Restaurant: Youpeng Seafood
Location: 18558 Gale Ave Ste 186, City of Industry, CA 91748. *unknown*
Date: January 25, 2025
Cuisine: Chinese
Chef: Wang Qiang
Rating: Interesting, but a touch “boring”
Youpeng Seafood opened its doors in 2017, tucked into the corner of Pacific Plaza on Gale Avenue—an unassuming strip-mall location that belies its ambitious scope. The restaurant is the personal project of Tianjin-born chef-owner Wang Qiang, who spent years cooking for the historic Gou-Bu-Li dumpling company before relocating to the San Gabriel Valley. By christening the place “Youpeng” (“friends from afar”) and adding the English tag “Go Believe,” Wang signaled both a nod to his dumpling-house pedigree and a promise to do things his own way. Still family-run, the business sees Wang on the line, his wife Jiang Lihua managing the dining room, and their two adult children handling sourcing and day-to-day logistics.
The menu marries northern Chinese dough craftsmanship with the live-tank seafood culture that dominates the local Cantonese scene. Pork-and-scallop dumplings vie for attention with ginger-steamed rockfish, hand-pulled noodles swirl around chunks of Dungeness crab, and xiao long bao wrappers are rolled only after an order is placed. The room—about 70 seats—was remodeled in 2021; dark slate tiles, low lanterns shaped like folded dumplings, and a line of luminous tanks full of spot prawns and geoduck create a mood that is equal parts working kitchen and quiet theater.
Within the San Gabriel Valley’s crowded constellation of regional Chinese specialists, Youpeng Seafood occupies a distinctive middle ground: finer than the neighboring dumpling shops, more intimate than the banquet halls of Monterey Park, and, crucially, open late. Word-of-mouth and WeChat chatter have made up for the lack of an official website, drawing multigenerational local families, night-owl industry workers, and freeway-hopping food hunters. Five years in, the restaurant has become a reference point for how northern techniques can inform Southern California seafood, anchoring itself as a small but influential star in the greater L.A. dining conversation.
A new “steam table” place. This is like hot pot, but all steamed at the table. It’s located next to Wagyu X.
Smashed cucumbers. Bright, crunchy cucumbers are lightly smashed and tossed with a tangy dressing that brings out their natural sweetness and adds a delightful crunch. The dish is a refreshing explosion of flavors, where the subtle earthiness of the cucumbers is enhanced by the zesty notes, creating a vibrant contrast on the palate. Each bite offers a satisfying texture, with the colors and aromas inviting you to indulge in this simple yet exquisite creation.
Cloud ear mushroom.
Here is the steam device.
Dumplings. These delightful morsels are a harmony of flavors, encasing a savory filling within a tender, pillowy wrapper. Each bite offers a delicate balance of texture, with the soft exterior giving way to a rich and aromatic filling that dances on the palate. The subtle fragrance of steamed dough combined with the umami notes from the filling creates an inviting experience, beckoning you to indulge further.
Pork hock is a dish that showcases a beautifully braised cut of meat, tender and succulent. The rich aroma of slow-cooked pork wafts through the air, inviting you to indulge in its savory depths. The exterior is perfectly crisp, offering a satisfying contrast to the melt-in-your-mouth interior, while the deep, caramelized flavors are enhanced by a hint of smokiness. Each bite reveals a delightful interplay of textures, from the crunchy skin to the luscious fat, making for a truly comforting experience.
Spicy Chicken is a tantalizing dish that ignites the palate with its fiery blend of spices. The succulent pieces of chicken are enveloped in a vibrant, glossy marinade that hints at the warmth of chili and the aromatic depth of garlic. As you take a bite, the tender meat releases a symphony of flavors—smoky, savory, and just the right amount of heat—while the enticing fragrance lingers in the air, inviting you to savor every morsel.
Crab and noodles (steamed). The delicate sweetness of the crab beautifully complements the tender, slightly chewy noodles, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The dish presents a visual feast, with the vibrant hues of the crab contrasting against the soft, inviting tones of the noodles, while the aroma is an enticing invitation to indulge in this seafood delight.
Steamed dumplings. More steamed dumplings. These delicate parcels are a delightful combination of tender dough and savory filling that bursts with flavor. The glossy sheen of the dumpling skin hints at the moist, aromatic filling within, while each bite reveals a harmonious blend of subtle spices and umami richness. The interplay of textures, from the pillowy exterior to the succulent interior, creates a satisfying experience that is both comforting and captivating.
Lobster (steamed) with garlic. The sweet, succulent meat of the lobster is beautifully complemented by the aromatic richness of the garlic, creating a luxurious dish that delights the senses. The vibrant coral hue of the lobster contrasts elegantly with the golden flecks of garlic, while the tender texture of the meat melts in your mouth, releasing a delicate brininess that lingers on the palate.
After steaming.
Scallops with garlic (steam). The delicate sweetness of the scallops is beautifully complemented by the aromatic embrace of garlic, creating a harmonious balance that tantalizes the palate. The tender, buttery texture of the scallops contrasts gracefully with the subtle earthiness of the garlic, while the dish presents a stunning visual appeal, glistening with a light sheen that invites you to savor each exquisite bite.
Uni. Not so great.
Oysters (steamed). These delicate morsels, glistening with a silken sheen, offer a briny burst of the ocean with each tender bite. The gentle warmth enhances their natural sweetness, while the subtle hints of seaweed and mineral undertones create a harmonious balance, inviting a deeper appreciation for their exquisite texture and flavor profile.
Beef noodle soup is a warm and comforting dish that envelops you in its rich, savory broth and tender beef. The deep, umami notes of the stock harmonize beautifully with the delicate strands of noodles, creating a delightful interplay of textures. Each spoonful offers a fragrant bouquet of spices, while the vibrant colors of fresh herbs and vegetables add a refreshing brightness to the bowl, inviting you to savor its depth and complexity.
Veggies.
Fried rice is a beloved dish that brings comfort and nostalgia. The grains are perfectly cooked, each one a canvas for the vibrant medley of vegetables that accompany it. As you take a bite, the subtle umami of the soy sauce mingles with the sweetness of the peas and the crunch of the carrots, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. The dish is beautifully presented, with its golden grains glistening under a sprinkle of fresh herbs, inviting you to dive in and savor every mouthful.
Well this was a new format, like hot pot but with steam as the broth — steam, however, doesn’t taste like much — so I’ll stick with my ultra-spicy hot pot.
