Best. Potstickers. EVER

For a long time now, my dad and I have been under the assumption that finding good authentic Chinese food in Los Angeles is like trying to find a needle in a haystack using only chopsticks while drunk. Unless you're in Monterey Park/Arcadia of course. Then it's like shooting fish in a barrel with a bazooka. Anyway, when dad and I were in Northridge at about 6 pm with time to kill, we saw a hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant called Mandarin Deli with the claim, "Best Potstickers and Noodles in LA." Upon reading this, we scoffed and thought about how ridiculous a claim this was, and naturally we went to go put them to the test. To challenge their claim, we each ordered a plate of potstickers and a noodle dish. The potstickers arrived first at the table, and I picked one up expecting nothing special, and then I took a bite...



It was heavenly....


I admit, the bottom of the dumpling could be crispier, but it was still amazing! Even my dad, who grew up in Taiwan, said they were some of the best he's had. They were juicy and flavorful, and $6.50 for 8 dumplings is a great deal. Especially when you consider that these dumplings at about 6 inches long are in no way puny. I dipped them in soy sauce and vinegar for the perfect combination. The noodles were actually a bit overshadowed by the potstickers, but they too were some of the best I've ever had. They were a little chewy and came in very flavorful broth. I could taste the essence of the beef in the soup (it was THAT good) Each bowl of noodles came out to about $7.00 each; another great deal.

I regret not taking pictures, but here they are on yelp
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mandarin-deli-restaurant-northridge

If you ever get the chance to eat at Mandarin Deli, take it! And order plenty of potstickers!

Mandarin Deli
9305 Reseda Boulevard
Northridge, CA 91324