Mama Lu's Dumpling House

This is My go to Chinese restaurant but my first time in Chinatown becuz i frequent the mpk location and pasadena. I love how they offer dimsum so ofcourse i had to get my go to’s hargow and siomai. Parking is next to the restaurant in the lot! what a bonus esp. in Chinatown. Service is on point and friendly. Lots of tables and perfect spot for celebrating a special occasion of just cuz u wana eat Chinese foods. My go to’s are also the spicy wontons, pan fried noodles is a must and everything was just yummy. Can’t beat mama lu’s portions. Huge portions. See u soon mama lu’s.

The roast duck and soup dumplings are amazing super flavorful and authentic. Their dim sum is also great, with lots of variety and everything tastes fresh. The prices are very reasonable, and it’s a perfect place for group gatherings or weekend brunch with friends.

Mamalu (Yikoufu), a long-established restaurant in LADT, has always been one of my go-to spots back when I was working as a tour guide. I often brought guests here for meals. The portions are generous, and the quality of the noodles and other staples is excellent — dumplings, buns, fried rice, fried noodles, etc. Of course, the stir-fried dishes are also very good, and their lobster E-fu noodle offers outstanding value for money. I highly recommend this place. Today, I chose this restaurant to host a Mexican friend of mine. She was surprised at how delicious the Chinese food here is. She especially enjoyed the string beans, black pepper beef cubes, fried rice, and buns.

An incredible institution. Great vibes, delicious food, generous portions, and a parking lot!! Perfect soup dumplings, fast service, and you get so much for your money. Good for big groups so you can order and share a lot!

The food was delicious and fresh, with generous portions. The service was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was comfortable. A great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. Definitely recommend!

What a great place for Chinese food and Dim Sum! Great prices for food because they actually give good portions even for lunch! We had so much leftover. Lots of places charge $15 to 17 for lunch, but in order to keep costs at bay, they cut the portions big time. This place practically gives you dinner portions for lunch prices. $4.95 for Dim Sum at the to go counter. $5.25 or something like that if you order at the table.

Natalie Krause

An incredible institution. Great vibes, delicious food, generous portions, and a parking lot!! Perfect soup dumplings, fast service, and you get so much for your money. Good for big groups so you can order and share a lot!

Brian Li

The food was delicious and fresh, with generous portions. The service was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was comfortable. A great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. Definitely recommend!

Betty Bet

What a great place for Chinese food and Dim Sum! Great prices for food because they actually give good portions even for lunch! We had so much leftover. Lots of places charge $15 to 17 for lunch, but in order to keep costs at bay, they cut the portions big time. This place practically gives you dinner portions for lunch prices. $4.95 for Dim Sum at the to go counter. $5.25 or something like that if you order at the table.

R. D.

Thank you Jessica, and the servers they were attentive and nice. Fast service and I have no complaints. We had a simple celebration and reserved 3 tables for us. I come at this restaurant whenever I’m in Chinatown. They have branches at different location too. Keep up the good work 👍🏻🎉

Irene Sinsombutcharoen

This Chinese restaurant is located right in China town La and is know for their extra crispy orange chicken breast and their Hong Kong style crispy sole. It doesn’t matter what you order here because it’ll hit the spot no matter what. They also have a parking lot located on the side so you don’t have to worry about paying the meter. The portions are huge and perfect for family dinners. Service is a great and food came out so fast. Would come back!

RivailsLogan

I recently ate at Mama Lu’s Dumpling House, and it was a delightful experience! This place has a traditional Taiwanese-Chinese vibe, and it's perfect if you're looking for quality food without breaking the bank. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, making it a great spot for both casual meet-ups and family gatherings. Now, let's talk about the food – it’s delicious! The dumplings are a must-try, perfectly filled and full of flavor. The menu has a wide range of dishes, so there's something for everyone. What I loved most was the balance between price and quality. You get an upscale dining experience without the upscale price tag. The staff was friendly and attentive, making sure we were comfortable and having a good time. If you're into Taiwanese cuisine or just craving some dumplings, Mama Lu’s should definitely be on your list. It’s a hidden gem worth visiting!

