Ms Chi Cafe showcases Chef Shirley Chung's passion for progressive Chinese American cuisine. In addition to her unique culinary creations inspired by traditional authentic northern-style dumplings, noodle bowls, fried rice, specialty Boba and milk teas, and coffee drinks; Chef Shirley's personality shines in the house-made Mr. Chi Chinese spiced pastrami and scallion pancake sandwich plus her Top Chef winning dish -Jumbo Cheeseburger Potstickers with a tomato bacon jam.
Ms Chi Cafe might be a Chinese American restaurant but the quality of the food is up to par with any fine dining establishment.We only utilize the highest quality local fresh produce and spices and everything is house made including our breads, dumpling wrappers, noodles, sauces, and more.
Ms Chi Cafe might be a Chinese American restaurant but the quality of the food is up to par with any fine dining establishment.We only utilize the highest quality local fresh produce and spices and everything is house made including our breads, dumpling wrappers, noodles, sauces, and more.
Reviews (24)
Michelle K.
Jan 20, 2022
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Four score and seven years ago I went to Ms. Chi. Trust me when I say I had such high hopes, I was staring at the menu for weeks at work and I made the pilgrimage across town (during rush hour nonetheless) with my dear friend who I deeply respect.
The ambiance felt uncomfortable and strange, specifically because it seems like they couldn't figure out how casual or formal they wanted this restaurant to be. To compromise, they went ahead with IKEA chairs and menu signs handwritten with liquid chalk. Not that either of those things are bad, I'm sitting on an IKEA chair right now, I just
The ambiance felt uncomfortable and strange, specifically because it seems like they couldn't figure out how casual or formal they wanted this restaurant to be. To compromise, they went ahead with IKEA chairs and menu signs handwritten with liquid chalk. Not that either of those things are bad, I'm sitting on an IKEA chair right now, I just
Gannet Wystix
Dec 29, 2021
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Nick L.
Dec 08, 2021
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This restaurant had been on my list for a while and I finally came around to trying it on an early Sunday afternoon. I'd come just after the lunch crowd and it was pretty quiet. Parking in the area is as difficult as you can imagine, but be patient and something will open up. Reservations can be made online as well.
Jumbo Cheeseburger Potstickers - I mean I could not not try them. They were as advertised and tasted just like a cheeseburger. A little oily, but again, just like a cheeseburger. I don't think I'd order them again but I am so glad that I tried them.
Wontons in Chili
Jumbo Cheeseburger Potstickers - I mean I could not not try them. They were as advertised and tasted just like a cheeseburger. A little oily, but again, just like a cheeseburger. I don't think I'd order them again but I am so glad that I tried them.
Wontons in Chili
Cindy F.
Nov 19, 2021
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I rarely give low star but this place was quite disappointing (though they were kind enough to let us be there for a while).
The chicken jiaozhi was cold and all glued up together. The skin tasted very thick and floury.
The Lu rou mein was honestly alarming -- it came in a big bowl which I thought was surprising to give to much food but the noodles were super wet literally noodle soup and the pickled vegetables overpowered everything. The Lu rou didn't even taste like beef. I couldn't finish so packed it up but when I went home I just threw it away because the noodles became so soggy
The chicken jiaozhi was cold and all glued up together. The skin tasted very thick and floury.
The Lu rou mein was honestly alarming -- it came in a big bowl which I thought was surprising to give to much food but the noodles were super wet literally noodle soup and the pickled vegetables overpowered everything. The Lu rou didn't even taste like beef. I couldn't finish so packed it up but when I went home I just threw it away because the noodles became so soggy
Kamille H.
Nov 14, 2021
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First, Chef Shirley is fantastic. I've been a Top Chef fan since the start of the pandemic and visiting Ms Chi Cafe was #1 on my LA Bucket List. We ordered Brussels (10/10), orange chicken and shrimp fried rice. My favorite was the Brussels. They were spicy and saucy and delicious. The orange chicken was also great! Although it wasn't my meal I liked the fresh orange slices :) The shrimp fried rice was spectacular as well. We dined in for lunch and had I planned better we'd have went for dinner as well because the duck entree sounded so good. Nevertheless I highly recommend Ms Chi
Ken S.
Nov 11, 2021
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We were so excited to visit Chef Shirleys restaurant. But the service was terrible even though there was not a single customer when we first walked in.
Food including starters all came out at once and there was a weird fascination with aioli on the menu-several items were drowned in it. Very disappointing experience. 2 stars is generous.
Food including starters all came out at once and there was a weird fascination with aioli on the menu-several items were drowned in it. Very disappointing experience. 2 stars is generous.
Mhb UAndre Sanchez
Sep 11, 2021
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Sandie B.
Aug 29, 2021
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I was super excited to try this place, and while I generally enjoyed most of the dishes we got, I felt like it didn't really live up to my expectations. We ordered:
Cheeseburger potstickers - I thought these were pretty good, though I wouldn't crave them again. Since we got takeout they were kind of lukewarm by the time we ate, and they might be better freshly served at the restaurant. They were definitely a unique twist on a potsticker, though!
