Find My Perfect Chinese Restaurant Near Me

Lai Lai - A Unique Blend of Chinese and Korean Cuisines
  1. Chinese Food
  2. Chinese Restaurant
  3. Illinois
  4. Cook County
  5. Niles
  6. Chinese Restaurant in North Milwaukee Avenue
  7. Lai Lai

Lai Lai

51 reviews

Lai Lai Photos

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Hours

Monday, Closed
Tuesday, 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday, 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday, 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday, 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday, 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday, 10:30 AM - 8:00 PM

About Lai Lai

Lai Lai is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Niles, Illinois, offering a unique culinary experience that blends the flavors of Chinese and Korean cuisines. This restaurant stands out as a go-to destination for those seeking authentic and delectable dishes that cater to both local and international palates. With its warm ambiance, exceptional service, and focus on quality ingredients, Lai Lai has become a favorite among food enthusiasts in the area.

The menu at Lai Lai is a testament to the culinary expertise of its chefs, who have mastered the art of combining traditional Chinese and Korean flavors. Whether you're a fan of spicy dishes or prefer something milder, Lai Lai offers a diverse range of options to satisfy every taste buds. One of their most popular offerings is Jajangmyeon, a dish that has garnered significant praise from customers for its authentic preparation and variety.

  • Jajangmyeon Varieties: At Lai Lai, they take pride in serving different types of Jajangmyeon, each with its unique characteristics. From the regular stir-fried version to the richer Gan Jajang and the delicate Uni Jajang, Lai Lai ensures that every dish is crafted with care and attention to detail.
  • Jjambbong: Another standout dish is their Jjambbong, a noodle soup that is both spicy and flavorful. Customers often rave about the balance of ingredients and the depth of flavor in this dish, making it a must-try for anyone visiting Lai Lai.
  • Gun Poong Chicken: For those who enjoy crispy chicken with a kick, the gun poong chicken at Lai Lai is a crowd-pleaser. Known for its perfectly crispy exterior and tender interior, this dish is often recommended to be paired with extra napkins due to its spicy sauce.

Beyond their exceptional menu, Lai Lai also boasts a welcoming environment that makes it an ideal spot for both casual dining and special occasions. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere, combined with the friendly and attentive service from the staff, ensures that every visit is a memorable one. Whether you're dining in or ordering takeout, Lai Lai promises a culinary experience that exceeds expectations.

Customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many patrons highlighting the restaurant's focus on quality and authenticity. One customer shared their enthusiasm for Lai Lai's Jajangmyeon, noting its superior taste compared to other similar dishes in Chicago. They particularly appreciated the variety of options available and the attention to detail in preparation. Another visitor praised the gun poong chicken, describing it as crispy yet tender with just the right amount of spice.

If you're looking for a dining experience that offers a unique fusion of Chinese and Korean cuisines, Lai Lai is definitely worth a visit. With its authentic dishes, warm ambiance, and exceptional service, it's no wonder that this restaurant has become a local favorite. Whether you're a fan of spicy flavors or prefer something more mild, Lai Lai has something for everyone.

Lai Lai Location

8901 N Milwaukee Ave Ste 112, Niles, IL 60714, USA

Customer Reviews

4.0
51 reviews
D
DK
Jul 07, 2024

For me, this is THE best Korean-Chinese spot in Chicago. Sure, there are places like Yu's Mandarin, Chef Ping, Great Sea, Great Beijing, etc but they don't focus only on Korean-chinese food like Lai Lai do, hence in my opinion, Lai Lai serves the best Jajangmyeon and Jjambbong. Now, Jajangmyeon comes in many varieties, but most people aren't aware of the differences: Regular Jajangmyeon: All ingredients are stir-fried, then water and starch are added, resulting in a familiar starchy texture with added sugar or salt. Gan Jajang: Cooked with just oil, it tends to be more oily and has a stronger "fire" taste from longer stir-frying, often more salty. Uni Jajang: Ingredients are minced, so the dish lacks visible ingredient shapes and texture but brings out most flavor. Sam seon Jajang (precious ingredients from sky, land, and sea): Originally with expensive items like shrimp, abalone, and pork, now often substituted with squid and cheaper ingredients. Tray Jajang: Essentially +2 portions of Sam seon Jajang without the expensive ingredients. I mention this because in Chicago, there are very few places offering these varieties, and even fewer doing it well. No one specializes in it quite like Korea, and the closest I've found to matching Korean taste is regular Jajangmyeon from Lai Lai. I can also go on about Jjambbong and the chicken as you see on the picture but perhaps on another review...

C
C.D. Silbernagel
Nov 04, 2024

This spot has some great dishes, but the standout for me is their gun poong chicken. Enjoy a plate full of drumsticks that are crispy on the outside and soft inside, covered in a spicy sauce and a side of rice. Be sure to ask for extra napkins.

J
Jinseong Kim
Dec 07, 2022

This is korean style chinese restaurant. Its inside of mall so not recommended you to eat here when you dating with someone. 😉 But if you miss or want to try korean food i recommended here. 😋 foods are always great. If you are vegetarian there are only two options. Spicy noodle and mapo tofu.

G
George Zakharia
Jul 10, 2022

#4 seafood with vegetables and white rice was very smooth, fresh, and not overly filling #6 shrimp fried rice was good but a little pricey. Egg rolls are amazing. No sauce needed. A little greasy but greta flavor 2 for $4

K
Kiljoong Kim
Apr 01, 2022

This corner spot in the food court of Assi grocery store is extremely underrated. Possibly one of the best black bean noodles (자장면) around. And their spicy seafood noodles (짬뽕) isn’t bad either. I’ve tried number of different entrees over the years and they are consistently good. Highly recommended.

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