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Hui Tou Xiang
Master Critic Review
Hui Tou Xiang
8.3
This Hollywood outpost of the San Gabriel Valley noodle house specializes in hand-crafted dumplings and fresh noodles in a surprisingly sleek space with black brick ceilings and red neon lighting. The namesake hui tou dumplings—rectangular pan-fried parcels stuffed with juicy pork—are the star, though the soup dumplings filled with rich broth compete for attention.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hui Tou Pan-Fried Dumplings, Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao), Egg and Tomato Noodles
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Authentic San Gabriel Valley dumpling house brought to Hollywood with elevated ambiance
Who should go: Dumpling enthusiasts seeking quality without the SGV drive
When to visit: Lunch or dinner; avoid Tuesday when closed
What to order: Hui tou dumplings with black vinegar, soup dumplings, scallion pancakes
Insider tip: The hui tou dumplings are better here than at most SGV competitors
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - competitive but doable. Meters run until 8pm on Hollywood Blvd. Side streets are your best bet after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and a nice top work perfectly. The space is sleeker than typical dumpling houses but still relaxed.
Noise level: Moderate - conversation-friendly even when busy. Hard surfaces create some echo but nothing overwhelming.
Weekend wait: 20-35 minutes for walk-ins Friday/Saturday evenings. They don't take reservations so plan accordingly.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait - you can usually walk right in for lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including vegetable dumplings, Buddhist-style noodles, and various stir-fried greens. Not a huge selection but quality options.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 items work if you ask for no egg in the wrappers. The kitchen can accommodate but call ahead to confirm.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - this is a noodle and dumpling house at its core. Rice-based dishes exist but cross-contamination is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, surprisingly great option. The red neon and sleek design create ambiance without being stuffy, prices won't stress anyone out, and sharing dumplings is inherently fun and interactive. Just know it can get a bit noisy when packed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations, so everyone walks in. Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6:30pm) are your safest bet. Weekend prime time expect 20-40 minutes, but turnover is relatively quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) who can handle chopsticks and dumplings. Not ideal for toddlers - no high chairs, small tables, and hot soup dumplings are a liability. The casual vibe is forgiving though.
How spicy is the food? Mild by default with chili oil on the table for customization. The dumplings themselves aren't spicy - heat comes from the condiments you add. Easy to control for sensitive palates.
Can I take a group here? Groups of 4-5 max work best. The space has mostly small tables and doesn't accommodate large parties well. For 6+ people, you'll likely be split up or face a long wait.
Best For
Better for: Better than SGV originals for ambiance and Instagram-worthy presentation, plus you avoid the drive. Quality matches the San Gabriel Valley standard while feeling more date-appropriate than strip mall locations.
Skip if: Skip if you want extensive menu variety (it's focused), need reservations for a special occasion, or require full accessibility (space is tight). Also skip if you're hunting for the absolute cheapest dumplings - you're paying a small premium for the Hollywood location and upgraded space.