Chong Yuen Fong 狀元坊 (CYFKitchen)

Welcome to Chong Yuen Fong 狀元坊 (CYFKitchen), a unique Chinese restaurant located at 7 E Valley Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801, USA. You can contact them at (626) 872-1643 or +1 626-872-1643 for more information. This establishment, while operating under the platform category of Chinese Restaurant, offers a more specialized dining experience, particularly known for its authentic claypot rice dishes.

Based on customer reviews, Chong Yuen Fong appears to be a relatively quiet spot, especially during weekday lunch hours. This could be ideal for those seeking a more relaxed and less crowded dining environment. The restaurant's primary focus is on claypot rice, offering customers a choice of two meats for their claypot creations. This specialization suggests a dedication to perfecting this particular style of Cantonese cuisine, ensuring a high level of quality and authenticity in their signature dishes.

Adding value to their meals, Chong Yuen Fong provides an option to include a daily soup or a drink at a reduced price when ordered with a meal. According to one reviewer, the soups are priced around $5 plus, and drinks around $3 plus when purchased as part of a meal deal. This offers a cost-effective way to enjoy a complete and satisfying lunch or dinner.

A delightful surprise for customers after their meal is the complimentary offering of Portuguese tarts. These pastries have received high praise, with one reviewer stating they are "quite good" and another suggesting they are "probably as good as you’ll get in America." This unexpected treat adds a unique touch to the dining experience at Chong Yuen Fong and is a testament to the owner's willingness to go the extra mile for customer satisfaction.

Interestingly, one reviewer noted that Chong Yuen Fong is largely a "1 woman show," with the owner handling cashier duties, cooking, and serving. While the reviewer was unsure about dishwashing, this observation highlights the intimate and perhaps more traditional scale of the operation. This personal touch might contribute to the authenticity of the food and the overall character of the restaurant.

The same reviewer pointed out a couple of areas for potential improvement, specifically mentioning that the bowls had some stains and that there were no paper napkins on the tables. While these are minor points, they are worth noting for potential customers who may have specific preferences regarding tableware and amenities. However, the reviewer also clearly stated that "other than that, their dishes are quite good," indicating that the quality of the food itself is a significant draw.

Focusing on their specialty, the claypot rice, one reviewer who tried the version with preserved meat and spare ribs was highly impressed. They described the rice as "crispy" and the sweet soy sauce as "perfect," drawing a favorable comparison to a famous spot in Hong Kong. This strong endorsement suggests that Chong Yuen Fong excels in preparing authentic and flavorful claypot rice, a dish prized for its unique texture and savory combinations.

In contrast, the char siu (bbq pork) rice received a more lukewarm reception, being described as "just ok." The reviewer noted that the char siu used was lean and lacked sauce drippings on the meat or rice. This suggests that while their claypot rice is a standout, other rice dishes might not be their strongest suit. Customers specifically seeking traditional saucy char siu might find other options more appealing.

The ambiance of Chong Yuen Fong is described as "nice" and reminiscent of "old school Shanghai decoration." This offers a unique and potentially nostalgic dining environment, setting it apart from more modern or generic Chinese restaurants. The reviewer also noted that the background music consisted of old 90’s Hong Kong pop, further contributing to the nostalgic and potentially comforting atmosphere for those familiar with that era and culture.

Regarding parking, one reviewer mentioned that it "can be scarce during peak hours." This is a common challenge in busy areas like Alhambra, so potential diners should be prepared for the possibility of limited immediate parking and factor in time to find a spot, especially during lunch and dinner rushes.

In summary, Chong Yuen Fong 狀元坊 (CYFKitchen) in Alhambra offers a specialized and authentic dining experience centered around their excellent claypot rice. The restaurant provides a glimpse into old school Shanghai ambiance with a soundtrack of 90’s Hong Kong pop. Customers can enjoy a meal with the option of adding a reasonably priced daily soup or drink. A complimentary Portuguese egg tart at the end of the meal adds a delightful touch. While there have been minor observations regarding tableware, the quality of the claypot rice, particularly the preserved meat and spare ribs version, receives high praise, with comparisons to authentic Hong Kong flavors. Be aware that parking might be limited during peak times. For those seeking a genuine taste of well-prepared claypot rice in a unique setting, Chong Yuen Fong is a compelling choice in Alhambra.

For local users in Alhambra and the surrounding areas looking for a Chinese restaurant specializing in authentic claypot rice, Chong Yuen Fong (CYFKitchen) offers a noteworthy option. The combination of delicious and well-prepared claypot rice, a unique old school Shanghai ambiance, and the unexpected treat of Portuguese egg tarts makes it a distinctive dining destination. While the menu is primarily focused on claypot rice and a few other rice dishes, the quality of their specialty is highly recommended. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a quieter experience and be mindful of potential parking limitations. Overall, Chong Yuen Fong provides a genuine taste of Cantonese claypot rice in a memorable setting.