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2.44 Mama’s Lu Dumpling House

Posted on January 11, 2009
Filed Under Chinese |

Yes, yes, I know, it’s already way past new years, I’m running way behind. Well, I’ve seen this blog try to meet deadlines before and believe me, it’s in no one’s best interest that I rush out 6 more restaurants. I’m going to take time to find really good places that I feel passionate about — I know you know when I’m not excited about a place, and who wants to read about mediocre restaurants anyway?

Bottom line, some really great restaurants are coming your way.





Today we’re back in LA, visiting a nice little hole in the wall dumpling place. Mama’s Lu is on Garvey just a bit East of Garfield. A lot of their dishes reminds me of the famous Din Tai Fung, but unlike Din Tai Fung, there’s no hour wait nor does everything cost 20% more than it should. In fact, this is one of the cheapest meals I’ve ever featured.





It was a little chilly, so we ordered a house beef soup. This is done Chinese herb soup style, ingredients are placed in a small bowl and the contents steamed, which is supposed to help preserve and seal in the savory flavors and nutrients. The soup is savory and we did notice an enhancement to the beef flavors. The meat is tender and it’s a nice way to start a meal. $3.





I didn’t consciously plan to do this, but after I had the great green onion pancakes at Mon Land, I set out to order green onion pancakes every chance I get. Nothing has beat the awesome pancakes at Mon Land yet, but the one here at Mama’s Lu is running a pretty close second place. It’s not as chewy or crispy as Mon Land’s, but the flavor is perfect and the textures are dead on. A great deal at $2.





One of my favorites, Chive fried pancake. (I’d call this the chive box or chive pocket.) It’s very much like a green onion pancake, but the emphasis is on the chives and the fillings of the pocket. Hot and soft on the inside, crispy on the outside. I love these. Relatively pricy at $4.50.





Chive and pork dumplings. This is totally solid. It’s a little bit wetter than I like, the dumplings are boiled and some of the soup got scooped onto the plate as well. But the pork and chives work beautifully together in this classic Chinese dumpling. $4.





Here’s where the resemblance to Din Tai Fung is more apparent. The juicy pork dumplings. Din Tai Fung does have thinner skin and maybe a bit more juice in their dumplings, but these are superb in their own right and at $4.50, it’s an excellent deal.





Our total tonight for two came out to be under $20. Which means an average of $4 per item. Once you factor in the easy parking and no waiting for a table, I think I just might pick this place over Din Tai Fung on most days. I’ll be back to try their top end dumplings, the juicy pork and crab dumplings ($8.50) next time.

Mama’s Lu Dumpling House
153 E Garvey Ave
Monterey Park, CA 91755
(626) 307-5700
Closed wednesdays

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