Glendale | Don’t Miss These Middle Eastern “Big Buns”!

As a hub for the Armenian community, Glendale is home to many hidden gems—spots mostly frequented by locals, and this one is a prime example! Most staff and customers don’t speak fluent English, so walking in as an Asian person can be a little intimidating at first—everyone will glance over (imagine a group of Indians showing up to order at a Sichuan spicy hot pot joint 😂). But trust me: don’t let that scare you! This is your chance to try authentic Middle Eastern “big buns” without leaving the country. You might’ve seen this dish on social media, where some people compare it to pineapple pizza (weird, right?) or even claim it’s a “copy” of Chinese xiaolongbao (steamed buns)—but that’s totally off! This is khinkali, a traditional Middle Eastern/Armenian dish that’s been around for ages. It’s more like a dumpling than a bun, and comes in boiled or fried versions. At this spot, there are three filling options:🧀🧀🧀 Beef (with a bit of pork mixed in) Mushroom Cheese One quick tip: The huge, thick dough knot on top? Most people don’t eat it—it’s super salty and tough. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try it, but it’s not recommended. The staff told me it’s originally for holding the khinkali while eating, but last time the owner even came over to cut it off for us—so do whatever feels right!🧀🧀 What We Tried (Total Wins!): Boiled Beef KhinkaliSolid, but not the star. It tastes a lot like Chinese beef-and-fennel buns, with plenty of juicy broth inside—make sure to slurp the soup first, just like you would with xiaolongbao, to avoid spilling everywhere! 🥟 Boiled Mushroom KhinkaliMy absolute favorite! The mushrooms are chopped into tiny pieces, mixed with a fennel-like herb, and the filling is incredibly savory. Every bite bursts with umami—so fresh and flavorful, I could’ve eaten a whole plate by myself! 🍄 Fried Cheese KhinkaliA must for cheese lovers! The outside is crispy, and the inside is oozing with melted cheese—rich, gooey, and totally indulgent. The staff recommended this one, and they were spot-on 🧀. We also ordered their grilled skewers: beef and chicken wings. They were delicious—tender, well-marinated, and full of flavor. But honestly, I’ve never had bad grilled skewers in Glendale, so that’s a given!🧀🧀🧀 Spot Info Name: Khinkali House (aka Dumpling House) Location: The entrance is in an alley—look for their sign at the alley entrance (it’s easy to miss, so keep an eye out!).🧀🧀 If you’re up for trying something new and authentic, this spot is a hidden gem. It’s not fancy, but the food is full of heart—and where else can you get genuine khinkali in LA without hopping on a plane? #WantToRecordThisMoment #ThisTemplateIsPrettyGood #LAFood #RestaurantRecommendation #UnforgettableFoodExperience #HiddenGemRestaurant #WeeklyFoodCheckIn