Lai Lai Restaurant

Located at 334 Broadway in Millbrae, California, Lai Lai Restaurant stands as a testament to enduring quality and flavorful Chinese cuisine within the local community. Operating since 1983 and remaining a family-owned establishment, Lai Lai Restaurant has garnered positive feedback for its delicious dishes, generous portion sizes, and attentive service. If you are a resident of Millbrae or the surrounding areas seeking a reliable Chinese dining experience with a touch of history, Lai Lai Restaurant is a place worth exploring.

In response to some less favorable recent reviews, one loyal customer felt compelled to share their positive experience, highlighting a satisfying Monday night meal. Their family ordered a variety of dishes, including chicken crispy pan fried noodles, salt and pepper fried fish, Mongolian beef, and eggplant and tofu with basil. All were described as "generously portioned, hot and DELICIOUS," directly countering any negative impressions and emphasizing the restaurant's ability to deliver on taste and quantity. The reviewer's simple statement, "Sorry, no cardboard here," subtly assures potential diners of the genuine quality of the ingredients and preparation.

Another reviewer, identifying as Chinese but humbly stating that it doesn't make them an expert, encourages those who simply enjoy tasty food to give Lai Lai Restaurant a try. Their personal connection to the restaurant's history, noting that it was opened by "Uncle" in 1983 and has stayed in the family, adds a layer of local charm and underscores the importance of community support for such long-standing establishments. This call to action emphasizes the restaurant's need for continued patronage to thrive.

For those unfamiliar with Lai Lai Restaurant, one local resident who had lived in Millbrae for a decade before finally visiting described it as a "hidden gem." This suggests that while it may not be the most outwardly flashy establishment, it offers a worthwhile and perhaps unexpected culinary experience. The interior is characterized as "simple and very clean," indicating a focus on hygiene and a no-frills yet comfortable dining environment. A unique decorative element mentioned is a "display of airplanes," adding a touch of personality to the space.

The service at Lai Lai Restaurant is consistently praised, with one reviewer noting their waiter was "super helpful and attentive." Attentive service can significantly enhance the dining experience, making guests feel well-cared for and contributing to overall satisfaction.

This same reviewer went on to detail several specific dishes they enjoyed, providing a valuable guide for first-time visitors:

1. Calamari: Described as "crispy and lightly salted," with jalapeños adding an "extra kick" for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
2. Schezuan style fried chicken wings: Highlighted as "spicy" yet "addicting," with a notable ability to "clear your nose right up," suggesting a flavorful and potentially fiery dish.
3. Salt and pepper pork chop: Receiving high praise as "boneless and tasty, not greasy," and so enjoyable it felt like something one could "snack on all day." This suggests a well-prepared and flavorful dish that avoids excessive oiliness.
4. Dry Braised beef chow fun: Commended for perfectly cooked noodles that were "clean and not greasy," with the reviewer emphasizing the absence of a slimy aftertaste often found in less well-prepared chow fun.
5. Honey walnut prawns: Declared the "best one we've ever had," noting its crispiness and a sauce that wasn't "overly drenched," allowing the natural flavors to shine. The walnuts were also described as "addicting."
6. Fried rice yang chow style: Likened to a "house special fried rice" with a "perfect mix of meat and veggies," suggesting a well-balanced and flavorful rendition of a classic dish.

The reviewer concluded by expressing a strong desire to return, reiterating that the dishes were "simple yet tasty" and emphasizing the "huge" portion sizes, which they found to be rare nowadays, especially at a "definitely reasonably priced" cost. This reinforces the earlier point about excellent value.

A practical consideration mentioned is that "Parking can be a challenge depending on the time you come." This is useful information for prospective diners to be aware of when planning their visit.

In summary, Lai Lai Restaurant in Millbrae offers a compelling combination of delicious and generously portioned Chinese cuisine, friendly and attentive service, and a clean, long-standing establishment with a family history. While the interior is simple, the focus is clearly on the quality and taste of the food. Highly recommended dishes include the calamari with jalapeños, Schezuan fried chicken wings, salt and pepper pork chop, dry braised beef chow fun, and the exceptional honey walnut prawns. With reasonable prices and substantial servings, Lai Lai Restaurant provides excellent value and a taste of home-style Chinese cooking. While parking might be challenging at times, the overall positive dining experience makes Lai Lai Restaurant a hidden gem worth discovering and supporting in Millbrae.