beef roll nonetheless. * Personally G4 Black Pepper Beef Fried Udon ($15.99) was a surprising discovery and an S-tier dish. Basically think of it as beef chow fun, but replace flat noodles with udon and add egg and bell pepper - excellent flavor profile. C3 Pan Fried Pork Bao (6 pieces - $13.00) were comparable to the ones from Kang Kang Food Court. 4.5 stars for the food with 4 items enough to feed 3 to 4 adults. I would say their noodle dishes like Beef Noodle Soup / Black Pepper Beef Fried Udon / Fujian Style Fried Vermicelli are slightly better than their dumpling dishes. Bump it up to 5-star for the excellent service. P.S. - There's another new location in Diamond Bar.

Came here for some soup and I always try the beef!…read more Perfectly tender beef and tendon! The noodles were cooked well, however, the broth could have used some more flavor It was a bit bland for my liking, however, the noodles and beef were tasty! The service was attentive and always ready to serve you on standby The ambiance was busy for lunch. The restaurant was clean and medium to small party friendly

Interior

Beef pepper udon

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D1. House Special Beef Noodle Soup

Lu's Garden

It's a good restaurant! We ordered fried fish; pork feet;…read moreBamboo shoots; and rice cereal with Yen.

The environment is nice, clean, and the food tastes mild - pretty acceptable. The service is okay…read moretoo

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Golden Leaf

4.1(395 reviews)

3.7 mi

Ordered: -Minced pork…read more -Popcorn chicken -Fried sausage -Spinach -Cucumber Pro: -Everything was fresh and delicious! Our favorite was the oyster pancake -Food can come out quite quickly! -Friendly staff & clean interior Con: -Small seating so you may need to wait on a busy night

Two Haiku Review:…read more Taiwanese classics For a low price. Tried oyster Omelette, turkey rice, and popcorn chicken-- Liked them all! Note: portions are on the smaller side.

Pickled cabbage

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Braised pork belly dice bowl

Luyixian

4.5(528 reviews)

4.9 mi

We were in the area, found this spot and ordered the beef noodle soup and fried rice…read more We came past 2pm on a Saturday and it wasn't busy. The place is clean and from the outside it looked small but there adequate seating. Service was fast. The soup was soooo good, the beef was melt in your mouth tender. The noodles were good as well as the fried rice. Straight forward - no frills good food.

Leyixian is a great late-night option when you're craving something hearty. They're open until 11…read morePM, so I stopped by for some spicy beef noodles to go, and it definitely hit the spot. The noodles had that authentic Taiwanese flavor, with a nice spicy kick and a satisfying beefy broth. Perfect for a late-night craving when most places are already closed. Definitely a spot I'd come back to.

Beautiful Flower arrangement

Mushroom and Napa cabbage

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Couple's sliced beef

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29 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Pingning G.

2 months ago

Throughout our entire meal, there were multiple flies constantly flying around our table and landing on our food. This wasn't just one or two flies--it was a continuous problem from the time our food arrived until we left. When I brought the issue to the attention of the female manager/cashier (who also appeared to be the lead server), I found her to be rude, dismissive, and uninterested in listening to my concerns. Before I could even finish explaining the situation, she interrupted me and asked, "Which one did the flies land on? I'll have the kitchen make another one." That completely missed the point. I wasn't asking for a free replacement or trying to get extra food--I was trying to alert management that flies were repeatedly landing on customers' meals throughout the restaurant. Her response made me feel like she assumed I was simply looking for free food instead of raising a legitimate food safety concern. I also asked if they had a fly swatter or any other way to control the flies. I was told there was nothing they could do because "It's summer, what do you expect?" That was an unacceptable response. While flies may be more common in the summer, they should not be freely flying around a restaurant and landing on customers' food. Restaurants should have effective pest-control measures in place and take customer concerns seriously. Another thing that concerned me was that when I picked up the dishes to help serve food to my table, the bottoms of several plates were noticeably greasy and felt dirty, which made me question whether the dishes were being properly cleaned and sanitized. Overall, what disappointed me most was not just the sanitation concerns, but the complete lack of professionalism in how they were handled. Instead of acknowledging the issue, apologizing, or attempting to address it, the manager was dismissive and made me feel like my concerns were an inconvenience. I left genuinely concerned about the restaurant's cleanliness, pest control, and overall food safety standards. read more

Jeshow Y.

