It's really clean inside. And room for a private party as well. Came in on a weeknight and ordered for take out. Staff spoke English well enough but mandarin and Cantonese are preferred. Pan fried dumplings and beef rolls are always a must have here. Always crunchy and crispy and filling. Spicy Beef noodle soup is also a staple and a must have for that craving. I've never had a bad dish here and this place always hits for that craving of Chinese food. FYI - they no longer have Dan Dan noodles. They only have soup noodles available.

We used to come to Northern Cafe quite a bit a few years ago but we're glad we came back recently. It looks like there was some remodeling done and possibly new management. We noticed there were karaoke rooms and private rooms that you can rent out fornlarge groups. Parking was easy as you can use the shared lot behind the restaurant or find street parking. The food was as delicious as before. We ordered Xiao Long Bao, mapo tofu, beef pie, lamb with cumin and chili, and sliced boiled fish with chili sauce. The fish dish has been my go-to at this restaurant. Although I think the portion size shrunk a little and not as spicy as before, it was still as good as I remembered it to be. My second favorite was the lamb with cumin and chili. It was very flavorful. You also can't go wrong with mapo tofu (not that spicy) and Xiao Long Bao. The meet pie was also good, but it was a little on the saltier side. Overall, everything we ordered was very tasty and we would order them again next time!

the never ending soup is amazing, comes in a boiling bowl/pot size of a fish tank (not mentioning decorated in traditional Chinese palace ornaments) and they'd jus keep coming to add in more soup as it is boiling. so hearty and flavorful. BYOB policy for a party, we get the kareoke room facing Las Tunas street. Honestly I have to apologize because a few members of our group might have a few glasses to many and was quite rude to the staffs but the waiters were extremely understanding and polite and patient, which i greatly appreciate. The sound/mic system for the kareoke can use some update, there were constant glitches when we try to take advantage of the kareoke feature in the VIP room. We had fun regardless. some touch up in the interior would be nice as I saw that they did put in some effort to create the modern asian aesthetic, but there are just too many wear and tear and clutter in the restaurant to present the proper aesthetic. portions are huge, so bring a crowd.

Great food , great vibe! We went as Group of 12 and got a private room. All food is great and service is great as well. My favorite are the fried fish in seaweed and spicy fish

Hidden gem in temple city! The place looks really small from the outside but apparently they have many hidden room inside that each room could accomodate 6-10 people. The food was great, came with such a large plates. Each dishes cost about $15-30.

Nestled in the heart of Temple City, Northern Cafe is a delightful hole-in-the-wall spot that truly captures the essence of authentic Chinese cuisine. During a recent lunch outing, we embarked on a culinary journey that left our taste buds longing for more. The standout dish was undoubtedly the Beef Noodle Soup - a flavorful masterpiece that showcased the chef's skill. The broth was rich and delectable, providing a perfect canvas for the tender noodles and fresh ingredients. It was a delightful surprise and an absolute must-try. The Spicy Squid lived up to its name, offering a delightful kick without overwhelming the palate. The combination of spice and tenderness made it a standout dish that had everyone at the table reaching for seconds. The Geoduck and Rice Cake dish was a true revelation, blending textures and flavors in a way that only an authentic Chinese kitchen can achieve. The geoduck was impeccably prepared, and the rice cakes added a delightful chewiness that complemented the overall dish beautifully. While Northern Cafe might be a hidden gem, the quality of the food speaks volumes. The diverse array of dishes we shared at our table painted a picture of a kitchen dedicated to authenticity and culinary excellence. In conclusion, if you're in Temple City and craving genuine Chinese flavors, Northern Cafe is a must-visit. From the unassuming exterior to the delightful explosion of flavors on your plate, this hole-in-the-wall establishment is a true culinary gem waiting to be discovered. https://www.instagram.com/p/CzMWr_5RLqL/?igshid=OTU1ODAwZWUxYg==

My friend recommended this place so we thought we'd give it a try. Portions are great for sharing and the flavor is good. We really like the chicken dish - organic chicken with soy sauce and lots of green onions. There's a parking lot in the back as well as on the street. Servers were friendly and attentive. Most Chinese restaurants in the area will offer complimentary hot tea but they charge a per person charge here. They also offer private rooms for large parties with $500 minimum charge. It also looks like they recently remodeled.

I've always wanted to try this place out, since it's right next to the grocery store near my house. I finally tried it, and am happy I did. I ordered online in advance, and it took around 10-15 mins. Parking is hit or miss, depending on what time you come, as it's located right next to an asian market. When I came to pick up my order, inside was small. You can eat in, but there's only like 3 tables for dine in, so I think most of the orders are placed to go. They also have a freezer up front with premade dumplings, so if you wanted to buy and bring home to fry up, you can. The cashier was nice, but seemed quite busy as she was cashiering, in addition to serving a few dine in tables. I had so much to eat when I came home, but it was good as I had leftovers for lunch the next day. The best thing I ate was the sour soup with seafood. Def great on a cold or hot day. Definitely recommend.