A La Kitchen - Markham

Competent Shanghainese comfort food. Went there several times because these friends of ours love the place and keep taking us back. The kitchen can be heavy-handed with lipids and salt, but not egregiously so. It is always super busy and crowded, so be prepared for long lines and indifferent service.

Pretty good fare. I 've gone here a couple of times and each time, the food was excellent. The Hot and Sour soup is just right. Not too sour or over spices with chili sauce to make it 'hot ' like some cheaper places. The Xiao Long Bun 's were amazing. The soup was inside the dumping like it should be. Not like those imitation ones where it 's totally dry. <br/ <br/ This place is mostly packed whenever I get there. If you choose to stand inside the double doors, you might miss the chance of getting a table, but the bad thing is there 's hardly any standing room inside.<br/ <br/ Prices are reasonable. The last time I went for lunch, we paid about $20 for a 2 person meal. We got a variety of dishes, about 4 different ones and it was definitely enough for both of us. When I get a craving for Shanghaiese food, I 'll be sure to go again.

Overall, the meal wasn 't bad. They have 'wok hei ' 鑊氣 in their stir fry dishes. I think it 's just the dishes they picked this time weren 't that appetizing for me. If you like 東波肉 braised fatty pork , this place is for you. Their 小籠包 steamed pork juicy buns and deep fried egg white balls dessert are pretty good too.

Great place for some body- soul-warming Shanghai food. Come here if Ding Tai Fung is too crowded (although this place is usually quite packed as well! Something I love to order here are Sweet Sticky Rice Rolls with Pork Floss — sweet AND savoury all *rolled* into one! I also love the Noodles in Peanut Sauce and the Red Bean Deep Fried Egg White Balls for dessert. There's still a lot more I want to try on the menu!

Great Food. A La Kitchen expanded double the size and no need for long waiting in line for good food.