Top One Kitchen Cuisine, 1257 Valley Blvd, Alhambra, CA 91801
Top One is a new Cantonese restaurant in Valley Square. It’s in an area with many Chinese restaurants. All the patrons were Chinese. It seemed to be well-run, with the owner serving as the waitperson and cashier. She was friendly and attentive.
The menu is fairly extensive and included steamed noodle rolls, congee, claypot rice, rice plates, soups, noodles, Indian curry, appetizers, signature dishes (e.g., Hainan chicken, braised pork trotters), and fried rice. The claypot rice is made to order, so it will take at least 25 minutes (longer if they’re busy).
Claypot rice with Chinese cured meats ($17.99): This smelled nice and toasty when it hit the table. It was made in a claypot. The veggies and sauce were served on the side. The gai lan was still crunchy, which I enjoyed. The sauce, which contained soy sauce, wasn’t too salty. A crispy crust did form on the bottom. I liked how the meat was cut a bit thicker for added chewiness. The sweet Chinese sausage contrasted well with the saltier slices of preserved pork. It all tasted harmonious with different textures to keep it interesting. Both meats were fatty, enhancing the flavor of the white rice.
The restaurant had a casual look with a cute mural of Chinese street food. It had a casual, homey look. There is a fee for credit card payments.
4.5 out of 5 stars
By Lolia S.
