Los Angeles, a city known for its culinary diversity, boasts a surprising number of excellent wonton options. From classic Cantonese styles to innovative fusions, LA's wonton scene is a delicious adventure. This guide explores twelve of the best places to find these delightful pockets of flavor, covering various styles and price points. Whether you crave crispy, pan-fried wontons or delicate, soup-filled versions, this list has something for every wonton enthusiast.
Discovering LA's Wonton Wonders: Types and Styles
Before diving into our top 12, let's understand the world of wontons. Wontons, essentially small parcels of dough filled with savory ingredients, come in a vast array of styles:
- Fried Wontons: These crispy, golden-brown treats are often served as appetizers and are characterized by their satisfying crunch.
- Steamed Wontons: A lighter option, steamed wontons retain the delicate flavor of the filling and the soft texture of the wrapper.
- Wonton Soup: Wontons swimming in a flavorful broth, often featuring other ingredients like noodles, vegetables, and protein.
- Pan-Fried Wontons: A happy medium, offering a crispy bottom and softer top.
Each restaurant on our list offers its unique take on these classic styles, adding its flair and creativity.
Top 12 Wonton Destinations in Los Angeles
Here are twelve of the best places to indulge in delicious wontons across Los Angeles, categorized for your convenience:
Cantonese Classics
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Din Tai Fung (Multiple Locations): Renowned for its soup dumplings, Din Tai Fung also serves impeccable pork and shrimp wontons in a delicate broth. Their precision and quality are unparalleled.
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Yang Chow (Multiple Locations): A Los Angeles institution, Yang Chow offers a wide array of Cantonese dishes, including excellent wonton soup and pan-fried wontons with a perfectly crisp exterior.
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Ocean Seafood (San Gabriel): This popular spot in San Gabriel is known for its high-quality seafood and Cantonese classics, their wonton dishes are no exception.
Modern & Fusion Takes
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Nobu (Multiple Locations): While known for its high-end Japanese cuisine, Nobu's wontons are a surprising highlight, often featuring unique fillings and preparations. Expect creativity and sophistication.
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Sugarfish (Multiple Locations): This sushi hotspot offers elegantly prepared wonton dishes as part of their tasting menus, showcasing fresh, high-quality ingredients.
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Gracias Madre (West Hollywood): This entirely vegan Mexican restaurant offers creative plant-based wontons, proving that deliciousness knows no dietary restrictions.
Neighborhood Gems
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Capital Seafood (Monterey Park): A beloved local favorite in Monterey Park, Capital Seafood offers a wide selection of Cantonese dishes, including excellent wonton options at incredibly reasonable prices.
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Vivi Bubble Tea (Multiple Locations): While primarily known for bubble tea, many Vivi locations also offer surprisingly delicious and affordable wontons, perfect for a quick and tasty snack.
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Elite Restaurant (Monterey Park): Another gem in Monterey Park, Elite Restaurant stands out with its consistently good quality and extensive menu, featuring various wonton dishes.
Unique Experiences
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Happy Lemon (Multiple Locations): Similar to Vivi, Happy Lemon offers wontons as an unexpected addition to their extensive beverage menu. These make for a fun and unique snack combination.
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San Tung (San Francisco, but worth the trip!): Okay, it's not in LA, but San Tung's legendary garlic noodles are worth the journey. And their wontons are incredibly delicious, too.
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Your Local Dim Sum House: Don't underestimate the smaller, family-run dim sum houses scattered throughout Los Angeles. Many hidden gems offer outstanding wontons at affordable prices. Explore!
Finding Your Perfect Wonton
This list offers a starting point for your LA wonton adventure. Remember to explore, experiment, and discover your own personal favorites. Consider factors like your preferred style (fried, steamed, soup), your budget, and the overall dining experience you seek. Happy wonton hunting!
