Best Taiwanese Restaurants in the San Gabriel Valley
In the late 1970s at the height of Taiwanese immigration to the United States, Monterey Park was dubbed "Little Taipei" because of the vast amount of Taiwanese-American businesses and restaurants in the area. Since then, the Taiwanese population has spread out to newer communities in the San Gabriel Valley such as Arcadia, San Gabriel, Alhambra, Temple City and Rowland Heights—bringing with them an amazing selection of restaurants to choose from.
Below is a list of the best Taiwanese restaurants in the area.
Happy Garden
1277 East Valley Boulevard
Alhambra, CA 91801
(626) 281-9261
This joint has been in the same location for more than two decades and is one of the most authentic Taiwanese restaurants outside of Taiwan. It is a family-owned business with a small but welcoming staff. The owner works the grill while his wife takes care of the business side of things. Most of the dishes are "xiao chis" (literal translation: small eats), the Taiwanese version of tapas. Try their fried rice—it is one of the most popular dishes. They have amazing fried calamari with salt and pepper on the side, delicious chicken egg rolls and clams that are sautéed with a perfect blend of sauces.
SinBala Restaurant
651 West Duarte Road
Suite F
Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 446-0886
Known for their sausages, SinBala Restaurant is constantly packed with customers. You can eat them a la carte with garnishes of your choice (the basil sausage is worth trying), or you can order them in a meal complete with tomato egg, rice and vegetables. The oyster pancake at SinBala tastes like they come straight from Taiwan and they have a great shaved ice selection where you can pick the toppings of your choice.
Din Tai Fung
1108 South Baldwin Avenue
Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 574-7068
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Din Tai Fung is world renown. With branches all over the world, the one in Arcadia is always packed with people lining up inside and outside the restaurant for a chance to try the dumplings. Din Tai Fung originates from Taiwan and they are known for their "xiao long baos," or juicy pork dumplings. You can get different flavors and for people new to the art of eating a "xiao long bao," directions are conveniently printed. Rest assured, it is not that complicated.
Uncle Yu's Indian Theme Restaurant
633 S San Gabriel Bolevard
Suite 105
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 287-0688
Yes, the title is deceiving, but this is a Taiwanese restaurant, not an Indian restaurant. The politically incorrect food joint is a Native American-themed restaurant complete with waiters who are dressed up like Native Americans. Technicality aside, they offer a wide variety of Taiwanese food including the great Taiwanese dish called "stinky tofu." For the Taiwanese— the more stinky the tofu, the better it tastes. It is not for everyone so try at your own risk. For those over 21, they also serve Taiwan beer. Customers often call this place the Taiwanese version of Hooters.
Liang's Village Cuisine
1027 S Baldwin Avenue
Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 462-0815
Liang's Village Cuisine is known for their beef noodle soup, or "niu rou mian." It is a spicy broth with pickled veggies and red braised beef with thick noodles. Also try their scallion pancakes which go great with the beef soup. They also offer delicious winter melon tea. Order those three things and you'll have a great Taiwanese meal that will leave you perfectly satisfied.
