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New Yorkers 1st Choice
El Monte's best

Soup and food spots

A bowl of soup is the only thing that hits the spot when you need a substantial meal.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Thien Tam Vegetarian Restaurant image 1
Thien Tam Vegetarian Restaurant image 2
Thien Tam Vegetarian Restaurant image 3
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Vegetarian restaurant

Small dining area creates a cozy vibe with a peaceful atmosphere. Menu offers a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options, including dishes that mimic meat flavors. Prices remain very reasonable for fresh, flavorful vegan food.

Tomato-based soup with noodles stands out as a delightful option. Veggie soup comes pho style with vermicelli, pork belly, mints, bean sprouts, shredded cabbage, and jalapeños.

Offers fresh vegan Vietnamese cuisine with a unique and unforgettable taste. Food is consistently delicious, clean, and affordable with friendly, knowledgeable staff enhancing the experience.

People are saying

"I found the vegetarian Vietnamese dishes to be super authentic."

"I loved the amazing quality vegan food here."

"I loved the spring rolls with extra mint and peanut sauce."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

2

Prices are very good for the quality and freshness of the vegan food.

3

Many items on the menu are low FODMAP.

02
Tai He Ju Dumplings House 泰禾居饺子馆 image 1

Spacious dining area feels like a warehouse with simple, clean seating. Noise echoes even with few people, creating a loud atmosphere despite friendly service and affordable prices. Complimentary egg drop soup adds a unique touch to the experience.

Complimentary egg drop soup arrives in large bowls with extra refills. The beef noodle soup and fresh corn soup also stand out for their flavor.

Authentic Chinese cuisine shines with bold flavors and fresh dumplings. Fried dumplings stand out as very tasty and the food offers excellent quality at fast food prices.

People are saying

"These dumplings are piping hot and so delicious."

"I found the food here to be delicious and freshly made."

"The dumplings here are incredible, piping hot and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers complimentary egg and corn soup with meals.

2

Dumplings are made in-house, ensuring freshness and quality.

3

Prices are very reasonable compared to other options in the area.

03
Saigonese Kitchen Restaurant image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Renovated space with minimal clean design offers a warm and cozy atmosphere. Plenty of tables and spacious seating accommodate a steady flow of diners. Known for authentic pho with a light, flavorful broth and fresh meat, it draws those seeking traditional Vietnamese flavors.

Beef pho soup comes out scalding hot with fresh, well-made noodles and delicious broth. The soup stays true to classic flavors and serves consistently good quality.

Authentic Vietnamese dishes come fresh and full of flavor. Pricing matches the menu with no extra tax, and the food consistently tastes delicious.

People are saying

"The pho here has a delicious, clean, and flavorful broth."

"I loved their Thai iced tea; it tasted great and wasn't too sweet."

"The pho's broth is rich, comforting, and tastes like home."

Good to know

1

There was no waiting and I was seated right away.

2

The pricing for the food on the menu matched what I paid, with no tax added.

3

There was lots of parking available.

04
SINGKAWANG CAFE image 1
Indonesian restaurant

Indonesian restaurant combines casual dining with a small grocery section selling Southeast Asian snacks. Atmosphere stays relaxed and cozy, suitable for working or casual visits. Food offers authentic flavors with generous portions and affordable prices.

Tom Yum soup stands out with its warm, tangy flavor, perfect for chilly days. Complimentary soups include black rice and pickled vegetable, both served as after-meal treats or with lunch specials.

Authentic Indonesian cuisine shines through dishes like Bakso Komplit, Empek Empek, and nasi padang. The food tastes fresh, delicious, and affordable, with some dishes reminding of home-cooked meals.

People are saying

"The Indonesian and Thai food here tastes like home."

"The seafood here, like the calamari, is light and crispy."

"The complimentary black rice soup was delicious and appetizing."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every evening, making it a fun night out.

2

They accept card payments with a minimum of $10.

3

The cafe offers a good lunch special that is affordable.

05
Corner Beef Noodle House image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Taiwanese restaurant with authentic beef noodle soup featuring half-tendon, half-meat combinations and rich, savory broth. The space feels run down and uncomfortably warm due to poor air conditioning. Cash or Zelle payment is required, and servings are immensely filling.

Beef noodle soup features four large pieces of tender beef in a broth rich with soy sauce and bean paste. The soup offers a perfectly spiced, savory flavor that is filling and satisfying.

Authentic Taiwanese food stands out with large portions and delicious flavors. The dishes offer a genuine taste that feels very original and satisfying.

People are saying

"The beef noodle soup here is so delicious and satisfying."

"I found the Taiwanese beef noodles to be very authentic."

"The beef noodle soup food here has tender beef and flavorful broth."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash or Zelle; credit cards are not accepted.

2

Parking is limited with compact spaces available nearby.