Elite 24

336

296

109

3 years ago

Mama Lu's Dumplings in Pasadena stands out not just for its delectable menu but also for its elegant and decadent interior, which is notably the finest among all the Mama Lu's locations I've visited. This establishment combines the comfort of a well-decorated space with the culinary excellence it's known for. Parking is straightforward, with options either on the street or in a nearby paid parking garage, making access to this culinary haven quite convenient. The highlight of Mama Lu's, as the name suggests, is undoubtedly their dumplings. The pork soup dumplings are a culinary delight, embodying the perfect balance of flavorful broth and tender meat. Equally impressive are their spicy wontons, which pack a delightful punch with just the right amount of heat to tantalize the taste buds without overpowering the dish's intricate flavors. Another standout is their beef roll - a harmonious blend of savory beef, crisp cucumbers, and a subtle sweetness that ties the dish together beautifully. This item is a testament to the kitchen's skill in balancing complex flavors in a single dish. In contrast to my experiences at other Mama Lu's locations, which have ranged from exceptional to just okay, the Pasadena branch consistently delivers top-notch cuisine. Its consistent quality makes it a location I find myself eagerly returning to. In summary, Mama Lu's Dumplings in Pasadena is a must-visit for anyone seeking high-quality dumplings and more, served in a beautifully appointed setting. It's a culinary jewel in Pasadena, one that I wholeheartedly recommend. read more

Jesse N.

Elite 24

313

3 years ago

Mama Lu's consistently delights with its delectable and reasonably priced Chinese dishes, and the anticipation of a new location closer to home in Pasadena heightens the experience. However, a recent incident warrants sharing due to its disappointing nature. Opting for a to-go order, I was informed of a 30-minute wait from a male waiter, a timeframe I accepted willingly. Upon my return after 40 minutes, I patiently waited by the register. To my surprise, the waiter approached agitatedly, insisting I wait longer. Despite my silent patience, he seemed unreasonably angry, prompting me to step out momentarily. Upon reentering, I received the same treatment, with him stating the order was "almost done." Mind this was after a 50-minute total wait at this point. Frustrated, I sought help from my girlfriend who was waiting outside. She stepped in by herself this time and approached a different female worker, our receipt was examined, revealing a 50-minute wait for a forgotten order. The kitchen acknowledged the error, and the female worker apologized profusely. By the time I returned inside again after resolution of the issue, the previously rude male waiter avoided eye contact and couldn't even look me in the face. Remarkably, the corrected order took just 10 minutes to prepare after the issue was identified. While Mama Lu's is typically known for its great food and service, this encounter, marked by rudeness and significant time wasted, left an unfortunate impression that contrasts with their usual excellence. read more

Guillermo A.

1 year ago

- Mama Lu's Dumpling House, Old Town Pasadena A truly disappointing experience. From the moment we were seated, the service was abysmal. No one brought us menus -- I had to get up and grab them myself. Once we finally ordered, the kitchen staff, not the servers, dropped the dishes on our table, randomly guessing who ordered what. The servers? They were too busy chatting amongst themselves to notice we even existed. No one offered water -- we had to specifically ask for it. There was no follow-up to check if we needed anything else. The food was mediocre at best, and for the price, it was absolutely not worth it. To make matters worse, no rice was included, which is unacceptable at any Chinese restaurant. I noticed the table next to us had no rice either. Despite the lackluster service, the bill included suggested tips starting at 18%, which felt insulting. Honestly, I've had better service at local Chinese fast-food spots like the one near Vallarta Market or the takeout place on Lake north of Washington Blvd -- and that's saying something. There was a woman -- possibly the owner or manager -- wandering around, completely disengaged. No greeting, no thank you, no effort. The restaurant wasn't even full -- they had every opportunity to offer attentive service and didn't. The presentation was poor, the food was tossed on our table like an afterthought, and the entire vibe was unwelcoming. This is not a place I'll be returning to. One star is generous -- if I could give zero stars, I would. read more

Lilian W.