Orange Chicken - I liked it. Not spicy, didn't feel too heavy and friend, but also not super exciting.
Chilled sesame noodles - I was
Cheeseburger potstickers - I thought these were pretty good, though I wouldn't crave them again. Since we got takeout they were kind of lukewarm by the time we ate, and they might be better freshly served at the restaurant. They were definitely a unique twist on a potsticker, though!
Orange Chicken - I liked it. Not spicy, didn't feel too heavy and friend, but also not super exciting.
Chilled sesame noodles - I was
Angie L.
Aug 29, 2021
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I'm so bummed to leave this review, but I was so disappointed in our meal last night. The cheeseburger potstickers are a more interesting and exciting concept than the execution--I just felt like I had a bite of an average cheeseburger.
The orange chicken tasted more like sweet & sour chicken.
The duck was ho-hum. Not a lot of flavor.
The chilled noodles were okay.
The only dish I really, really enjoyed were the scallion pancakes.
Bummer. I really enjoyed Shirley on Top Chef.
The orange chicken tasted more like sweet & sour chicken.
The duck was ho-hum. Not a lot of flavor.
The chilled noodles were okay.
The only dish I really, really enjoyed were the scallion pancakes.
Bummer. I really enjoyed Shirley on Top Chef.
Yonnie C.
Jul 31, 2021
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Preordered a whole tea smoked duck for pick up on Thursday around 1pm. Found parking in a nearby lot for 5 minutes while I ran inside the restaurant to pick up the duck to go.
Costs $56 plus taxes. It was good, definitely could taste the smokiness. Even though we ate it at night, we didn't even have to reheat it before dinner!
Costs $56 plus taxes. It was good, definitely could taste the smokiness. Even though we ate it at night, we didn't even have to reheat it before dinner!
Ahmad O.
Jul 29, 2021
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We loved Shirley on Top Chef and enjoyed the order we got from Goldbelly! On our first trip to LA we knew we had to stop through! We got boba milk teas to start and those were nice and smooth. The Cheeseburger Dumplings were even better in person, topped with a crispy cheese. The pork and shrimp wontons were soooo flavorful. We got Brussels sprouts and tots on the side and they were great accompaniments. Shirley did not disappoint!
Steven
Jul 16, 2021
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Marc L.
Jun 08, 2021
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Yelp Reviews: Quarantine Edition #116
Come for the Cheeseburger Potstickers, stay for the Scallion Pancakes.
I heard about Ms Chi a few years ago and filed it away in the back of my mind to try at some point. With all the Chinese food options all over Southern California, I wasn't in a hurry, especially since I was still traveling to West LA on an almost monthly basis. Fast forward to 2021 and the thought of heading out to Culver City from Orange County literally turns my stomach... but hearing Chef Shirley Chung's origin story was enough to prompt an emergency trip up the 405.
A Beijing
Come for the Cheeseburger Potstickers, stay for the Scallion Pancakes.
I heard about Ms Chi a few years ago and filed it away in the back of my mind to try at some point. With all the Chinese food options all over Southern California, I wasn't in a hurry, especially since I was still traveling to West LA on an almost monthly basis. Fast forward to 2021 and the thought of heading out to Culver City from Orange County literally turns my stomach... but hearing Chef Shirley Chung's origin story was enough to prompt an emergency trip up the 405.
A Beijing
Kamille H.
Jun 03, 2021
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So first let me say I'm a huge fan of Chef Shirley and it took a lot for me not to completely fan-girl when I saw her. If it weren't for COVID, I certainly would have asked for a photo. Nevertheless, wow, the food was great. The Brussels are an absolute must - they were roasted perfectly and so flavorful and a bit spicy (delicious). We also had the orange chicken, shrimp fried rice, and salt and pepper shrimp. The food was so good we never even had the chance to take photos! We also ordered drinks which were good as well. The service was great and you can also purchase KN95 masks there! I will
Tea F.
Jun 03, 2021
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Came as a big group for outdoors brunch on a breezy day. I wasn't sure what to expect - my experience with fusion/"newfangled" Chinese food has been kind of hit or miss, but honestly everything was FANTASTICALLY TASTY. Like I cannot overstate how this place really blew me out of the water, everything was better than I could have possibly imagined. Service was also fantastic - thank you for taking such good care of us!
- Wonton Soup - an unassuming favorite and the winner of all the dishes I tried. The duck broth soup was a savory, deeply flavorful experience, and the wontons
- Wonton Soup - an unassuming favorite and the winner of all the dishes I tried. The duck broth soup was a savory, deeply flavorful experience, and the wontons
Adrienne K.