Jessie

Stopped by the Mama Lu’s in Chinatown and had a really solid meal. They offer lobster yi mein for only $20.99, and it’s available at night too, which is a great deal for lobster. The sizzling black pepper beef came out super hot and smelled amazing — very flavorful and nicely seasoned. The seafood tofu hot pot was loaded with ingredients like shrimp, fish, squid, tofu, and mushrooms, not skimpy at all. We also tried the garlic ribs and crab fried rice, both tasty and satisfying. Big bonus: free parking, which is honestly a huge plus in Chinatown. Overall, good portions, fair prices, and a convenient spot when you’re in the area.

Deng anker

Had a group dinner with friends in Downtown LA and went with the always-reliable Mama Lu’s Dumpling House. This place is perfect for sharing—big portions, solid execution, and it’s really hard to order wrong. What we ordered: • 🦞 Lobster Noodles with Green Vegetables Firm lobster meat, noodles soaked up all the flavor — the star of the table • 🍖 Honey Garlic Pork Chops Sweet, savory, garlicky, and addictive • 🍜 Pan-Fried Seafood Noodles Great wok hei, generous seafood • 🧊 Fried Tofu with Seaweed Crispy outside, soft inside — a great palate cleanser • 🐟 Dr. Fish in Black Bean Sauce Rich black bean flavor, very comforting with rice • 🥟 Har Gow & Siu Mai Classic dim sum, consistently good • 🍗 Sweet & Sour Chicken Well-balanced sweet and tangy, crowd-friendly

chi f cheng

Mama Lu’s Dumpling House never disappoints. The food here is always fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked — especially the roasted duck, which are some of the best in the area. It is very juicy and tasty. The pan-fried pork buns are another must-try — crispy on the bottom and juicy inside. I also recommend seafood & tofu in casserole and crab meat & fish maw soap— they hit that perfect balance of texture and taste every single time. Service is quick and efficient even when it’s busy (and it’s always busy — a good sign!). The staff handles the crowd well, and food comes out piping hot. Prices are very reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. Whether you’re coming with friends, family, or just craving comfort food, Mama Lu’s hits the spot every time. Pro tip: Go early or be prepared to wait — but trust me, it’s worth it!

Allison Wibowo

If you're looking for authentic Chinese food in Chinatown, Mama Lu's is an absolute must-visit. We went all-in, ordering a mix of classics and house specials, and everything was executed perfectly. Our star of the show was definitely the Half Peking Duck. The skin was perfectly crisp, and the meat was incredibly tender. It was served with all the traditional fixings, making for a fun, interactive, and delicious experience. For dim sum, the XLB (Xiao Long Bao) were spot on. The delicate skins held a generous amount of savory pork and, crucially, plenty of rich, hot broth. They require a gentle hand, but are well worth the effort. The vegetable dishes were also wonderful. The Eggplant with Garlic Sauce was smoky, soft, and smothered in a deeply aromatic, savory sauce that had us scraping the plate. It was the perfect counterpoint to the richer items. We also loved the sweet and savory contrast of the Honey Walnut Shrimp. The shrimp were huge, crispy, and coated in a creamy glaze, while the candied walnuts provided a delightful crunch. The Seafood & Tofu in Casserole was comforting and warm, packed with tender seafood pieces and silky tofu in a light, flavorful sauce—the perfect dish for a chilly evening. It was a rainy day, so the Chicken w/ Corn Soup was a classic, thick, and comforting dish I’m glad we got! We finished our meal sweetly with the chewy, delicious Sesame Balls. Overall, Mama Lu's delivers on flavor, portion size, and authenticity. Come hungry, bring friends, and be ready to order a lot—you won't regret it!