231

809

5410

2 years ago

Mama Lu's Dumpling House, located in Old Town Pasadena, offers a welcoming experience with a nice, spacious interior. Parking in this area can be tricky as usual, but there are paid parking structures nearby, so it's manageable. The service here is friendly and efficient. They had tea, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil ready at the table, which was a nice touch. The staff were attentive and made sure everything was going smoothly. The highlight, of course, was the food. Their dumplings are well-portioned and reasonably priced. I tried the Juicy Pork Dumplings for $9.99 and the Chive & Pork Dumplings for $7.99, each with 8 pieces. They arrived fresh and steaming, and tasted fantastic, especially when paired with the sauces on the table. Both were very filling. The inside of the restaurant feels like an authentic Chinese eatery. There's a lot of seating, and the place is surprisingly large, spanning two floors. The chandeliers and décor give it a classy touch, while the space itself feels very clean and inviting. If you need to use the restroom, they're located on the second floor. I visited on a Wednesday evening, and while there were a decent number of tables occupied. The restaurant is suitable for families, small groups, or even large parties, making it a versatile dining spot. Overall, Mama Lu's offers a great dining experience with delicious dumplings, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere. A place I'd return to! read more

Sherri L.

314

2 years ago

I had the best time at Mama Lu's in Pasadena with my friends! We usually hang out at the Chinatown spot, but we decided to switch things up and give this one a shot - and wow, what a treat it was! We dug into all our favorites like the beef wrap, spicy wontons, and crab and fried scallop fried rice, and they were absolutely sensational. The House Special Fish Filet is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and just bursting with flavor. The Egg Tofu with mushrooms - it was so saucy and savory, with the tofu melting in my mouth like butter. We popped in on a Monday night thinking it would be quiet, but the place was buzzing with good vibes and great food. The casual yet classy vibe, the quick and friendly service, and the steamy hot, delicious dishes made Mama Lu's feel like a home away from home. The servers were super sweet and made us feel so welcomed. I can't wait to go back and try more of their menu. Mama Lu's is the kind of place where you can kick back, enjoy some amazing food, and make memories with your loved ones. read more

Madi S.

206

2 years ago

Mama Lu's in Pasadena always has a long line, so I finally decided to see what the hype was all about. Honestly, after trying the food, I probably won't be back. We ordered the orange chicken, chicken fried rice, pork dumplings, and sautéed assorted vegetables. The orange chicken had more dough than chicken, making it overly heavy. The chicken fried rice was lacking in flavor and felt more like plain white rice with a few added ingredients. The dumplings were the best part of the menu with a decent filling. On the plus side, portion size was large and complimentary peanuts were a nice touch. The decor was interesting, with two gorgeous towering chandeliers that seemed a bit large for the space. Service was disappointing, as staff were not attentive and did not check on us during the meal. Overall, if you're a fan of large portions or curious about the lovely decor, it might be worth a try. Otherwise, there are plenty of other options in Pasadena for better Chinese cuisine. read more

Sunny E.

312

155

2 years ago

We usually go to the Monterey Park location of Mama Lu's Dumpling House, but since the Pasadena spot is much closer, we decided to give it a try. Honestly, it was just as good as the original, if not better! The quality and flavors were on point, and it's great to have this gem so close by. We ordered the Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) and they were perfect--delicate and packed with savory broth. The Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings were crispy and juicy, just like we remember from the other location. Another must-try is the Shrimp and Pork Wontons in Spicy Sauce, which had the right amount of kick. We also had the Beef Roll and Sautéed String Beans, both of which were flavorful and satisfying. The service was quick and friendly, and the vibe of this location was more relaxed and spacious. If you're a fan of the Monterey Park location, you'll love this one too. It's a fantastic alternative without sacrificing any of the quality Mama Lu's is known for. read more

Ivy Z.

376

133

5 months ago

Came here after seeing it all over social media, and honestly... it lived up to the hype. Be prepared for a wait, especially during peak hours, but the turnover is pretty quick. We ordered the pork soup dumplings, pan-fried dumplings, and beef roll. The soup dumplings were the highlight -- thin skin, super juicy, and packed with rich broth. Just be careful because they come out really hot. The pan-fried dumplings had a crispy bottom with a juicy, flavorful filling, which I loved for the texture contrast. The beef roll was also really good -- flaky on the outside with tender beef inside, and a nice savory sauce that ties everything together. Portions are generous and prices are pretty reasonable for the quality. It definitely has that busy, no-frills SGV dumpling house vibe, but the food is what you're here for. Overall, I'd come back when I'm craving comfort food and dumplings done right. read more

King A.

