Growing up in a food snob family, my dad (successful restaurateur) preached that Chinese food is the top cuisine. I respected his view, after all he has hosted several food festivals and has served Prince Charles. He explained that Chinese food has a large range and each region spotlights different dishes.

To truly taste authentic Chinese food, you need to find mom and pop shops such as Yung Ho. Panda Express is Chinese food adjusted for American taste. To name a few Chinese cuisines -Cantonese, Hong Kong, Hunan, Beijing, Taiwanese, Shanghainese.

After asking the local Chinese community, folklore has it that Yung Ho has the best soy bean milk. Off we go in our maroon Toyota Carolla, towards Chinese populated communities.

Hopping into the store, the decor is very casual resembling a tea house from your twilight Kung Fu shows.

Food.
We quickly order their special, cold soy bean milk ($2). One slurp, I can easily differentiate from your commercially produced Vitasoy. With its silky texture, the milk is nutty in taste with a cooling after taste. After a few lines of greet and meet, the owner tells us the secret: peanuts for nutty taste. For comfort food lovers, the leek pie ($2) has a soft crust and savory filling – like a chicken pot pie. The sticky rice roll ($2) is a great order. Sticky rice wraps around a fried Chinese doughnut with a few sprinkles of preserved veggies for crunch. Greasy for my standard, the onion pan cake ($2) is crispy on the outside with a great onion filling. For the entire meal, I spent $8 for two.

Warning: The ambiance is more suited for Chinese speakers. Unfortunately, the owner has done very little to create an inviting menu and ambiance than can attract mainstream eaters. Yung Ho is a great place to have soy bean milk, but not worth rerouting your trip.

Consultant Hat.
Word of mouth is the best form of marketing. We learned about Yung Ho from the local community who raved about their house special item: soy bean milk. The owner also remarked about the numerous surrounding competition. He mentioned that from San Gabriel to Montery Park, hundreds of Chinese restaurants exist. To attract new clients, some restaurants offer 1/2 chicken free if the menu order tops $23.

I advise restaurant owners to aim for a house special before expanding the menu range.
We have learned that thus far. Tito’s Taco’s. The Hat’s pastrami sandwich.

533 W Valley Blvd
San Gabriel, CA 91778
(626) 570-0860