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.

Service: Not great, but I had seen worst - Wait staffs were kind of ok - had to ask multiple times to get a tea refillPrice: Great and very economicalFood Quality: was just average and place can match thatSize: fairly decent....however, the place was cramped, noisy and not the cleanest in town.... I will stay away all in all since there are many better places than A la.

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.

What can we say about Ala Kitchen. We love this place. They have the best Fish with Fungus in wine sauce. We always order this dish when we go there for lunch or dinner. We even had our wedding anniversary luncheon and a welcome home party here for my son who came back from Brazil. Everything on the menu is delicious. They have a special menu for large dinner parties. Their set dinner price for a large table of 12 to 16 people is only about $180 which included appetizers, soups, and a large variety of dishes. I think they gave us 14 dishes and we were so stuffed that we just boxed the rest of the dishes after the 6th course. There are so many Cantonese cuisine restaurants in Toronto, so it's a treat to find a Shanghainess food for a change.

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.