3 years ago

My wife has been talking about how her family loves Mama Lu's Dumpling House for ages. Every time they go, I was busy with work, so I was unable to attend. BUT our schedules finally aligned and I was able to try the famous Mama Lu's Dumpling House. We met her family at the new Pasadena location, it had a nice spacious interior, and we were seated downstairs in another room. Their menu was quite extensive, and there was just so many things to try I didn't even want to read it. In the end, I just ordered myself a fried rice and let them order their favorite dishes, and figure I would find something I would like. The food came out fairly quick. I enjoyed the pan fried dumplings and was actually a really big fan of the Pan Fried Beef Udon. I didn't expect those noodles to taste so good. Will definitely join them for dinner more often, can't wait to be back. read more

Misikga F.

111

906

809

2 years ago

My experience at Mama Lu's Dumpling House was fantastic! The menu offered a wide variety of Taiwanese dishes, and the portions were incredibly generous. I highly recommend trying their delicious dumplings, which were bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked. The noodles were also a hit, with a great texture and savory sauce that complemented the other dishes well. I highly recommend sweet and sour soup. It was a delightful blend of tangy and savory flavors that left me wanting more. Overall, Mama Lu's Dumpling House is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Taiwanese cuisine with generous portions and incredible flavors. The ambiance at Mama Lu's Dumpling House is perfect for families or large groups. The spacious seating arrangements and welcoming atmosphere make it easy for everyone to enjoy their meal together. read more

Natel S.

144

131

3 years ago

I am beyond thrilled that Mama Lu has opened a new location in Pasadena. I used to make the trek to the Monterey Park spot just to satisfy my dumpling cravings, but now I can indulge right in my own backyard. Mama Lu has always been my go-to for the best dumplings in town, and the Pasadena branch certainly lives up to the reputation. The variety of dumplings here is astounding, and each one is a burst of flavor. The classic pork and chive dumplings are a must-try. Not only the dumplings but all the dishes on the menu are a 10/10. The portions are huge! I can't express how happy I am to have Mama Lu in Pasadena. So, if you're in the area and haven't tried Mama Lu yet, what are you waiting for? Your taste buds will thank you, and you'll be planning your next visit before you know it! read more

eriko p.

11 months ago

Casual Chinese tasty food at a reasonable price! Every time I arrive with friends, we only waited a few minutes to be seated. Service is just okay. We usually had to look for staff and flag them down, but they all work hard and were prompt, once we asked for something. A pot of jasmine hot tea with salted peanuts arrived promptly as we were seated, complimentary. We shared the crab and pork soup dumplings which was super tasty! I will order these again. The garlic green beans were stir fried perfectly, with a crunch. The beef chow fun was really good! Finally we shared the Green Onion pancake. It was crispy and good, but a bit greasy for my taste. We ate until we were full and there were leftovers for us to take home! read more

Roland C.

102

6 months ago

We always love exploring different Chinese and Asian restaurants, and this place definitely holds a special spot whenever we're in Pasadena. The service is quick, attentive, and always on point, which makes the whole dining experience smooth and enjoyable. The ambiance is warm and pleasant -- a nice place to sit down, relax, and enjoy a good meal. The food is consistently good and exactly what you hope for when craving Asian cuisine. It's definitely one of those places you can rely on when you want satisfying dishes and a welcoming atmosphere. A great spot to enjoy good Asian food in Pasadena. We'll definitely keep coming back! read more

Lucia Y.

637

2 years ago

We tried their signature dishes: House Special Crystal Chicken, Steamed Buns, Honey Garlic Pork Chops, and Salt and Pepper Shrimp. The chicken had a perfect blend of crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. The steamed buns were translucent, filled with rich broth and flavorful meat. The pork chops were marinated to perfection, offering a delightful mix of crispy exterior and tender meat with a strong garlic aroma. The salt and pepper shrimp provided a unique combination of crispy texture and fresh shrimp flavor. Mama Lu excels in capturing the essence of Hong Kong cuisine, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic flavors. read more

Yingxue L.

