Sam Woo's BBQ in Van Nuys (soup photo)

[Hypnotic23]

One of the few really good Chinese restaurants in the Valley.

What blew my mind last night was the soup I ordered, see the photo I took.

This was $5.50, meat dumpling soup with BBQ pork

It was AMAZING!

Cheers,

Stuart

[bulavinaka]

Outside of SGV, this place gets our respect. Whenever we've gone, about 90% of the patrons have always been Chinese. And what is off-putting to many non-Chinese/Panda Express eaters are the BBQ offerings that face the front door. The ducks scare off the less-initiated but are a total invite for those who can appreciate it.

[selfportrait93]

Looks like wonton with bbq pork soup. Sam Woo on Sepulveda and Victory is my go to for chinese in the Valley.

[Dogbite Williams]

Based on that enticing photo and Hypnotic23's praise, I gave it a shot, even though Chinese food is among my least favorite ethnic foods.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. There was a lot of food in that bowl for which I was charged $6.75 before tax. Another point - even though they were called "meat" dumplings, they contained shrimp. Those with shellfish allergies should avoid that dish.

[Hypnotic23]

Glad you enjoyed it, I wasn't sure what the difference was between a Dumpling & Wonton as its your choice on which you order.

Since I've had both, the only way I can describle it is the Dumpling is more filled with stuff and a thicker casing?

Any input?

[raytamsgv]

I agree with selfportait93: it's a wonton with BBQ pork soup. I think they call it a meat dumpling because it is easier for non-Chinese eaters to understand.

[Hypnotic23]

your incorrect, as its listed seperately on the soup menu:

-Won ton soup with dumplings
or
-Won ton soup with wontons

I've ordered both and they are different

[raytamsgv]

Do you have access to the Chinese characters for these items? I have never heard of "won top" soup before.

How does this dish differ in appearance from the "won top soup with wontons"?

[Hypnotic23]

I just called the restaurant, this is what I was told about both soups:

-Dumplings contain shrimp, meat, bamboo, and black fungai vegi
&
Wontons contain just shrimp & pork

Hope this helps,

Stuart :>)

[foodhappy]

Thank you so much for posting the picture of the soup. I tried it over the weekend, and it was AMAZING. Very generous and quite flavorful and abundant.

[Akitist]

Gotta give this a try when we're shopping next door. Any recs beyond the soup?

[Jwsel]

I usually get take-out BBQ pork and roast duck. Both are very good.

[bulavinaka]

The roast pork is quite good as well. Their fried rice dishes (salty fish, Yang Chow), Tan Chai (sp.) congee (jook, porridge), char siew wonton noodle, salt & pepper items.

[ipsedixit]

For the faint of heart ... get the Tomato Beef with Rice or the Vegetables with Fish Fillets over rice

For the more adventurous ... Soy sauce duck feet or pig's blood congee (or both!)

[bulavinaka]

I'm still trying to build up the courage to get the duck tongues at Tasty Garden. :)

[raytamsgv]

Think of it as avian lengua with a bone in it. :-)

[bulavinaka]

LOLing! :)

[Hypnotic23]

Yes, I love the Sweet & Pungent Shrimp as well as the Beef with Ginger & Onions, oh the House Chow Fun is a must, as well as all the calamari dishes. I forgot about all these since I'm all about the yummy soup! :>)

[caille en sarcophage]

I love that Sam Woo BBQ. It's the best Chinese in the Valley.