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Northern Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Northern Cafe
7.7
A noodle-and-dumpling-focused cafe specializing in Northern Chinese comfort, especially hand-pulled noodles and juicy buns. The vibe is straightforward and fast-casual, geared for students and families who want a warm bowl and a dumpling plate without fuss. It’s a good change-up from Cantonese takeout, with a tighter menu that plays to its strengths.
Must-Try Dishes:
Juicy Pork Xiao Long Bao, Hot & Spicy Prime Beef Noodle Soup, Scallion Pancake Beef Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Hand-pulled noodles and dumplings that bring Northern Chinese flavors to Northridge.
Who should go: Dumpling lovers, noodle people, and CSUN students.
When to visit: Cool evenings or lunchtime for a fast sit-down bowl.
What to order: Xiao long bao, spicy beef noodle soup, beef roll.
Insider tip: Pair dumplings with one dry noodle dish to split—best texture contrast.
Northern Cafe
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Casual hand-pulled noodle and dumpling shop that doubles as a low-key dim sum stop. The juicy pork dumplings and wontons deliver the most satisfaction for the price, and the small-plates section is perfect for a quick, mix-and-match meal. Simple strip-mall setting, but the kitchen’s comfort-first approach earns repeat visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Juicy pork dumplings (xiao long bao style), Pork wontons in spicy sauce, Scallion pancake beef roll
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Handmade dumplings and noodles at budget-friendly prices.
Who should go: Solo diners and students craving dumplings fast.
When to visit: Early dinner before the 7–8 PM rush.
What to order: Juicy pork dumplings, spicy wontons, scallion pancake roll.
Insider tip: Order one noodle bowl plus two dim-sum plates to share.