Jin Da Lai

Went for an outing at Jin Da Lai, a Korean Chinese restaurant that focuses on charcoal grilled skewers and classic dishes tied to Northeast Chinese food culture. The skewers were the main reason we came and they were the strongest part of the meal. We ordered lamb, beef, and shrimp, all grilled over real charcoal. Charcoal grilling is central to northern Chinese skewer culture because it cooks the meat slowly and evenly while allowing the fat to render and drip onto the coals. That process creates the smoky aroma that comes back into the food. The skewers are served unseasoned on purpose, which is traditional. This style lets the quality of the meat stand on its own, and diners season afterward using cumin, chili flakes, salt, or sesame based spices. Lamb skewers in particular are closely

Have been there three times and will still come back again. I love the food, especially the sweet potato, lamb rack, skewers, corn fritters, soup, etc. They are getting busier these days.

Came here on a company dinner as a party of 13. The food was great and I enjoyed grilling the skewers. I probably wouldn’t come here again for any other situations, considering the cuisine is niche and dishes are portioned family style. A great first experience overall.

Best lamb skewers and Chinese food for beer! Never disappointed. Trust the staffs. They always offer tasty food. ================================ Since 2024, the place has been run by a new owner, and it’s been renovated and become much cleaner. The food is still as delicious as ever. You absolutely have to try the lamb skewers, mashed cucumbers (拍黃瓜, paihuanggua), and sweet & sour pork (锅包肉, Guōbāoròu). Spicy stir fried scallops were amazing also!!

The server told us we had to order 20 skewers in order to grill at the table. Sure, but when we ordered 20, he said it wasn't enough. Ok. We order another 5. He was rushing us for the order (had an attitude) and didn't write anything down. 10 mins later, he came back to ask us what we had ordered. Good lord! Of all the dishes, the beef skewers were the only items that were good. Everything else was subpar.