Bao Kee Cafe brings rare Toisanese flavors to South El Monte

Bao Kee Cafe in South El Monte serves traditional Toisanese dishes rooted in Chinese medicine. The restaurant, known for its hearty soups and regional specialities, attracts a steady crowd around lunchtime. By early afternoon, the dining room often clears out again. Toisanese cuisine is a branch of Chiu Chow, or Teochew, cooking, which originates from Chaozhou in Guangdong province. This southern Chinese region spans nearly 70,000 square miles and has a recorded history of over 2,200 years. The food here leans on medicinal ingredients and bold flavours.

At Bao Kee Cafe, clay pot rice with eel and shiitake mushrooms is a standout dish. Another favourite is steamed pork belly topped with shrimp paste. For those seeking something lighter, zongzi—glutinous rice bundles wrapped in bamboo leaves—come stuffed with preserved egg and Toisanese sausages. The soups at the original Bao Kee location are particularly noted for their rich, concentrated broths and wider variety. A signature condiment, laam choi, blends preserved olives and mustard greens, adding a sharp, tangy kick to many meals.

The restaurant’s menu reflects the deep culinary traditions of Toisanese cooking. With its focus on medicinal ingredients and regional flavours, Bao Kee Cafe offers a taste of Guangdong’s long-standing food culture. Diners can expect a mix of hearty and delicate dishes, all rooted in centuries-old recipes.