The time leading up to Father’s Day came and went as fast as news of another politician or executive was being caught in some form of a technology-oriented scandal. In my family, holidays have less and less become about the glorified images of what should be done to celebrate but more about focusing on the point of celebration on each day. In this case, it was to make my father happy for being… my father! He is a man of simple needs so I went up to him a few days ago and asked, “What do you want to do on Sunday?” He simply replied, “Let’s get lunch at Ming Wa” to a response that was most likely a wide smile from ear to ear on my face.
Sometimes the best food comes from places of a simple demeanor.
Ming Wa Noodle House in Alhambra is a Cantonese eatery situated in a nondescript strip mall on Valley Boulevard that my family has been eating at since I was born over 22 years ago. The owners, a lovely married couple, have been consistently churning out memorable food with a large customer base and, on days like Father’s day, lines out the door. I cannot even describe what else is in the parking lot with over 10 tenants because every time I park, my eyes and body go straight to the door to score a table. Ming Wa is a place where I can call up my brother who works nearby or a friend and get a bite while catching up without having to deal with reservations, pompous employees and a strict dress code. Here’s what we ate that day, from soup to noodles to fish, everything was just as we always expect: delicious!
Easy-to-read menu at some easy-to-swallow prices.
Tasty & Cheap! Hot & Sour Soup w/ water chestnuts, egg & tofu ($6.25, 6 cups)
Their famous Sauteed String Beans (sans pork) ($6.25)
Fresh, festive & full of flavor: Three Ingredient Vegetable Chow Mein ($6.25)
Delicious & Spicy, not-your-Panda-Express Kung Pao Chicken ($7.55)
A 1st for me, spicy & crunchy w/ a great sauce base! Hot Braised Fish Fillet ($9.75)
Not pictured is the $2.25 scallion pie, a turnover-esque fried patty with freshly chopped scallions inside (you can, however sneak a peek at this Yelper’s post here). Every table was full at lunch and each had that pie on their table as a quick, hot appetizer before their food arrived.
Before arriving to Ming Wa, some arrangements must be made. Firstly, the shop is not open on Tuesday and secondly, they only accept cash. I know that my readers (like most people today) carry little to no cash on a day-to-day basis. This place is so worth a trip to your local bank or ATM, however, so put some effort into getting down to Alhambra and enjoy your meal!
For more pictures from my dinner, check it out here (link also on sidebar): Ming Wa Alhambra
Ming Wa
1227 W. Valley Blvd, Unit #105
Alhambra, CA 91803
(626) 458-8338
- gmangoman a.k.a. hemang
Wow! this looks great you should. Watch Extreme Chef Airing tonight. I suggest you try and get on the show.