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A new take on the Hong Kong cafe—complete with neon Cantonese signage and market-style decor—has taken root in the San Gabriel Valley, offering a menu that blends Cantonese comfort food with Western touches. For anyone tracking the region’s evolving brunch and lunch scene, Alice’s Kitchen in Temple City (with a sister spot in Monterey Park) is worth a stop: it serves familiar classics in a lively, nostalgia-tinged setting at approachable prices.
What to order
- Pork and preserved egg congee — A silky rice porridge punctuated by tender pork and slices of preserved (century) egg; comforting and shareable, it’s a good morning starter.
- Salt-and-pepper fried squid — Crispy pieces scored along the edges, tossed with chopped chiles and green onion for a sharp, savory kick.
- Pineapple bun with butter — A crackly-sugared top gives way to a warm, soft interior; order it plain or split one open and add a pork chop or char siu to make a sweet‑savory sandwich.
- Fried noodles with seafood — Crunchy fried noodles arrive under a glossy gravy that softens them while preserving texture; shrimp, squid and white fish mingle with blanched choy sum.
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The menu leans into the hybrid identity of Hong Kong cuisine: expect flavors shaped by both Cantonese tradition and colonial-era Western influence. Portions are restaurant-style rather than dim-sum small plates, so sharing lets you sample more.
Best for
Groups and weekend gatherings—especially breakfast or early lunch. The format rewards shared plates, so bring a few friends if you want to try a wider sweep of the menu without over-ordering.
It’s also a practical choice for anyone seeking an affordable, hearty meal: many items feel like home cooking but come faster and in greater variety than a home preparation might allow.
Insider tip
Combo meals during breakfast and lunch often include a drink and a side, which keeps the tab reasonable. Look for the weekly specials posted on the board near the counter; they can be a quick way to taste something seasonal or off-menu.
When in doubt, order the Hong Kong milk tea—strongly brewed and slightly bitter, it’s a classic pairing with the sweeter bakery-style items.
Where to go
Alice’s Kitchen — Temple City and Monterey Park locations. Address (Monterey Park): 580 E Garvey Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91755. Phone: (626) 898-1828. Website: https://aliceskitchentogo.com/
For readers tracking food trends, this spot illustrates a broader local appetite for authentic Hong Kong–style cafes outside the city core. It’s not just nostalgia; it’s part of a practical dining shift toward casual, shareable meals that bridge generations and culinary traditions.
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