China Red China Red

China Red Awards

Carol Xu Zhang announces her restaurant's presence in Arcadia with bright red décor and flavorful dim sum.
Openings: Lunch & Dinner daily

Features

China Red, Arcadia, CA


China Red Restaurant Review:


The stretch of Baldwin Avenue by Santa Anita Park and the L.A. County Arboretum has a competitive dining scene, but that didn't stop Carol Xu Zhang from joining the fray. The restaurant announces its presence with bright red awnings and lanterns. The modern dining room features seafood tanks, red booths and walls, and box-framed lanterns below the high ceiling. Yes, they’ll gladly cook up elaborate oceanic feasts after the sun goes down, but most people visit China Red during daylight for dim sum. Cart service is skipped in favor of a checklist, which generally means food remains fresher. We were impressed with its takes on tripe. For instance, ox omasum, crunchy strips of cow stomach, come slathered in pepper sauce. Tripe gets braised with daikon and tongue until tender, in case you prefer a heartier preparation. At the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find crisp Chinese broccoli, with leaves that mop up savory oyster sauce. For dumpling fans, a massive fish maw and dried scallop dumpling comes bobbing in savory “supreme soup.” Another innovative item is the crisp cream yam bun, with purple yam and an oozing yellow yolk filling. This dish could easily double as dessert.