The Xiao long Bao is good, and very juicy. The dumpling is very big. However, the favor of the stuff ( both Xiao long bao and dumplings) might be riche. I still prefer the flavor from Ding Tai Fung, but I really like the beef roll, it is one of the best I had in Bay Area, and it is my family’s favorite. The roll is super crispy and juicy and beef has rich flavor, and the potion is large.In all, it is a good restaurant, nice staff, large potion of food and good foods.
My first time here. You order, pay and tip first then they bring you your food. I have so much to say about tipping first before you get served.Got an order of pork/shrimp/chives combo dumpling, a pork bun and a tea. The dumplings were good but the wrap hardens as they cool down, and makes it too chewy. I suppose it's a common dilemma with dumplings and not because of this particular restaurant. It would have been better if they showed the customer how to mix their dipping sauce or simply provided them with the sauce. Instead they just give you a little saucer with a few slices of ginger - leaving you puzzled about what to do with it. Also if I were you I would simply order the single ingredient dumpling because I did not find shrimp in every single one of them.The pork bun was a disappointment. It was bland. So skip the buns. I was given the impression that it's imported commercially and not made on the spot because I saw the chef holding a bag of frozen bbq pork buns (Char Siu bao).The staff ratio seems unbalanced in the restaurant. There were four people working in the kitchen, a dishwasher boy and a cashier girl in the front. And later someone who appeared to be the owner joined in. It still took about 20 minutes for my meal to arrive.Courteous service overall.Overall not blown away by this visit. They could step up a little more to make customers want to return.
My family and I ordered a few of the dishes at 88 Bao Bao. The first thing I noticed and really appreciated was the service. It is phenomenal and quick. After placing our order, we sat down at a table next to the glass window, overseeing the xiao long bao being prepared by the kitchen staff. The stir fried lo mein arrived literally within 5 minutes of being seated. It was delicious by itself until I saw the hot oil container. A small spoonful of the hot oil enhanced the flavor of the lo mein. The pork xiao long bao and marinated beef arrived shortly after. The pork xiao long bao is just as good as Din Tai Fung, and I'm not kidding! My picky eating kids loved it so much they ate the entire order. The pan fried pork dumplings and beef wrap were my favorite, when combined with the hot oil. Only a legit Chinese restaurant will have hot oil on the table. This is my go to sit down restaurant in CV.
1st time here and it was a delightful & delicious adventure. The steamed crab dumplings were a favorite as was were the chicken noodles. Our son loved the buns. The ladies who were taking orders were patient & helpful.Don't forget to tip generously!!! ENJOY ?
Very good, good service, prices a little on the high end if you want to get full. Recommend the beef roll.
What a great place to eat some dim sum or hot soup in cold weather. Especially xiao long bao. Fast service and very friendly.
I was excited to try this place, and it was a complete let down. I order a few things off the menu and it tasted like frozen fadt food. Very plan and no flavor. Never will be going here again.
Yum! Must try xlb, beef roll, and lo mein. If you have space leftover, order some sesame balls or take them to go.
Finally found a place that can compete with Ding Tai Fung. The dumpling skin is thin and chewy. The meat inside isn't too salty/oily. Beef wrap is so far the best we've had in bay area. It's a little crispy outside and very chewy. The red bean bun was super good, the bun itself was very chewy which not a lot of places are able to make such good bun. Will be back again definitely.
Not bad especially for Castro valley, but 生煎包 not pan fried from the top is heretical