Taste of MP

Located at 415 W Garvey Ave in Monterey Park, California, Taste of MP presents itself as a Chinese Restaurant specializing in comfortable Hong Kong banquet style Cantonese dishes, making it a suitable venue for celebrating with family and loved ones. Based on customer reviews, Taste of MP offers a range of dining experiences, from celebratory banquets in private rooms to convenient daily lunch specials and takeout options. For local users seeking authentic Cantonese flavors and a versatile dining establishment, Taste of MP provides several compelling features.

The environment at Taste of MP is described as "excellent comfortable Hong Kong banquet style," suggesting a spacious and welcoming setting that can accommodate both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations. The availability of private rooms for parties is a significant feature, making it an ideal choice for family events and special occasions. This banquet-style setup implies a more formal yet comfortable ambiance suitable for communal dining and enjoying a variety of dishes together. The mention of a "great place" further reinforces a positive impression of the restaurant's atmosphere.

The services at Taste of MP appear to be attentive and customer-oriented. Diners celebrating with dinner can enjoy complimentary slow-cooked house soup and red bean dessert, adding value and a touch of traditional Cantonese hospitality to the meal. The recommendation of their steamed live fish and crustacean suggests a focus on fresh seafood prepared with expertise. Additionally, the availability of a daily lunch special from 11 am to 5 pm with rice and soup caters to those seeking a quicker and more affordable midday meal. The fact that it's also a go-to for a "simple Canto LUNCH SPECIAL restaurant, and just takeout Chinese restaurant overall!!" highlights its versatility in serving different dining needs. The option for full-price takeout further enhances convenience for local users.

A key feature of Taste of MP is its focus on Cantonese cuisine, particularly in the style of Hong Kong banquet dishes. This suggests a menu that includes classic Cantonese preparations, potentially with an emphasis on fresh ingredients and flavorful sauces. The high recommendation of steamed live fish and crustacean points to a proficiency in preparing fresh seafood, a hallmark of quality Cantonese cooking. The mention of "typical OG Canto lunch specials" indicates a commitment to traditional and authentic Cantonese flavors during their lunch service.

The daily lunch special is a significant offering, available from 11 am to 5 pm and including rice and soup, providing a complete and affordable meal option. While one reviewer noted that the quality is "decent" rather than the absolute best, the variety offered is appreciated. The prices for some of the lunch special items were mentioned: Pan fried String Beans with Minced pork ($12.99), Eggplant and Minced Pork with Garlic Sauce ($12.99), Beef with Bitter Melon in Black Bean Sauce ($14.99), Fish Filet with Black Bean Sauce ($14.99), and Preserved Vegetable with Pork Intestine ($15.99). The reviewer specifically mentioned enjoying the Preserved Vegetable with Pork Intestine and noted the generous portion size. There was also a mention of a lobster deal offered when ordering to a certain point, with a $30 lobster as an additional option.

However, some reviews also point out that certain dishes at Taste of MP can be oily. One reviewer noted that depending on what was ordered, the food could be quite oily, particularly during their most recent visit. They even likened it to "Chinese fast food but better quality" on that occasion, suggesting potential inconsistencies or variations in preparation depending on the day or the chef. Another reviewer specifically mentioned that the Eggplant and Minced Pork with Garlic Sauce was too oily and soggy for their preference. This is an important factor for local users to consider when making their menu choices.

Despite the oiliness in some dishes, other aspects of the food receive positive feedback. The reviewer who found some dishes oily also noted that Taste of MP generally provides "alot of meat and veggies" in their dishes, which can be appealing to those seeking a substantial meal. They also mentioned trying various other dishes on previous visits, such as lettuce and tofu, and shredded bamboo tofu fungus (which were not to their liking), as well as sweet and sour spare ribs (which were good for those who enjoy that style). The reviewer also listed several dishes they would likely order again, including the house special dish (lotus, sausage, fungus), seafood crispy chow mein, crispy intestine, walnut shrimp, and jelly fish, indicating a range of satisfying options on the menu.

One reviewer expressed a preference for the traditional Cantonese lunch specials offered at Taste of MP over the newer trend of Canto breakfast specials in the area, and noted their mother's enjoyment of the lunch deals. This suggests that Taste of MP caters to those who appreciate classic Cantonese flavors and value. The availability of takeout also makes it convenient for local users to enjoy their favorite dishes at home.

In terms of promotional information, the reviews mention a complimentary slow-cooked house soup and red bean dessert with dinner, as well as a potential lobster deal for an additional $30 when a certain order threshold is met. These are specific examples of added value for dining at Taste of MP. However, there is no mention of other ongoing promotions or discounts. Local users interested in any current specials are advised to contact the restaurant directly at (626) 307-7338 or mobile at +1 626-307-7338 for the most up-to-date information.

In conclusion, Taste of MP in Monterey Park offers a comfortable and versatile dining experience with a focus on Hong Kong banquet style Cantonese cuisine. It is well-suited for family celebrations with its private rooms and offers complimentary soup and dessert with dinner. Highly recommended dishes include their fresh steamed fish and crustacean. They also provide convenient and affordable daily lunch specials and takeout options. While some dishes have been noted to be oily, the restaurant generally offers generous portions of meat and vegetables, and a variety of classic Cantonese dishes that appeal to many. The occasional lobster deal adds to the potential value. For local users seeking authentic Cantonese flavors and a reliable restaurant for both special occasions and everyday meals, Taste of MP is a strong contender.