Monsterlovetoeat

Visited with a friend on a rainy day to get some XLB and more. Love their food so much. All the dishes are delicious, big portion to share with. The servers are so friendly and nice. Dining area is clean and bring. The also have a Togo dim sum area for all others order Togo only. Will definitely come back again.

Miguel Sandejas

Enjoyed our family lunch at Mama Lu's Dumpling House. The salt and pepper squid was divine; orange chicken and fried rice were good. Peking duck was so-so. The pork and shrimp dumplings were quite good as well. Service was quick and efficient, would come back!

Kat B

This is My go to Chinese restaurant but my first time in Chinatown becuz i frequent the mpk location and pasadena. I love how they offer dimsum so ofcourse i had to get my go to’s hargow and siomai. Parking is next to the restaurant in the lot! what a bonus esp. in Chinatown. Service is on point and friendly. Lots of tables and perfect spot for celebrating a special occasion of just cuz u wana eat Chinese foods. My go to’s are also the spicy wontons, pan fried noodles is a must and everything was just yummy. Can’t beat mama lu’s portions. Huge portions. See u soon mama lu’s.

Alexis Preciado

Mama Lou’s Dumpling House is such a great find in LA! The food is packed with flavor — I had the green beans, green beans with beef, French onion–style beef tenderloin, and the potstickers, and every dish was delicious. The restaurant is super clean, and the service was friendly and quick. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back with friends or family. Highly recommend if you’re craving good Chinese food!

Windy “Windy Anglomos” Anglomos

The roast duck and soup dumplings are amazing super flavorful and authentic. Their dim sum is also great, with lots of variety and everything tastes fresh. The prices are very reasonable, and it’s a perfect place for group gatherings or weekend brunch with friends.

Yifan Xiao (Ivan)

Mamalu (Yikoufu), a long-established restaurant in LADT, has always been one of my go-to spots back when I was working as a tour guide. I often brought guests here for meals. The portions are generous, and the quality of the noodles and other staples is excellent — dumplings, buns, fried rice, fried noodles, etc. Of course, the stir-fried dishes are also very good, and their lobster E-fu noodle offers outstanding value for money. I highly recommend this place. Today, I chose this restaurant to host a Mexican friend of mine. She was surprised at how delicious the Chinese food here is. She especially enjoyed the string beans, black pepper beef cubes, fried rice, and buns.

Visited here for the first time and loved it. Easy parking, very nice setup (we were a group of 3- and lots of large round tables available). The menu is large and fun to choose from, and they have a nice lunch special of various small dumplings for $5.50 each- fun to order one or two before the main course arrives. The lunch courses came in about 10 minutes or so, but in the meantime we enjoyed the dumplings and the hot tea. The food quality is very good. Tip- I recommend ordering a few dishes, and sharing it with friends- makes is a lot more fun. Go if you can.

I am a firm believer in the fact that the worse the customer service is, the better the food is... but let's be honest, Mama Lu's is a cult classic that deserves a high ranking in its own right. I was in Chinatown and only had time for takeout. They have a separate section of the restaurant for takeout orders and I got the $4.95 red bean sesame balls and the bbq pork with rice and veggies for $8.95. There's no minimum charge to use credit card which is a refreshing change of pace from what I'm used to but man, the customer service here is ROUGH! Seriously... can't make them any nicer and the cashiers are very aggressive like you’re bothering them. That's probably the only reason why I can't give a full five despite the food being so delicious. Although, despite this, I'll still be returning because I love it. But I will say that the Chinese bbq pork from Sam Woo has a different flavor and both are worth trying out at least once. For the price and the quality and the food portion, I look forward to returning. By the way, they have their own parking lot as well! (23/50--2025)