3

Expect a 15-minute wait for ordering and pickup.

06
Cetana Mon Myanmar Restaurant image 1

Interior showcases cultural decorations and Burmese specialty foods creating an authentic atmosphere. The crowd consists mainly of Burmese diners, contributing to a genuine ethnic vibe. The space feels intimate with family-run warmth and a menu offering extensive traditional dishes.

Very flavorful and yummy soup comes with the Rainbow salad. The soup is a light pepper broth served on the side.

Food here offers authentic Burmese flavors with an extensive menu full of exciting dishes. The cuisine is consistently delicious and flavorful, reflecting solid traditional recipes.

People are saying

"The fried bean sprout and shrimp had a nice crunch."

"The Burmese food here is delicious and authentic."

"The soup here is so yummy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in a small strip mall, but spaces can be tight.

2

The restaurant gets busy during dinner rush hours, so plan to arrive early.

3

Prices are fair and affordable for the portion sizes offered.

07
WOW Cow Korean BBQ & Seafood Boil image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Spacious dining area features built-in table vents and charcoal-grilled patio for a clean, smoky-free experience. Lively atmosphere includes karaoke and live music, creating a fun, energetic vibe. Bright, stylish decor with neon signs and cool art adds visual appeal.

Soup comes made to order, so it takes a bit longer but delivers fresh flavor. Options include kimchi soup alongside traditional choices like steamed egg and some fried items.

Food features great taste and high quality. Service complements the enjoyable dining experience.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and incredibly fresh."

"The Korean Bbq staff was super attentive and mindful of allergies."

"The soup here is amazing; the servers are quick with refills."

Good to know

1

They currently offer a happy hour promotion where all-you-can-eat costs $20.

2

Expect no wait times during early dinner hours on weekends.

3

The AYCE includes a salad bar and a variety of meats.

08
Mr Chopsticks Seafood & BBQ image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant with lively atmosphere and crowded, noisy environment resembling an old-fashioned Chinese eatery. It attracts local families and groups, often requiring reservations due to popularity. The interior is ordinary and cramped, focusing more on value and food quality than decor.

Winter Melon soup features more decent ingredients than before and stands out as a must-try dish. The menu also includes Azuki Bean Paste Soup, which is rarely offered elsewhere, and soups often come complimentary with rice.

Food features authentic Cantonese style with unfussy comforting flavors reminiscent of 90s banquet restaurants. Portions come large and fresh with reasonable prices, especially on the lunch menu.

People are saying

"The Cantonese food here is so authentic and delicious."

"The seafood here is delicious and comes in huge portions."

"I was surprised the Winter Melon Soup was much better than before."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to dine, especially after 6 pm.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours like weekends and holidays.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider using nearby street parking.

09
Pho Vit 115 image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Duck-focused Vietnamese restaurant offers clear, savory broths and tender duck dishes paired with various noodle options. Interior features beautiful, non-traditional decor creating a pleasant dining atmosphere. Small space fills quickly, attracting groups for dinner with unique, authentic flavors beyond standard pho.

Rice noodle soup stands out as extremely delicious and addictive. Pho and other soups avoid the usual overpowering MSG flavor and hit the spot well.

Authentic Vietnamese duck dishes stand out with fresh, excellent flavors. Food quality justifies the higher price and delivers a very good, delicious experience.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the duck, is so flavorful and fresh."

"The duck and chicken food here is so clean and authentic."

"The duck pho soup here is so delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

They don’t accept cash on Saturdays and Sundays.

2

Expect a queue if arriving around 11:30 am.

3

Parking can be challenging; patience may be needed.

10
Thai Excellente image 1
Thai restaurant

Small dining space offers a cozy and elegant atmosphere with traditional Thai decor and soft lighting. The place tends to get warm without air conditioning during hot days and features Jeopardy on TV as a unique touch. It fills up during peak hours, creating a lively but comfortable environment.

Soups range from spicy and sour to very salty, with some like the Chicken Noodle Clear soup smelling and tasting good. The veggie tofu soup hits the spot, but the hairy coconut soup can be unpleasant and off-putting.

Fresh ingredients and bold, delicious flavors define the dishes here. The menu features authentic Thai food with standout items like spicy basil and fried rice that deliver a satisfying kick.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious with great flavors."

"I really enjoyed the Pad Thai here; I wanted more."

"I loved the spicy and sour soup here."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times during peak hours.

2

Parking is available in the back of the restaurant.

3

Ordering ahead is a good idea to minimize wait times.

11
Banh Mi Che Cali image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant offers wide variety of authentic dishes with affordable prices and fresh vegetables. Atmosphere is clean and cool, with occasional crowding due to good value. Catering and takeout options are popular, supported by clear communication and flexible payment methods.

Soups here offer salty and tasty flavors with options like beef pho and chicken noodle soup. Prices stay reasonable, though wait times can reach around 40 minutes.

