Shanghai Gourmet in Monrovia

This place doesn't know how to operate a restaurant business.   Nothing is in working order: restroom is supposedly under construction and the owner tells both diners and staff to use the the nearby Good Fortune Market's restrooms instead. It took more than 10 minutes to place an order in person.  Apparently they were low of food supplies needed make a majority of their main dishes. So, I just order what was available. Two older customers ahead of me were able to place their orders and get their food. Who knows how long it took them. The owner took my order evetually, but after 30 minutes, they did not call me back to let me back, so I went back to check, and apparently they locked their doors that are supposed to be open during dining hours. Calling the restaurant was useless as no one picks up, while I can clearly see people inside waiting for food. How did this place get a business permit and pass a health inspection with a Grade A? I would advise to avoid this place and call the proper Monrovia City authorities to ensure public safetym

TL;DR review:  Food is solid and authentic.  Owner is like a high energy auntie.  May come off rushed or rude but is really sweet and takes care of her customers.  Give this place a chance. Careful if ordering online.  I struggle to communicate in English (in person). My wife always calls in the orders in mandarin. The detailed review/essay: My wife and I are regulars here.  This place is a diamond in the rough.  Not much a looker from the outside.  We probably visited the place a good year before we were bored of our local establishments and thought it couldn't hurt to try a new place. Loved this place immediately. Top dishes: 4/5 Crab Meat Lion's Head Broth is our favorite part (5/5) A comforting addition to every meal.  We always order this.  I find the crab egg filled meatball a bit salty (3/5). We also order one of the two rice cakes each time we come. Shanghai Rice Cakes (brown sauce) Or Rice Cake with Wild Vegetables (clear sauce) 5/5 Wuxi ribs.  Tender and tasty. 5/5 Service and Friendliness.   Story time: We order the lions head soup casserole for takeout but feel the styrofoam can't fit as much soup as eat-in.  One time during covid stay at home, I had the idea of asking them if we could buy an extra...

Shanghai Gourmet is one of the few restaurants in the San Gabriel Valley that is able to dish up authentic Shanghainese fare at a reasonable price. From friendly waitresses to flavorful food to a modest atmosphere, there are few things not to love about this Monrovia gem. As someone who's tried probably half of the menu, I can confidently recommend the fried fish (tai tiao huang yu), pork and tofu (peng jia dou fu), and bean curd stir-fry (xiang gan rou shi). Additionally, they often have delicious cold appetizers and a few traditional drinks in the cooler -- just ask! Highly recommend to anyone looking for a comforting--yet affordable--Chinese dinner in the 626 area.