Not last week but the one before that, my colleagues and I dreamed up an exciting new tradition: #CongeeCon. Recognized on the 8th day of the 8th month of every year (or so we hope), Congee Con is a week-long celebration of all that’s warm and comforting.

We kicked off the week at Lu’s Garden in San Gabriel, home to sweet potato gruel served with all that’s delicious, from marinated tripe to bamboo shoots and twice-cooked pork.

Day two brought us to Delicious Food Corner in Monterey Park. The Hong Kong-style cafe was mostly full when we arrived. I hear there are lines out the door during breakfast.

To start, a hot mug of milk tea ($2.75). The refills were unlimited and on the house, and sweetened condensed milk flowed freely. 

We ordered two varieties of congee. The first to arrive was the “Pork & Preserved Egg Congee” ($6.95), a classic combination that satisfied with its simple goodness. The shredded pork was a nice touch. 

We also shared the “House Special Fish Paste and Lettuce Congee” ($6.95). While its silky base was the same as the first porridge’s, it also included bits of lettuce and delicate fish balls. While it was a curious combination, I preferred the heft of the pork and preserved egg congee.

And then there were the pineapple buns ($3.50 for two), split through the center and tucked with a luscious pat of butter. The warm buns melted the butter just so, making each bite supremely sweet and rich.

Equally decadent was the “Thick Toast” with condensed milk and butter ($3.50). The towering mini-loaf provided a potent sugar rush.

Tipping the scales on the savory side was a crispy combination platter of fried chicken wings and squid with “spicy salt” ($8.95). While both proteins are available alone as larger orders, our group appreciated not having to choose one over the other. Both were terrific.

And finally, a “Steamed Flour Roll with House Special Sauce” ($5.25). The sweet soy and peanut butter sesame paste combination certainly was special. And addictive.

Is it #CongeeCon2018 yet?

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Delicious Food Corner
2327 Garfield Avenue South
Monterey Park, CA 91754
Phone: 323-726-0788

One year ago: Yang Chow Restaurant – Pasadena
Two years ago: Burritos La Palma – El Monte
Three years ago: {swoon} Vietnamese Chè at Bambu
Four years ago: Elena’s Greek Armenian – Glendale
Five years ago: Route des Grands Crus – Burgundy
Six years ago: Coop’s West Texas Barbecue – San Diego (Lemon Grove)
Seven years ago: José Andrés Washington D.C. Restaurant Tour: Minibar, Café Atlántico, Oyamel, Jaleo, Zaytinya
Eight years ago: Foodbuzz 24, 24, 24: Eat. Run. Repeat.
Nine years ago: Bánh Tráng Trộn
Ten years ago: Vegetation Profile: Longan