Alizen

I am a firm believer in the fact that the worse the customer service is, the better the food is... but let's be honest, Mama Lu's is a cult classic that deserves a high ranking in its own right. I was in Chinatown and only had time for takeout. They have a separate section of the restaurant for takeout orders and I got the $4.95 red bean sesame balls and the bbq pork with rice and veggies for $8.95. There's no minimum charge to use credit card which is a refreshing change of pace from what I'm used to but man, the customer service here is ROUGH! Seriously... can't make them any nicer and the cashiers are very aggressive like you’re bothering them. That's probably the only reason why I can't give a full five despite the food being so delicious. Although, despite this, I'll still be returning because I love it. But I will say that the Chinese bbq pork from Sam Woo has a different flavor and both are worth trying out at least once. For the price and the quality and the food portion, I look forward to returning. By the way, they have their own parking lot as well! (23/50--2025)

Paul Rosenthal

Lovely local spot for dim sum and a variety of items on the menu. The Xiao long bao soup Dumplings were divine and fresh. The har gao shrimp Dumplings were good but warm. The bbq pork buns tasted great but needed to be warm as well. Tea was tasty. Theyre very busy so service may be impacted by that.

Service was so bad, I’m not sure the food and value is enough to bring me back. My mom likes this place, so I will join her every so often, but won’t be back on my own :) Food - 4 stars. Flavors are there for sure, but then again, so many other places in LA and SGV have great Chinese food as well. Value - 3.5 stars. Prices are pretty good to great, like their lobster special for $20.99 (not per pound, although the lobsters are only about a pound anyway), but they sneak in the charges for tea and white rice without asking or saying anything up front, so that negates that. Service - 1.5 stars. Classic Asian service, but we had to ask 3/4 times for everything! Only smile and thank you we received was when the check came. SMH What we ordered: Lobster with ginger and scallion - 5 stars. Good flavor and great price. Hargao- 3 stars. Fishy tasting and so many better out there Sizzling filet mignon with black pepper sauce - 4 stars. Good. Clams with black bean - 4 stars. Small clams but large serving. Many were closed though. Great flavors though. Shrimp with spicy salt - 4 stars. Good. Pork chops with spicy salt - 4 stars. Good. Chili - 5 stars! They hot mustard and chili they serve with dim sum is off the charts spicy and good. The chili oil at the table was also very good. Too bad their service was so bad here. Will have to keep going to their other locations and some other great Chinese spots in LA.

We have patronized several locations as the food is really delicious. This location is VERY old especially the carpet. It needs an update like Arcadia. The servers were noisy, rushing, not nice and overall service was poor especially from the dim sum cart lady. Ample free parking.

David Cho

Service was so bad, I’m not sure the food and value is enough to bring me back. My mom likes this place, so I will join her every so often, but won’t be back on my own :) Food - 4 stars. Flavors are there for sure, but then again, so many other places in LA and SGV have great Chinese food as well. Value - 3.5 stars. Prices are pretty good to great, like their lobster special for $20.99 (not per pound, although the lobsters are only about a pound anyway), but they sneak in the charges for tea and white rice without asking or saying anything up front, so that negates that. Service - 1.5 stars. Classic Asian service, but we had to ask 3/4 times for everything! Only smile and thank you we received was when the check came. SMH What we ordered: Lobster with ginger and scallion - 5 stars. Good flavor and great price. Hargao- 3 stars. Fishy tasting and so many better out there Sizzling filet mignon with black pepper sauce - 4 stars. Good. Clams with black bean - 4 stars. Small clams but large serving. Many were closed though. Great flavors though. Shrimp with spicy salt - 4 stars. Good. Pork chops with spicy salt - 4 stars. Good. Chili - 5 stars! They hot mustard and chili they serve with dim sum is off the charts spicy and good. The chili oil at the table was also very good. Too bad their service was so bad here. Will have to keep going to their other locations and some other great Chinese spots in LA.

Ron Reyes

We have patronized several locations as the food is really delicious. This location is VERY old especially the carpet. It needs an update like Arcadia. The servers were noisy, rushing, not nice and overall service was poor especially from the dim sum cart lady. Ample free parking.