See more unrecommended reviews

112

2 months ago

Mama Li's Dumpling House is such a hidden gem! The dumplings were fresh, juicy, and packed with flavor. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients, and everything tasted homemade. The service was warm and attentive, and the restaurant had a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that made us feel right at home. We also tried a few other dishes, and every single one was delicious and generously portioned. If you're craving authentic Chinese comfort food, this is definitely a place worth visiting. I'll absolutely be back to try more items on the menu. Highly recommend! read more

Miguel M.

369

2 years ago

Mama Lu's Dumpling House is a gem! The dumplings are absolutely delicious--perfectly crafted with thin, tender wrappers and flavorful fillings. I tried the pork and chive dumplings, and they were juicy and packed with taste. The menu is extensive, with a great variety of authentic dishes that are all reasonably priced. The service was fast and friendly, and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. It's the perfect spot for a casual meal with friends or family. I can't wait to go back and try more of their dishes. Highly recommend! read more

Jessie L.

179

2 years ago

I recently tried Mama Lu's Dumplings in LA and it's quickly become a top spot for me. The xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) here are a must-try; they're perfectly steamed with a rich, savory broth inside that's absolutely delicious. The yudofu (silken tofu) is another standout, served hot and comforting with a delicate flavor that's just right. It's great to have such authentic Chinese dishes so well-prepared close to home. If you love genuine Chinese food, you'll enjoy Mama Lu's! The service is also really good! read more

Jessica G.

4 months ago

Mama's Dumpling House in Pasadena was honestly SO good. Everything we ordered was fresh, flavorful, and came out hot. The soup dumplings were amazing, the beef noodles were packed with flavor, and the fried rice was perfect. Even the veggies and soups were delicious. You can tell the food is made with care and the portions were great too. Definitely one of those spots where every dish hits. Service was friendly and the whole experience was super comforting. Can't wait to come back! read more

Solovino D.

133

2 years ago

The service is good, the acoustics are as crappy as when Chef Tony was here, and the prices are modest. But this "dumpling house" doesn't really do dumplings. Of the 119 items on the laminated menu, fewer than 20 are dumplings, and if the array we ordered were representative, you're not missing much. The dumplings were tasteless, but shredded beef and snow peas were great. We won't go back. We'll get our dim sum in Alhambra. Go China has better Chinese. read more

Mama Lu’s Dumpling House - chinese - Updated September 2026

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4.3

(112 reviews)

My friends and I decided to come here for dinner to catch up. It is order at the counter first and…read morethen sit down at a table. It was super clean and a nice set up and a good place to catch up. We ordered the spicy wontons, beef noodles, scallion pancake, and egg rolls. It was delicious and we got quiet when the food got to the table. I definitely want to come back here for other items.

First time dining here, conveniently located right across from PCC. I was excited to give it a try,…read moreand while there were a few standout dishes, a few others left room for improvement. The braised eggplant was a bit too salty for my taste, and the Golden Beef Belly Noodle Soup was super duper spicy! I had to constantly drinking water to dilthe heat. Honestly , that's spicy level not a dish I'll be ordering again. The Spicy Wontons were a little too soft for my preference. I personally enjoy a firmer texture and preferably with shrimp filling. On the brighter side, the Lao Gan Ma Fried Noodles with Chicken were flavorful and definitely one of the better dishes we tried. As for the XLB (soup dumplings), they could use a little improvement when it comes to holding the broth inside. See video attached. The second batch was a bit better, so hopefully they'll continue adjusting for a better version . The real highlights were the marinated pig ears, fried dumplings, beef roll pancakes and the cucumber salad. Those were well seasoned and perfectly done! Service was friendly, and the restaurant was clean and well maintained, so no complaints there. Overall, I think the kitchen has a solid foundation, but a little adjustment and consistency in seasoning would make more reasons for customers to return. This is simply my honest opinion and experience to help small business succeed . Wishing the team continued success and Good luck!