Food here offers affordable Vietnamese fast food with a good variety. Rice sets come at around $7.50 and the dishes are consistently delicious and satisfying.

People are saying

"The food here is yummy and a great price."

"The sandwiches here are very good and the vegetables always fresh."

"You can get decent soup for a reasonable price here."

Good to know

1

The restaurant takes cash and card payments, with a free parking lot available.

2

Prices are affordable, with a $6 banh mi considered a great deal.

3

Expect a 10-15 minute wait during peak hours, but it can be shorter at times.

12
Daikokuya El Monte image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small ramen restaurant with authentic Japanese decor and a homey, relaxed atmosphere. Bright lighting and loud music create an energetic vibe, while quiet periods give a calm feel. Serves rich, delicious ramen and offers a large lunch special with quick service.

Kotteri broth makes the soup taste richer and more flavorful. Spicy miso ramen soup features tender pork and a great miso broth with noodles that hold up well.

Fresh ingredients create great food with generous portions. Dishes like Poke bowl and ramen stand out for their delicious taste.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is savory, deep, and comforting."

"The food here is great, especially the ramen and poke bowls."

"The ramen here is flavorful and has great noodles."

Good to know

1

Daikokuya El Monte charges a 'large party fee' for a group of five.

2

The restaurant has parking available in the back.

3

The lunch special includes a large portion with a side of choice.

13
PHO 99 NOODLE SOUP image 1

Modern, bright space offers clean, cozy ambiance with room for singles, couples, and families. The focus on authentic pho delivers rich, flavorful broth and tender meat with generous portions. Plenty of parking and a kid-friendly environment support a comfortable dining experience.

High-quality broth and meats bring unique flavor profiles to the classic Vietnamese noodle soup. Bean sprouts and other veggies come on the side to add to the soup.

Focus on pho means the food is consistently good and delivered quickly. Portions come generous and prices stay reasonable for the quality.

People are saying

"The pho broth here is rich and flavorful."

"The pho soup's broth has a unique, sweet flavor."

"The pho here has a delicious, rich broth."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

2

There’s plenty of parking in the lot and on the street.

3

All their pho is priced at $12, which is a great deal.

14
NORMS Restaurant image 1

Retro diner with Googie style decor and bright sunlight creates a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Music adds to the pleasant, inviting vibe. Tables have adequate spacing for comfortable socializing.

Spicy chicken tortilla soup and hearty gumbo soup stand out here. Pea soup comes with garlic toast, and combo meals offer soup, salad, and more for under $20.

Food features great quality and generous portions. Attentive staff and free coffee refills add to the dining experience.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, generous, and freshly prepared."

"Our Breakfast server Isela was so kind and attentive."

"The soup here is delicious and reasonably priced."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a special breakfast deal for $5.99 from Monday to Thursday.

2

Credit cards are accepted, but the card readers do not display the total amount.

3

Parking is available and easy to access near the restaurant.

15
BMC Pho image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Vietnamese restaurant combines modern and traditional aesthetics in a cozy, warm atmosphere with affordable prices and fresh, flavorful dishes like pho and spring rolls. Seating is limited but parking is convenient. Early hours feature elderly staff and special promotions.

Tender meat and perfectly cooked pasta sit in a rich, flavorful broth that tastes homemade. The beef and macaroni soup is a simple dish made special here, offered at a price similar to coffee but much more filling.

Large portions come at a fair price with fresh, hot Vietnamese fast food. Quality stays consistent, serving honest, good food without any fuss.

People are saying

"The pho broth here is rich, aromatic, and perfectly balanced."

"The food's broth is rich, aromatic, and perfectly balanced."

"The soup's broth is rich and flavorful, just like homemade."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a buy 2 get 1 free promotion for French baguettes.

2

Expect large portions at reasonable prices.

3

Parking is convenient and available right outside.

16
Chillin Thai Cuisine image 1
Thai restaurant

Small space offers a quiet atmosphere with occasional guest chatter. Dishes focus on authentic Thai flavors and mastery of pastes, featuring affordable prices and special lunch menus. Seating includes a worn sofa area, adding a casual, lived-in feel.

Soups here include a Tom yum seafood soup that tastes like Tom kha. Lunch specials come with soup alongside rice, salad, and a main course. The Tom Yum soup is flavorful but tricky to master.

Food offers great variety with authentic flavors and generous portions at reasonable prices. Dishes come out delicious and satisfying, making it a solid choice for Thai cuisine.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is delicious, especially the curry dishes."

"I love their Tom Yum seafood soup."

"I found the food here to be delicious and great."

Good to know

1

The lunch special includes a main course, rice, salad, and soup.

2

The special lunch menu has many options and is offered at a good price.

3

The buy 1 get 1 deal is available for takeout.

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