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Hui Tou Xiang
Master Critic Review
Hui Tou Xiang
8.6
Hui Tou Xiang brings a San Gabriel–style dumpling and noodle house to the Cahuenga bar strip, with crisp rectangular hui tou potstickers and soup dumplings served in a moody, neon-lit room. It’s one of the rare places in central Hollywood where the cooking feels as dialed-in as the cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Hui Tou Dumplings, Pork Xiao Long Bao, Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Handcrafted dumplings and noodles in a surprisingly polished Hollywood setting.
Who should go: Dumpling lovers who want a serious sit-down meal.
When to visit: Evenings for peak energy without late-night crowds.
What to order: Pork hui tou dumplings, xiao long bao, spicy beef noodles.
Insider tip: Grab a bar seat for faster service and a full view of the open kitchen.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Cahuenga is limited after 6pm; most guests use nearby paid lots ($8–$15) within a 2–3 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; the room is stylish enough that many guests lean slightly polished, but jeans and sneakers are common.
Noise level: Moderate; music and bar energy are present but you can still hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes for walk-ins between 7–9pm; parties of two are seated slightly faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; occasional short delays if a film crew crowd stops in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including veggie dumplings and noodles; staff can guide substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be made vegan but most dumplings contain egg or dairy components.
Gluten-free options: Not ideal for strict gluten-free; dumpling skins and noodles contain wheat, but a few broths and sides may work for less strict diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes; the moody lighting and bar seating create an intimate feel while still being casual. Dumplings are shareable, which helps break the ice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes; they operate primarily on walk-ins. Arriving before 7pm on weekends gives the best chance of avoiding a long queue.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy dumplings and noodles; limited stroller space and the evening bar crowd make it less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Crisp hui tou potstickers and hand-crafted dumplings executed with SGV-level precision in a more stylish setting than most Hollywood spots.
Skip if: You need extensive vegan or gluten-free options, or prefer a quieter, traditional-style Chinese dining room.