Lai Lai Restaurant

This restaurant is a gem and institution to the days of yesteryears in Millbrae. Yes, it's authentically American Chinese. Yes, Millbrae have other purely authentic Chinese eateries. But this place is a reminder of what an American dream looks like. Places like this, therefore, needs to stay and survive to remind us what hard work and perseverance looks like in America. Aside, food is always fresh and made to order while keeping it low in the sodium department for the aging population in Millbrae. Though I'm a younger person, I appreciate the love this restaurant gives to accommodate its elderly residents and clienteles. 5/5 recommend because of its nostalgic factor and reminder that in order to move forward, we have to appreciate and be thankful for the past, and the giants who were before us!

All good things must come to an end and it appears that my favorite Chinese restaurant since has fallen by the wayside. My family and I went often since it first opened in the early 80s.Last night, I was really craving Lai Lai's and made the trip to Millbrae. The first thing I noticed was the state of the interior. Looked like it hadn't been cleaned for quite some time.We ordered green onion pancakes, pot stickers, lemon chicken, chicken chow mein and pork fried rice. Of those items, the green onion pancakes and the pork fried rice tasted of fried fish and the chicken chow mein had a very weird texture. The pot stickers and lemon chicken tasted okay. After a few bites, we decided not to finish the meal and the waitress seemed miffed that we weren't taking it home. What a waste of $75.I miss Jimmy and Gary :(

I tried this place because they have an everyday lunch menu that comes with soup and an item on a plate with a spring roll, rice and noodles. I got the sweet and sour pork and we also got the almond chicken that came with rice. Had a potstickers appetizer that was excellent.They had won ton soup or hot and sour, so I got the won ton. Everything was very good. They are clean and have hand sanitizer at each table. Service was a little slow and the food was a bit oily but everything tasted great and the staff were nice and professional.

Amazing lunch! Great portions ! Great value! Delicious! Service is quick and professional! Best in area!

334 Broadway AveMillbrae, CA 94030"Lai Lai Restaurant" is an award winning chinese restaurant that offers delicious Mandarin cuisine. Opened in 1983, it is Millbrae's oldest chinese restaurant. I have eaten at this place three times, and it's time to award it 5-stars for food, service, and generous portions. My first visit, I didn't know what to expect. The tables had white tablecloths, and the wait staff were neatly dressed. I ordered Wor Won Ton Soup (full order), Eggrolls, and Salt & Pepper Shrimp. OMG, they brought out a huge bowl of Won Ton Soup big enough to feed 3-4 people. Maybe 9 dumplings, shrimps, meat, and spinach. The Eggrolls were freshly made, not frozen. The Salt & Pepper Shrimp were breaded and deep fried. Served with peppers, onions, salt and pepper, they needed to be mixed a bit. I asked for hot oil, chili sauce, and vinegar. So the Salt & Pepper Shrimp weren't spicy enough, but were crispy and a little crunchy. My second visit, I ordered Mongolian Beef, Corn and Chicken Soup (1/2 order), and side of White Rice. While I was enjoying my corn soup, I could hear the chef beating the beef tender in the kitchen. The Mongolian Beef was thinly sliced and tender. Beautifully presented with a blend of carrots, green onions, and white onions. The dish wasn't super spicy, but it wasn't salty either. Very good, a 5-star dish.I'm 2nd Generation ABC, and I had a Grandmother from the old country. She used to sit at the table and preach about cooking good food. She said the true test of a restaurant is how well they cook fish. So, on my 3rd visit, I ordered Ginger Fish, Hot n' Sour Soup, and a side of white rice. It was about 5pm on Christmas Eve, and the place was busy. People waiting for a table, people waiting for takeout, and delivery drivers waiting for orders. The wait staff still took the time to check every table. This place has good attentive service. How was the food? The Hot & Sour had that "made from scratch" taste. It wasn't powdery or have any spicy after taste. The Ginger Fish was cooked perfectly. Whole pieces of fish, silky smooth, tender and easy to eat. Presented with green onions, ginger and bamboo shoots. Another 5-star meal.This place opened in 1983, and the interior decor is a little outdated. But they makeup for it with white tablecloths, nice dishware, well dressed wait staff and good service. Also, there's a collection of model jetliners. MISC Notes: -You have to ask for chopsticks. -Men's room is large-street parking Overall a 5-star dine-in experience.If I'm in the area, I'll probably return and try something else.

Great Chinese Food!! Everything was delish. Parked in a lot nearby. Service was great. Able to snag a table in a Wednesday rainy evening. Menu had lots of options. Started with sizzling rice soup for 6, had prawns, snow peas, bamboo shoots, and the regulars. Rice was crispy and soup was very tasty. Nothing bland here. The egg rolls were crispy, not greasy and very tasty. The sauce was not too sweet or thick, just as I like. Entrees. Chicken pan fried noodles was my favorite. So tasty. Lots of chicken and fresh veggies. Plenty of sauce for all of the noodles!!!Mongolian beef. So tasty. Noted as spicy but it wasn't too spicy. It was exactly as I enjoyed it. Perfect sauce. Not dry like some others. Lemon chicken. Crispy. Sauce is thick and sweet. It was good but too sweet for my preference. Wanted to try some ice cream dessert, but next time. Recommend if looking for traditional delish Chinese food.

Ordered the lunch special Kung Pao Chicken. The chili oil was either rancid or not thoroughly seasoned and mixed. Too pungent.The lunch specials are not under $10. Expect to pay almost $20. My most disappointing experience with this restaurant was when I meticulously ordered an office lunch on their own website and the transaction was declined due to "suspicious fraud", but charged my credit card.We had a team member call the manager to sort this out and they kept telling us that they couldn't help us- and they never received our order details. If you have a third party company taking your orders, then you should communicate to them how important your business's integrity lies upon them.

Always a local American / Chinese Favorite. Unfortunately,they have increased their prices to rival others in the area. Wonderful and The Kitchen will be my go to spots in Millbrae.

My family and I plus friends have been going to Lai Lai's since its opening in 1983. The food is consistently very good. Jimmie has also been very supportive of groups in our community by providing gift certificates used in gift baskets during fundraisers.Just learned that Jimmie passed away on Monday. He always had a big smile on his face and was very friendly to all customers. He will be missed. RIP Jimmie.

The food is not good compare to someAsian restaurant around the area. Just many choices.The menu prices in the website is not updated and trick you ..