New Elite Restaurant

Welcome to New Elite Restaurant, a distinguished Chinese restaurant located at 534 E Valley Blvd Suite 2 & 3 in San Gabriel, California (zip code 91776). As a valued member of the Chinese Restaurant category, New Elite Restaurant has garnered praise, particularly among enthusiasts of authentic Cantonese cuisine and the comforting warmth of clay pot rice dishes. Based on glowing customer reviews, this establishment offers a delightful culinary journey, specializing in flavors that resonate with the Toisan (臺山) and Hoiping (開平) regions of Guangdong province, alongside other Cantonese favorites.

One enthusiastic reviewer declared New Elite Restaurant a "must-visit for clay pot rice lovers." This highlights a significant feature of their menu, with the clay pot rice dishes arriving at the table "sizzling" and boasting a "golden, crispy bottom," a hallmark of perfectly cooked clay pot rice. The flavors are described as "perfectly infused," indicating a skillful preparation that allows the ingredients to meld harmoniously with the rice. The reviewer specifically recommended the "Chinese sausage and marinated pork combo" as being "outstanding," suggesting this particular pairing is a signature and highly satisfying choice for diners.

The preparation of the clay pot rice is noted to be "cooked to order," implying a commitment to freshness and quality. While this might result in a slight wait, customers are assured that "the wait is worth it." To enhance the dining experience, the reviewer suggests pairing the clay pot rice with their "stir-fried veggies" and "homemade chili sauce" for a complete and flavorful meal. The overall atmosphere is described as "cozy," contributing to a comfortable dining experience. Coupled with "generous portions" and "attentive service," New Elite Restaurant is portrayed as a spot that "delivers comfort food at its best."

Another reviewer, who visited after work, appreciated the convenient location on Valley Blvd. Their intention to visit for the Mid-Autumn Festival dinner was thwarted by the restaurant's Tuesday closure, a detail worth noting for potential visitors planning their meals. Upon arriving at 7:30 PM, the reviewer observed that New Elite Restaurant is indeed a Cantonese establishment with a menu featuring dishes specific to their family's region, Toisan and Hoiping. This regional focus suggests a level of authenticity that might appeal to those with roots in these areas or those seeking a more traditional Cantonese culinary experience.

On a chilly evening, the reviewer and their companion decided on a soup and a clay pot rice. From the "specialties" section of the menu, they chose the Tai Shan Style Salty Rice Ball (台山鹹湯圓) and the Quail & Preserved Meat Clay Pot Rice (鹌鹑腊味煲仔饭) to share. The waitress, showing attentiveness, recommended the Sautéed Preserved Chinese Pork Belly w/ Garlic Sprouts (腊味炒蒜苔) as a vegetable dish, which the diners appreciated.

The meal began with complimentary hot tea, described as "very fragrant and strong," setting a welcoming tone. The first dish to arrive was the Tai Shan Salty Rice Ball, a "huge bowl" priced at $13.90. This hearty soup was loaded with a variety of ingredients, including daikon strips, napa cabbage, salted chicken (a cured steamed chicken), Chinese sausage, shiitake mushrooms, ginger, dried shrimp, green onions, cilantro, and soft, pillowy rice balls (small dumplings made from glutinous rice flour and water). The broth was lauded for being "so warm & comforting to the stomach and soul" while also being "flavorful with all the ingredients," highlighting a well-executed and satisfying soup.

Next was the Quail & Preserved Meat Clay Pot Rice. The reviewer detailed how they separated the preserved meats, quail, and vegetables onto a separate plate, poured on the restaurant's "special soy sauce," and mixed it with the perfectly cooked rice. As is characteristic of good clay pot rice, the "crispy rice at the bottom was the best." Interestingly, they noted that the quail was also preserved, adding another layer of flavor to the dish.

The recommended Sautéed Preserved Chinese Pork Belly w/ Garlic Sprouts was a revelation for the reviewer, as it was their first time trying this dish. The garlic sprouts, sautéed with long beans and thinly sliced preserved Chinese pork belly (臘肉), were vibrantly green and possessed a noticeable "wok hay" (the slightly charred aroma and flavor imparted by stir-frying over high heat). The garlic sprouts were described as "crunchy and naturally sweet," complemented by the long beans and savory preserved pork belly, making it a "wonderful vegetable dish." The reviewer expressed genuine appreciation for the waitress's recommendation.

Adding to the positive experience, as the diners were packing their leftovers to go, they were treated to a complimentary dessert: 砵仔糕 (put chai ko), a steamed dessert made from rice flour, starch, and either white or brown sugar, molded into small cups. This traditional Asian dessert received the highest compliment of being "not too sweet." The reviewer found it to be a nostalgic treat for their mother, who had enjoyed it growing up in Hong Kong. This thoughtful gesture further enhanced the positive impression of New Elite Restaurant's hospitality.

The reviewer concluded by expressing their intention to return to try more of the restaurant's soups, specialties, signature dishes, and even their lunch specials, which are served daily from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This extended lunch special period could be a significant draw for local users looking for a midday Cantonese meal at a potentially attractive price point.

In summary, New Elite Restaurant in San Gabriel appears to be a gem for those seeking authentic and comforting Cantonese cuisine, with a particular emphasis on clay pot rice and regional specialties from the Toisan and Hoiping areas. The positive reviews highlight the flavorful and generously portioned dishes, attentive service, and cozy atmosphere. Standout items include the various clay pot rice combinations, the Tai Shan Style Salty Rice Ball soup, and the Sautéed Preserved Chinese Pork Belly w/ Garlic Sprouts. The complimentary tea and dessert add to the welcoming experience. Local users are encouraged to visit New Elite Restaurant to explore their diverse menu and take advantage of their daily lunch specials.