Lunasia Signature

3.6

(139 reviews)

Had an early dinner at Lunasia and went for dim sum old favorites. The jumbo har gow are tasty…read morealthough they fall apart the minute you take a bite. We also enjoyed the crispy shrimp roll and the barbecue pork rice noodle. The crispy shrimp roll was a great texture, not too greasy with a flavorful filling. I love the addition of some green vegetable with the standard rice noodle roll. Service was friendly, but a little disorganized. There seems to be some lack of clarity around who is responsible for the table. Still, Lunasia remains a local favorite for dim sum.

Love their OG location, but this one is a huge pass. Everything tasted bland. The biggest offender…read morewas the spicy chili wontons. There was barely any chili sauce, just straight up soy sauce. 0/5 for the food, but 3/5 overall for the great service. Take away the pretty interior, and what's left feels like an attempt at dim sum from a YouTube tutorial by someone who has never tasted dim sum before.

Sichuan Street Food

4.5

(108 reviews)

I've been coming here at least once a week for the past five months, and this place continues to…read moreimpress every single time. The service is consistently great... attentive, efficient, and genuinely welcoming. Fair warning for anyone new to Sichuan cuisine, the dominant flavor is "spicy". That said, the dishes are not just about heat... they're layered, aromatic, and incredibly well-balanced. Every dish I've tried has been outstanding, both in flavor and presentation. If you're a fan of bold, authentic flavors and reliable service, this spot is definitely worth visiting. Tip - If you're new to the cuisine, I strongly recommend getting everything MILD spicy. I've been told by some of my colleagues that MILD spicy is still pretty spicy, so be warned. With that said, strongly recommend the dishes below. Lamb with Cumin 11/10 - My favorite dish here by far. Aromatic, flavorful, and the spices are just on point. Dan Dan Noodles 9/10 - Solid and consistently good. The sauce is properly seasoned and truly compliments the perfectly cooked noodles. Shredded Cabbage with Pork 9/10 - Not to be confused with twice cooked pork. This dish is so simple and bland looking, but it's packed with flavor... so good! Garlic Pork Belly 8/10 - This is a cold dish. The meat was perfectly cooked and properly coated in chili oil. Solid and consistently good. Kung Pao Chicken 8/10 - In my opinion, it's an elevated Kung Pao Chicken. Solid and consistently good.

This place is crazy good. When you think of Szechuan food you're probably thinking SPICE, but you…read morecan adjust the heat of most of the dishes here so you're not frying your tongue off. It can get really busy, though, so expect to wait or just call in your order and take your food to go. I recommend the soy sauce tofu with beef dish. It's fire. Massive W. Gen Z words. Good.

J'S Chinese Cuisine

4.7

(135 reviews)

Came in here for lunch and I must say, it's the best Chinese food we've had in a long time. We…read moreordered Yang Chow Fried Rice, Orange Beef, Honey Walnut, Shrimp and Sio Mai. Wow! The Orange Beef was tender and the batter was light. Don't even need a knife to cut the beef. Honey Walnut Shrimp was also light and tasty. Sio Mai tasted great. A big thumbs up! It was so good that I forgot to take pictures until after we devoured most of the food. My only gripe is it was a little hot in the restaurant. But to be fair it was 105° weather that day.

Came with some friends one night and ordered Shrimp Chow Mein, Orange Chicken, Sizzling Black…read morePepper Beef, and Hot & Spicy Eggplant. Everything tasted pretty generic. Nothing really stood out here but nothing was bad at least. I've had plenty of Chinese restaurants in Chinese population dense areas such as Monterey Park, Alhambra, etc. and this doesn't hold up against them in terms of flavor. Service was okay and the ambiance was fine.

Osawa Shabu Shabu & Sushi

4.4

(2k reviews)

I met a colleague here for lunch and it did not disappoint. It's in the heart of old Pasadena along…read morea street full of amazing eateries. Parking is super tough, pretty much your options are street parking far away or the parking lot across the street that charges. The service was stellar, they were super busy so we opted to sit outside instead of waiting. They put a porta-cooler on us as it was very warm and kept topping up the ice water throughout our meal. They have great lunch specials and excellent fresh seafood and great miso. It was the perfect spot for a business lunch and even the dessert didn't disappoint. I'll definitely be back for dinner! Great sashimi, moderate prices and stellar service!

