A la Kitchen - Markham

When you're sick of lining up at Ding Tai Fung or find them just a bit too greasy, try A la Kitchen in the strip mall behind First Markham Place. It is all handmade, fresh and a little bit less greasy than Ding Tai Fung. The line here is much shorter too. Unfortunately there is even less parking so it's best to park back at the First Markham spots and walk over.As usual, restaurants have an extensive menu but really only specialize in a few dishes. Here it is the Shiao Long Bao (Juicy Buns) and Guo Te (pot stickers) as expected in a Shanghainese restaurant. The marinated cold black fungus has the perfect texture and seasoning and their smoked marinated fish is right on point. This place does have a smaller menu than Ding Tai Fung but it does include the regular favourites.Note: this restaurant does not take credit cards. Payment is by cash or debit only.

It is a great place for authentic Shanghai food. Their Bao is very juicy way better than other dim sum place. The pork thigh is super soft as well. Definite good place to suggest for Chinese food.

Good shanghai food. Always busy. My family and friends enjoy getting together at this restaurant. Price is not cheap but the food quality is there. Would recommend to anyone looking for good Chinese food shanghai style.

We pick this restaurant especially when we want to gather a group of friends for casual dinner with good food. They have decent portion and above average on taste for most of their dishes. Their fried duck stood out, it's a must try, this dish comes with some small white plain buns. Should also consider their appetizers platter, 4 different types of items in typas style is a great way to explore a few items in one order. Some of their servers may not be too keen on English, however, you will not be walking out hungry.

Went for a casual dinner with friends. We were a group of 4.It was a weekday evening and so we expected that it wasn't too busy. We were seated right away. I appreciated being given a larger round table, so we could be more comfortable.We ordered edamame and mushrooms, steamed pork dumplings, grilled pork dumplings, green onion pancake, green onion pancake beef roll, a noodle and fried buns with condensed milk.Everything was delicious and tasted authentic. The food came out at a good pace and the wait wasn't long at all. Mind you, the place not was busy at all on a Monday evening.Prices were fair. Not low, not high. Our bill came to about $70 taxes in, not including tip.They had some combo specials that were well priced and I'd like to try them another time.Service was good and responsive. No issued there. Atmosphere was nice. The place was clean and comfortable. It looked quite large once you were inside. Plenty of parking right in front of the restaurant. I imagine though on a busy night, parking may not be so convenient.Overall I was pleased and I would return to try more dishes.