Restaurant: xianglalou
Location: 500 West Valley Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91803. (626) 481-1290
Date: July 27, 2025
Cuisine: Chinese
Rating: Spicy, salty, and delicious
Xianglalou, nestled in the heart of Alhambra, CA, is a culinary gem that offers an authentic Chinese dining experience. Located at 500 West Valley Blvd, this restaurant is a haven for food enthusiasts who crave the rich, diverse flavors of traditional Chinese cuisine. The menu is a delightful journey through China’s culinary landscape, featuring a variety of dishes that showcase the country’s regional flavors and cooking techniques.
The vibrant exterior, adorned with bright banners and fluttering flags, invites you into a bustling atmosphere that hints at an authentic culinary adventure waiting within, while the welcoming design details set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience infused with warmth and cultural flair.
The dining concept at Xianglalou is centered around creating a warm, inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy a leisurely meal. The interior is tastefully decorated, with subtle nods to Chinese culture and aesthetics, creating a serene ambiance that complements the food. The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity extends beyond the menu, with a dining experience designed to mirror the hospitality and warmth of a Chinese home.
What sets Xianglalou apart is its dedication to quality and authenticity. Each dish is meticulously prepared using fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring that every bite is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of China. The restaurant’s signature dishes, such as the Peking Duck and Dim Sum, have garnered rave reviews for their exquisite flavors and presentation. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious diner looking to explore Chinese cuisine, Xianglalou offers an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you craving for more.
Bathed in soft light and adorned with traditional murals that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
The menu is enormous and has nice pictures.
Preserved egg and pepper grind. Very savory. Silky, custardy yolk and a springy, translucent white meet a clean pepper heat that lifts the funk without overpowering it.
Spicy fern root noodles in vinegar. Delicious and tangy. Slippery, springy strands with a clean, vinegary snap and a gentle chili warmth.
Squid and Shrimp in an Iron Pot. Tender-chewy squid and sweet, briny shrimp served sizzling; the iron pot keeps the heat and adds a gentle sear, concentrating their clean ocean flavors.
Dried pot bullfrog.
Steamed live fish with chopped chili peppers. Really great. Tender, silky flesh with a clean sweetness, lifted by the bright heat of the chopped chili peppers.
Braised duck with green pepper. Nice braised flavor.
Fried pork belly with crispy bamboo shoots. Great texture.
Stir-Fried Bacon with Leeks. Smoky, salty bacon meets sweet, tender leeks, crisp-edged and juicy with a light wok char.
Dessert on the house. They thought we were full at 50%, haha. A light, sweet finish—silky and not too heavy—made it a kind capstone without tipping us over.
Minced Pork with Pickled Green Beans. Juicy, savory pork crumbles meet the bright snap and tang of pickled long beans, with a deep, wok-kissed umami. The texture is nubbly and crisp-tender, especially good over steamed rice.
Gizzard and preserved veggies. Chewy and salty.
Steamed Hunan-style pork belly with preserved vegetables. Great. Tender, layered slices with melting fat; the preserved greens add savory tang and gentle funk, keeping it rich yet balanced.
The vibrant Spicy Cucumber Salad showcases an enchanting palette of emerald and jade hues, flecked with the fiery crimson of sliced chili peppers. The dish exudes a refreshing aroma, infused with the earthy undertones of garlic and the sharp tang of vinegar. Each piece of cucumber presents a crisp texture, yielding with a satisfying crunch, while the nuanced heat of the spices harmonizes beautifully with the cucumbers’ natural coolness. This playful symphony of flavors offers a delightful contrast, leaving a lingering, zesty finish that beckons for another bite.
Sliced beef, spam, fish, and other oddities in chili oil. Really nice version of this. The chili oil is bright and fragrant, with a gentle numbing heat that clings to tender slices while keeping the mix of textures lively.
Home-style tofu. Pleasant brown sauce. Soft, silky tofu in a savory, soy-forward gravy—comforting and spoonable.
Cumin lamb. Fragrant with toasted cumin and chiles, usually seared so the edges crisp while the lamb stays tender. Savory, spicy, and a little smoky.
The owner GAVE us a bottle of wine!
It’s always great to have another dinner friendly Hunan place — and this place is good with a big menu! Plus they were very friendly.
