Hui Tou Xiang

The inspiration

Hui Tou Xiang is named for its hui tou, a rectangular, blintz-like pan-fried dumpling that sources say was created at this San Gabriel shop and is not something you'll see at most other places^1,2 . Though a Shanghai mural hangs inside, the family behind the restaurant comes from China's north, and the house-made kimchi that starts each meal reflects that^3,4 .

Who's behind it

The family-run restaurant specializes in northern Chinese noodles and dumplings^4,3 . Jonathan Gold profiled the shop in the Los Angeles Times when it was a tiny new spot in a San Gabriel mini-mall³ .

What to order

Popular dish

Hui Tou (pork or beef)^1,4

the namesake rectangular potstickers, pan-fried on both sides, crispy outside and juicy inside .

• Xiao Long Bao: soup dumplings filled with pork, or pork and crab, that Gold found tender and swollen with hot broth .³
• Pork and leek pancakes: pan-fried, ravioli-like pockets stuffed with pork and chives .⁴
• Noodle soups and dry noodles: handmade noodles served in broth or tossed with vegetables, including fried noodles with onions, scallions and carrots .^1,4
• House kimchi: a sweetly pungent starter brought to each table .^3,2

Why you should try it

This is a casual strip-mall shop a short drive from anywhere in the San Gabriel Valley, where you check off a long menu of pan-fried, steamed and boiled dumplings, wontons and noodles^5,4 .