Gum Kuo Restaurant

Whenever I want Chinese porridge (jook), I always come to Gum Kuo! They make the best porridge in the area! They are also known for their roasted duck and bbq pork (char siu). You can't go wrong with roast duck or bbq pork over rice or with wonton noodle soup. It can get pretty busy at lunch time. less

The food here is good. The appetizer of squid was good enough for two people. The squid was surprisingly tender in comparison to other squid I've had. The roast duck was cooked to perfection and hit the spot when I ate it. The noodles were all kind of stuck together but I worked with it and dipped them in the broth. It was really mellow and quite when I went. The service was quick. I got my food not long after I ordered which I needed because I was hungry. less

Really wanted a Cantonese rice plate (okay, I really wanted old school beef and tofu over rice) so we took a trip down to Oakland Chinatown and went to Gum Kuo. This place is always deceiving - there is not much of space to wait for a table or to be in line for to go items, so it always seems to have a line out the door. We had the previously mentioned beef and tofu over rice and the Roast Duck and Soy Sauce Chicken over rice. Super fast service (this place is really not that big). Some places will used the deep fried tofu, but I prefer the soft tofu instead. The duck here is great and very reliable. We saw some Gee Mein at another table and swore to order that next time we come here. less

I had the best char siu (BBQ pork) in my life here. I used to think that Western-style BBQ ribs were my favorite food, but now I'm thinking it could be this char siu. And the place struck me as authentic. In an almost-packed restaurant, I was the only non-Asian there, and my server and another employee couldn't speak English. Both good signs! less

Roast duck did not disappoint. I've had better but being this place is closer than SF, I'll take it! Glad to finally try this place. I'll be back to try more dishes! less

I had such a good experience at Gum Kuo in Oakland! My friends and I stopped by on a Saturday evening and were immediately greeted by friendly staff. We ordered the porridge and beef chow fun, and both dishes were absolutely delicious. The porridge was the perfect comfort food and the beef chow fun had just the right amount of flavor. The atmosphere and the service were average. The prices were also very reasonable for the quality of food we received. I can't wait to go back and try more dishes on their menu. If you're in the Oakland area, I highly recommend stopping by Gum Kuo for a tasty meal. You won't be disappointed! less

Came here on a Friday afternoon, and it was busy. Super authentic. We got half a roast duck, the shrimp noodle roll, and the won ton noodle soup. Everything was affordable and super tasty! less

Starting with the Beef Tripe Wonton Noodle Soup, it offered a comforting blend of tender beef tripe and delicate wontons in a fragrant broth. While beef tripe wasn't quite my preference, the soup base and wontons were undeniably delicious. It's a dish worth trying for the adventurous diner. Next up, the Roasted Duck with Noodle Soup took center stage. The succulent duck slices paired perfectly with the egg noodles, and the rich broth infused with roasted duck essence was truly soul-soothing. The crispy skin added a delightful crunch, making it a must-try for duck enthusiasts. We also tried their BBQ Combo Dish, which included BBQ pork and roast duck bursting with flavor, thanks to the perfectly balanced marinade. The Beef and Egg Over Rice was alright but not memorable. To cleanse our palates, we enjoyed refreshing Lemon Tea, its citrusy zing complementing the savory dishes beautifully. I also ordered their Beef Chow Fen for takeout, featuring wide rice noodles stir-fried with succulent beef, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. less

Solid Cantonese bbq spot in Oakland Chinatown. I've only ever gotten various meats for takeout from here, but everything I've tried was pretty good. My go to is their roast duck, which is $17.50 for half and $33.95 for a full. It's not cheap, but the meat is more flavorful and moist compared to some of the other bbq shops I've tried. Both the siu yuk (roast pork) and chasiu (bbq pork) go for $12.95/lb, so prices are reasonable. I don't like chasiu so I've never had that here, but their siu yuk is good as well. The best deal here is their spiced duck feet and wings, which only go for $3.95/lb. I love snacking on them! There's also seating here so you can order and eat here, but I've never eaten here as I prefer to bring the food home to eat. less

Gum Kuo is such a staple for Chinese/Cantonese food. I've came here for years with my family and still do when I am craving porridge. The quality of the porridge has changed (as noted by my family and myself), I still like it but it is watered down from its golden years. In addition to porridge, I also get noodles, rice rolls, fried doughnuts to dip in the porridge, and anything else I'm craving. The barbecue is quite popular, but the star of my visits is always the porridge. Street parking is $2/hour, the paid lot is $3/hour, unless you come on a Sunday or holiday then it's free parking. There are no restrooms in the restaurant, you'll have to ask for a key and walk to a separate area of the plaza. Remember, you are coming for the food and not for the ambiance or service! That's how you know the food is great. The Gum Kuo here is the original and better than the other chain that opened up in Dublin. I highly recommend dining here! less