Auntie Qiu Kitchen 裘家生煎 - Authentic Shanghai Street Food in Alhambra, CA
Auntie Qiu Kitchen 裘家生煎 in Alhambra brings authentic Shanghai street food to California with standout dishes like their pan-fried pork buns—crispy, juicy, and rich with soup—and flavorful crab and pork soup dumplings that rival more famous brands. The menu also features classic Shanghai specialties such as sticky rice shumai and scallion noodles, all served amid charming vintage 1980s Shanghai decor. The unique desserts, including black sesame mochi and osmanthus sticky rice cake, add delightful variety. Attentive service and a family-friendly atmosphere make it a memorable dining experience that truly captures the spirit and taste of Shanghai’s vibrant culinary heritage.
Auntie Qiu Kitchen 裘家生煎 at a glance
- Address 16 W Main St, Alhambra, CA 91801, United States
- Phone +1 626-861-2330
- Restaurant type Restaurant .
- Popular for Lunch , Dinner , Solo dining .
Photos & Gallery
Popular Menu Items
Wonton Soup
Xiao Long Bao w Pork 8pcs
Pork Noodle Soup
Dim Sum
Panfried Bun w Pork 4pcs
熏鱼 Smoked Fish Filet
Fish Cake
Auntie Qiu Kitchen 裘家生煎: Reviews & Ratings
If you are looking for authentic Shanghai taste, just come to Auntie Qiu Kitchen , from Pan Fried Pork Bun to Pork Soup Dumplings, from Sticky Rice Shanghai Shumai to Hairy Crab Roe Dry Noodles, everything tastes just like the Shanghai street food. And the vintage decors brings me back to Shanghai 1980s, highly recommended and definitely coming back.
Came to Auntie Qiu Kitchen last Wednesday night with a friend. We were hoping to try the hairy crab with noodles, but they didn’t have it that night. So we went with a few other dishes to see what they had to offer. The pan-fried pork bun was the standout. It was juicy, kind of like a bigger cousin of xiao long bao, with a crisp bottom and way more soup than we expected. Most places serve these pretty dry, so this was a really nice surprise. We also got the crab and pork xlb soup dumplings. These were excellent. Honestly, I think they’re better than Din Tai Fung’s. The wrapper had a nice bite to it, and the filling was rich and flavorful. The wonton soup was just okay. I still prefer the Hong Kong style over the Shanghai version. Same goes for the scallion noodles with braised pork chop. Both were fine, but not something I’d go out of my way to order again. We only got them since the hairy crab noodles weren’t available. Service was attentive, but since it was our first time here, I wish the staff had guided us a bit more through the menu or offered suggestions when certain items were unavailable. Parking can be a little tough, but there are free public parking structures nearby if you don’t mind walking a bit.
The many unique desserts are the highlight. Recommend the twisted cruller mochi (black sesame flavor) and the osmanthus sticky rice cake with red bean. The Shanghai style soft pancake was a fun savory option with lots of different textures. The hairy crab roe noodles didn't have enough flavor. The xlb and beef noodle soup were alright. Service was efficient. The restaurant has cute vintage Shanghai theming.
Recommend! Delicious pan fried pork buns, with crispy bottom and juicy inside. Great with the black vinegar & their tasty chili oil with light Sichuan peppercorn. 4 for $6.50... wish I ordered two! Will try pan fried dumplings+ pancake roll next time. Decor is fun. And mouthwash available in the restroom? First time seeing that lol Wed 11:15 am plenty of seats. By 12:30 pm bustling with lunch crowd
Very family friendly, their Shang hai cuisine is good! I used to have Shang Hai noodles back in my hometown years ago, and accidentally explored their restaurant brings me happiness as I get to eat the same thing again, but in LA! Their ordering system is great! Waiters are very friendly, kind, knowledgeable, patient to explain what items are off the menu and recommend substitutes. One thing that scares me was the labubu shrine. I know it’s a pop culture thing now, but I personally don’t like being watched by demonic looking dolls… I’m not gonna grade them stars down for that since I know that’s just a personal preference.
On the hunt for the best Xlb ! Wife wants to try after reading such great reviews.. first of all, love the ambiance.. decorated with lots of memories of Shanghai.. 2 chefs in the store mating fresh dumplings is a plus.. 4 stars for xlb.. a little sweeter than others. Lots of juice.. I. Love soy bean milk so have to try … it was average.. doesn’t have the smell nor the richness of yung ho… wife likes the salty soy brain pudding..
To open a new Chinese restaurant in SGV, you better be good, or go broke. Auntie Qiu's specialities are legit. I was having lunch by myself, but I had to try their 2 specialties: the crab XLB and their pan-fried baos. Both excellent. Order via the QR code. Faster. Or you can wait for the staff to take your order, which may take longer.
Woowee! What a surprise we had to find hairy crab noodles on the menu. Super yummy. Seemed like there were so many good things to try for next time. The hotdog wrap was surprisingly good. I don’t typically get hotdogs in these, but it really worked here.
Location
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Auntie Qiu Kitchen 裘家生煎16 W Main St, Alhambra, CA 91801, United States Hotline: +1 626-861-2330
Auntie Qiu Kitchen 裘家生煎, nestled in the heart of Alhambra, California, is a vibrant homage to authentic Shanghai street eats. This cozy eatery captures the essence of Shanghai’s culinary heritage with dishes that feel both nostalgic and deeply satisfying. Walking into the restaurant feels like stepping back into the 1980s Shanghai, where vintage decor sets a warm and inviting tone.
The star of the menu is undoubtedly the pan-fried pork buns. Served four for $6.50, these buns boast a perfect contrast of textures—the golden, crispy bottom gives way to a juicy, soup-filled center brimming with rich pork flavor. It reminds me of a larger, heartier cousin to the famed xiao long bao, and paired with their black vinegar and chili oil infused with Sichuan peppercorn, it’s a symphony of savory delights that linger pleasantly on the palate.
Speaking of soup dumplings, the crab and pork Xiao Long Bao here deserve high praise. The delicate, slightly chewy wrapper holds a succulent filling that rivals, if not surpasses, some of the most celebrated establishments like Din Tai Fung. The balance of flavors between the sweet crab meat and savory pork elevates the experience to authentic Shanghai street food perfection.
Other highlights include the Pork Noodle Soup and the Wonton Soup, which provide comforting warmth, though the former paired with braised pork chop and scallion noodles may not be the most memorable compared to their other offerings. For those who appreciate traditional Shanghai snacks, the smoked fish filet and fish cake add a smoky, textured complexity that enriches the meal.
The dessert lineup offers unique treasures as well—twisted black sesame crullers mochi and osmanthus sticky rice cakes with red bean provide delicate, fragrant finishes that complement the heartier mains perfectly. The Shanghai-style soft pancake introduces a savory, multi-textured option that only deepens the culinary journey through Shanghai’s rich food culture.
Service at Auntie Qiu Kitchen is attentive and friendly, though a bit more guidance through the extensive menu would enhance the experience for first-timers. Parking can be a minor challenge, but nearby public structures ease the concern for those willing to walk a little.
Overall, Auntie Qiu Kitchen excels at bringing the authentic tastes and textures of Shanghai street cuisine to Southern California. Whether you seek the juicy, crispy bliss of their pan-fried pork buns or the delicate artistry of their soup dumplings, this restaurant delivers with sincerity and a hearty respect for tradition. It’s a destination for those craving genuine Shanghai flavors in a nostalgic, welcoming setting that invites multiple visits.
Business Information
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Service options
- Kerbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Drive-through
- Takeaway
- Dine-in