Daimo

El Cerrito, CA

Chu-Toro and I have been coming to Daimo for the past seven years. It was a staple during the college years, conveniently located in El Cerrito a few exits from Berkeley next to 99 Ranch. It's open till 3 AM and offers good Chinese food and the closest Won Ton Mien that reminds her family of Hong Kong.  And although we haven't been here in a while, it remains a simple classic. Since we hadn't had lunch and got a bit overly excited, we ordered too much.

Beef Chow Fun

A classic oily rice noodle dish with large thin slices of beef, sprouts and green onions, one of my favorites. You know its oily because if you ever try to make it at home, your noodles stick together, but at good Chinese restaurants, they never do. 

Won Ton Mien

This is what my in-laws always order, a straight-forward noodle soup with shrimp filled won ton dumplings. Daimo's won ton are large and hearty, filled by multiple shrimp and a perfect accompaniment to the fresh noodles and hot broth. 

Deep Fried Tofu

When you order Chinese food, you always have to have that one veggie dish. I cheated and ordered a deep fried one, salty and spicy fried tofu. 

Char Siu

Chu-Toro used to rave about how amazing and fatty the Char Siu was as a kid in Hong Kong. I experienced it for myself this past summer and now am on a journey to find a version of it in the states. Daimo's version, although a valiant attempt, lacks the fatty juices and perfect sauce of the one from HK but definitely hits the spot in comparison to the usual Chinese grocery stores.

This is not the place you come for ambiance or service, its where you come for good late night Chinese food with hopes of fulfilling those nostalgic cravings.


Rating 7/10
September 3, 2010