Imperial Soup

This is a small restaurant. We ordered two soups, both were so delicious and nutritious. Then we shared a big Bowl of lamb noodle 汤面. All dishes came very quick and hot in temperature. I don't know how they make money here, soup is $5 and lamb noodle is $10. If I live near by, I would come here for soup every day.

I have been to imperial soup a few times, both through dining in and as to-go pick up. Initially I was amazed by the quality of the soup and the okay decent ingredients that they use. That said, I overall think they are well deserved a 3 star (or maybe a 3.5 stars review) due to the overall 6 out of 10 quality of dishes. For example, the curry chicken rice was too bland. The curry sauce was plain ordinary. They put extra chili oil to try to cover up the lack of aroma but turned out it just made the rice plate hot for no reason. Just hot, but not spicy in a flavorful way. Hainan chicken is alright but no surprise. Yellow eel rice is alright but again no surprise. Laap mei rice is on the fatty side but again no surprise. Overall, for a combo of $16-17 including a main dish with a soup, it’s slightly higher than expected. I think main dish should be a $10 quality thingy and soup about $4-5 quality thingy. So combo should be $14-15. If combo is lowered by $2, it will be a 4 star review given the increased quality/price ratio.

A restaurant where the food has a focus on health and well being? Yes... I am intrigued. I will be back for more. I ordered the special, braised flank with rice noodles. The soup was tasty. Not my favorite, but I felt amazing after I finished. It cost me $9.00 and it included a free drink ( savings!!!!) They make their food using herbs and spices designed for healing and well being. I am curious about all the other dishes. Places that focus on tradition, authenticity and wellness have a special place in my heart. This may just become my go to soup spot.

The Cantonese believe that soups provide the essence of good health. They have soups that “cool” the Qi and others that “warm” the Qi. This is perhaps the only place I know of in Oakland Chinatown that specializes in a variety of soups that provide the essentials needed to restore balance. However, that’s not all. Imperial Soup offers a delectable selection of dishes ranging from chicken/black mushroom steamed rice with lotus leaves in a bamboo basket to Hainan steamed chicken on rice. A very cozy little place, two floors. Rest rooms only at the upper floor. The service is fast, portions are big. We find ourselves often too full at the end of the meal to tryout their great selections of classic Chinese desserts.