May 29, 2021
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I've been to Ms Chi for tea (before Latea came one the block) and for the mochi donuts (amazing!), but this time I came for dinner. Maybe I didn't order the right items but Panda Express tasted way better than Ms Chi. I should have tried the cheeseburger potstickers but how do you go wrong with fried rice and orange chicken??
The fried rice was bland and burnt, and the orange chicken was dry, soggy and not crispy. I did like the lu rou mien, which had thick yellow noodles, a bunch of different types of pickled vegetables, vegetables and a fatty pork sauce.
Lastly, I was surprised that
The fried rice was bland and burnt, and the orange chicken was dry, soggy and not crispy. I did like the lu rou mien, which had thick yellow noodles, a bunch of different types of pickled vegetables, vegetables and a fatty pork sauce.
Lastly, I was surprised that
Kah B.
May 28, 2021
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Tried the honey walnut shrimp, and one of their noodles and a thai tea drink. The honey walnut shrimp was tasteful and it was the bomb! Its not like the one from a whole in the wall Chinese restos. My only small complaint tho is that i think its good for 1-2persons only. The noodles was ok. Not that outstanding. The thai tea too is alright.
They also have a cute interior.
They also have a cute interior.
Diana Vays
Apr 20, 2021
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Absolutely delicious and the service is top notch! I wish I came hungrier because I really wanted to try the duck but alas was too full. Next time! The black sesame slush was so good I drank it so fast and my husband loved his boomtown IPA. We thoroughly enjoyed our dumplings which had the perfect skin. We came for the cheeseburger potstickers which were great but I absolutely loved the vegan tofu dumplings with pickled veggies, I could eat tub of that. The mochi donuts are GF which most are not so that's nice and it was a delicious fritter style chewy mochi fresh, hot and oh so good!
Songyi W.
Apr 20, 2021
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One of my fav "Chinese cushion" restaurants on the west side. They have some creative/modern Chinese dishes that I was positively surprised with. I've tried most of the items on the menu and liked most of them! Recommend:
-Cheeseburger dumplings : Large pan fried dumplings with ground beef and cheese - I was skeptical but it was rich, bold and delicious!
-Lu rou main: chewy thick noodles topped with colorful pickled veggie and braised pork ragu.
-Tea smoked duck: 1/2 duck with a unique Smokey flavor. Comes with steamed buns and 3 different sauces so you can DIY tasty sandwiches
-Cheeseburger dumplings : Large pan fried dumplings with ground beef and cheese - I was skeptical but it was rich, bold and delicious!
-Lu rou main: chewy thick noodles topped with colorful pickled veggie and braised pork ragu.
-Tea smoked duck: 1/2 duck with a unique Smokey flavor. Comes with steamed buns and 3 different sauces so you can DIY tasty sandwiches
Brooke Reed
Mar 25, 2021
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Jennifer R.
Jan 09, 2021
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Ordered the shrimp dumplings and the cheeseburger buns from Goldbelly. I was looking forward to going to the resultant for my birthday as I am a HUGE Top Chef fan and Shirley has been a favorite contestant of mine through all the seasons. Unfortunately for my birthday plans COVID put a kabash in my travel plans- from DC - I told you I was a huge fan. So for like $100 I got 6 cheeseburger and 20 or so dumplings all frozen with instructions with dipping sauces.
We followed the instructions to a T however there was way too much water for the cheeseburger potstickers. We ended up pouring some water
We followed the instructions to a T however there was way too much water for the cheeseburger potstickers. We ended up pouring some water
Yi-Xian Li
Dec 23, 2020
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Ordered a takeout on 2020/08/15 for my lunch, Chinese chicken salad and scallion pancake.
The salad was ok with great chicken, which is kind of different from normal chicken, just a bit sour so you may don't need other sauce or top dressing.
The scallion pancake was quite good but seems not so healthy since it has much oil with another extra spicy oil sauce provided. I guess it's more like a northern Chinese flavor since it's not like a Taiwanese or southern one.
The food mentioned above is decent but a little pricy considering the size/portion. I may just recommend the scallion cake based on
The salad was ok with great chicken, which is kind of different from normal chicken, just a bit sour so you may don't need other sauce or top dressing.
The scallion pancake was quite good but seems not so healthy since it has much oil with another extra spicy oil sauce provided. I guess it's more like a northern Chinese flavor since it's not like a Taiwanese or southern one.
The food mentioned above is decent but a little pricy considering the size/portion. I may just recommend the scallion cake based on
Carlos Martinez
Jan 01, 2019
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Darlene Jefferson
Jun 15, 2018
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Excellent! We had gone to the Soft Opening a couple of weeks ago & it struggled a bit (ran out of food) So I had to try again! The staff were Friendly & welcoming ( Matt & Kaleb) We ordered & Enjoyed Cheeseburger Dumplings, Garlic Shrimp, Steak & Broccoli, Noodles & yummy Chocolate Bao for dessert! Food was Flavorful & Beautiful! Oh & Delicious Drinks Dirty Thai tea & The Fresno!! Enjoy!
