Alice’s Kitchen - Temple City — Restaurant in Temple City

Heard this place was newly opened and popular so stopped by to give it a try. The tables were almost all full when we arrived, even though it was already late in the afternoon. We had to sign up for the waitlist and sit for a while. Luckily, we didn't have to wait for more than 5 minutes before we got a table. The interior is very unique, designed to look like the street stalls in Hong Kong. Even the tables and utensils go with the theme. The ambiance was very chill and brings you back in time. I really liked their efforts to do this. You might actually think you went back if you only look at the photos.

They have a lot of options on their menu, all were pretty cheap. It was a mix of a lot of different Hong Kong food. We ordered the Baked Pork Chop in Tomato Sauce (15.90), Curry w/ Fried Fish Ball & Pork Skin (9.25), Hong Kong Style Pineapple Bun w/ Butter (4.99), Stir Fried String Beans (14.50), Seafood & Tofu Pot (15.25), Beef Stew & Radish (18.75), and Corned Beef Sandwich (8.25). They also have a lunch special where you get a free drink if you order one of the dishes on there. So I got tea with that, and it is refillable once. We also got the Red Bean Ice (2.99).

The employee who took our order didn't input some dishes correctly because the tablet system was too new so she wasn't used to it yet. It was understandable so I didn't mind. The dishes came out pretty fast, in less than 10 minutes.

All of the dishes were pretty good, not too salty or oily. Nice portions worth for the price. We ordered so many dishes but it was all under $100 which is hard to see these days. I especially enjoyed the Baked Pork Chop dish- the pork was grilled nicely and topped with the perfect amount of cheese and tomato sauce. The vegetables and meat dishes were also seasoned very nicely. Delicious! The red bean ice is also worth it! Though it did have a bit too much ice.. It was a big cup and only for 2.99. The pineapple bun was not bad too, but it is just one big bun instead of 2.

Definitely will be coming back again to try other items on their menu! The only minor compliant is that it is a bit hectic inside, hard to get the server's attention. Recommend this place if you enjoy comfort Hong Kong food and want to have a old style Hong Kong street...

For the past months, we have been watching the renovation of this place and anxious waiting for it to open. On Saturday ( 10/7), it finally had its grand opening. Since we couldn’t come on Saturday, we rushed to dine here on Monday when they opened their doors at 8 am.

From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this place had generated quite a buzz, as it was packed with patrons, and the wait for a table was a bit on the long side. However, let me assure you, the wait was absolutely worth it.

The moment you step inside Alice Kitchen, you're transported to Hong Kong's old days, with neon signs reminiscent of cigarette stores and cafes, and even a fake HK bus stop that adds to the nostalgic vibes. The air is filled with the delightful aroma of milk tea, just like the cafes back in Hong Kong.

During their grand opening, the service was a tad slow, but they more than made up for it by offering us complimentary iced tea to keep us refreshed during the wait. Once we finally got our table, I was in for a treat. The breakfast set was nothing short of amazing, featuring congee and rice noodle rolls that tasted just like the ones you'd find in Hong Kong.

But the real gem here is their authentic HK style instant noodles, which come with a variety of toppings like sausages and spams, giving you that quintessential taste of Hong Kong street food. I can't wait to return to Alice Kitchen for their lunch and happy hours, as I'm sure they have more delectable offerings waiting to be savored. If you're a fan of Hong Kong cuisine or simply want to experience a slice of HK in Temple City, Alice Kitchen is...

Walking into Alice’s Kitchen is like stepping into a parallel universe where Hong Kong dai pai dongs are cute, clean, and… friendly? The only things missing were a grumpy uncle slamming down your plate, a short-tempered auntie yelling "下次唔好嚟啦!" ("Don't come back next time!"), and the sheer awkwardness of daap toi—sharing a table with a stranger who inhales their food like it’s a competitive sport.

The Food:

Lap Mei Fan (Preserved Meat Claypot Rice) – Good char, nice smokiness, but kinda basic—like a college kid who just discovered truffle oil. Reliable, but not life-changing.

Lemongrass Pork Chop – Absolute legend. Tender, juicy, and perfectly seared. If this pork chop were a person, it’d be that one friend who somehow looks good in every photo, even with bad lighting.

Beef Brisket Curry – Easily one of the best Hong Kong-style curries I’ve had. The brisket melts in your mouth like it’s been simmering since the Qing Dynasty, the potatoes hold their dignity, and the curry itself is warm, rich, and just spicy enough to make you question your life choices (but in a good way).

The Perks:

Service: Shockingly fast and friendly. No side-eye. No passive-aggressive sighs. Honestly, a little unsettling.

Lemon Tea: Free refills, which means you can chug it like a dehydrated camel and still get more.

Parking: Street parking—aka The Temple City Hunger Games. May the parking gods bless you with an open spot that doesn’t require an illegal U-turn.

Would I come back? Absolutely. Would I trade the friendly service for a slightly rude, middle-aged waiter who scolds me for ordering too much...