Probably the best sushi spot in Pasadena. If you don't have a reservation, you will be waiting for…read morea while. Cozy ambiance with just a hint of upscaleness. Menu is varied and everything, I mean everything, tastes fresh. Ordered an assortment of sushi that's too much to list and the bill was expectedly hefty. But definitely worth it. Service was excellent and staff was super friendly. Even met the owner. This is a family-owned establishment and her kids work there. Needless to say, a great time was had by all.

JS Foothill Restaurant

4.5

(159 reviews)

Here in SoCal for work and this dim sum spot did not disappoint. I am native Chinese and lives SF…read moreBay Area, so my standards are pretty high. Even though they are just getting ready to open, the staff was super friendly and I was greeted right away. The interior was nice and clean. It's always humorous to speak to them in Cantonese and they respond in English. Then I started ordering in Cantonese and the staff realized we fam haha! The lady server here was super friendly, she was the only one serving all the tables but had a great smile on her. Food quality is really good, not very expensive for California and the quality of food was great. Their congee was the right thickness and the portion isn't so big that it was overwhelming. Didn't need to add more salt, flavor was on point. The siu mai was big and you get 4! Elsewhere you usually only get 3 for bigger ones. Their siu mai has shrimp just FYI for non shell fish eaters. Taro cake was fried well, crispy but not too much. Flavor was great with a little bit of hot sauce/soy sauce combo Beef rice rolls, they were really good but I wish they use the sweeter soy sauce, good nonetheless. This would be a local spot for me if I lived here. I left pretty satisfied.

Stopped by this spot for lunch with a few friends and had a pretty average experience. The…read morerestaurant itself is pretty clean, and the service was decent. I tried the lunch specials, but the portions felt noticeably smaller compared to some of the other Chinese lunch special spots. Unfortunately, the biggest miss for me was the flavor. The dishes were pretty underwhelming and felt very generic. The dim sum was just okay as well. It didn't really taste freshly made. What really bothered me was the 2 steamed BBQ pork buns for $5.99. Overall, it wasn't a bad meal, but there are definitely other Chinese spots I'd choose over this one.

TSUKE Artisan Noodle

4.4

(264 reviews)

Came back again after a few months. (It's nice to be back) I don't know if it's meant to be but…read moreJena is my server again. She's just the best. Also food is super good, I ordered tsukemen and ramen.clean restroom and clean floors. Will be back over and over again.

Amazing food and service by Gloria! I always come here to hang out with my friends. I would…read moredefinitely recommend this place.

5 POT

4.6

(165 reviews)

Came in for a quick dinner and loved it. The ingredient selection is great, and you'll find the…read morestandards without anything too fancy. And honestly, it's hard to complain when you get to customize your own bowl! The space was practically sterile, which I actually find to not be the case with many hot pot restaurants, so this was a very nice and welcome surprise. Only gripe with the place is the price. It comes out to $15.99 per pound, which is quite expensive for raw ingredients. A single bowl could easily run you $20.

I may just not be the target audience for this style of hot pot, but this order didn't really work…read morefor me. I expected the spicy broth to have more heat and depth, but it tasted very mild, and I had to stir around the bottom of the container to find much flavor. The lamb also had a strong gamey smell that I noticed even before opening the takeout. That said, the service was warm, friendly, and fast, and the location is convenient. It may be a good spot for people who prefer a lighter, milder hot pot, but based on this order, it's hard for me to find a reason to go back.

Thai Thyme

4.2

(66 reviews)

Delicious! We ordered various things like shrimp fried rice, pad thai, basil eggplant, mango with…read moresticky rice. Portions were good. Everything was fresh and made to order. Everything was seasoned well. The lady who helped us was so friendly and nice! Definitely recommend! I love supporting mom and pop places!

Saw all the hypes about this place and especially their Khao Soi. Went there just few minutes…read morebefore the end of their lunch special. 11:00-2:30pm. $14.95 per dish. Comes with soup and an egg roll. We ordered the Khao Soi, green curry and pad Thai. We were so disappointed of all three dishes. The Khao Soi is quite water down and don't have much of a flavor. The wrong egg noodles were served with the gravy. The pad has some flavor after drowning it with the chili fish sauce and crushed peanuts and bean sprouts, of which you have to ask for it. The green curry is just as plain as bread. Service was excellent though.

Kaiba Japanese Ramen, Sushi & Grill - Pasadena

4.7

(2k reviews)