When it comes to Asian food in Monterey, CA, locals and visitors are spoiled for choice. From cozy noodle bars to upscale dim sum spots, there’s no shortage of flavors from across Asia. But when we set out to find the best Chinese food in Monterey, CA, one name kept coming up—Jack’s Bao.
To put that claim to the test, we conducted our own taste challenge. We sampled signature dishes, seasonal specials, and customer favorites from Jack’s Bao to see if they truly deserve their growing reputation. Spoiler alert: they do.
The Atmosphere: Casual Comfort Meets Coastal Charm
Jack’s Bao sits in the heart of Cannery Row, a location famous for its coastal views and bustling foot traffic. The restaurant is welcoming without being fussy—exactly the kind of place you can drop in after a beach walk or settle into for a hearty, comforting meal.
The ordering process is seamless, too. Customers can call ahead, order online, or simply walk in. Pickup orders are ready in about 30 minutes, making it an easy choice for both locals on their lunch break and tourists looking for quick but high-quality food.
The Test Plan: Eating With Purpose
We approached the taste test with one mission: to see if Jack’s Bao delivers on freshness, flavor, and authenticity. We ordered across the board—bao, wontons, noodle soups, and beverages—making sure to try both classics and a few less common menu finds.
The lineup included:
- Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao (XLB)
- Spicy Ground Pork Noodle Soup
- Steamed Pork Bao (3pc)
- Fried Wontons
- Braised Beef Noodle Soup
- Steamed Veggie Bao (3pc)
- Shrimp and Pork Wonton Soup (10pc)
- J-Milk Tea
- Lychee Lemon Green Tea
Round 1: The Bao Experience
Bao is the heart of Jack’s Bao, and we started there. The Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao (XLB) arrived piping hot. The moment you bite in, there’s a burst of rich, savory broth followed by tender, juicy pork filling. The dumpling skin is thin yet sturdy enough to hold everything together—a balance not every restaurant nails.
Next, the Steamed Pork Bao (3pc) offered a different kind of comfort: fluffy, cloud-like buns wrapped around seasoned pork. These are heartier than the XLB and perfect for those who love a soft, pillowy bite.
Vegetarians aren’t left out either. The Steamed Veggie Bao (3pc) was unexpectedly flavorful, with a balanced mix of fresh vegetables encased in that same light, tender dough. It’s proof that vegetarian options can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their meat-filled counterparts.
Round 2: Wontons Worth Writing Home About
If bao is the heart of Jack’s Bao, wontons are its soul. The Fried Wontons hit the table golden brown and crispy. They offered a satisfying crunch followed by a savory, well-seasoned filling.
We also tried the Shrimp and Pork Wonton Soup (10pc)—a standout. The broth was light yet deeply flavorful, and the wontons were perfectly cooked, with a generous shrimp-pork blend. This is the kind of soup that’s comforting enough for a cold day yet delicate enough to enjoy year-round.
Round 3: Noodle Soups That Warm You Through
For the noodle soup category, we started with the Spicy Ground Pork Noodle Soup. It’s got a bold, slightly numbing heat that plays beautifully with the rich broth and chewy noodles. The spice doesn’t overpower; it complements.
Then came the Braised Beef Noodle Soup, a deeply savory bowl with tender chunks of beef and a broth that feels slow-cooked to perfection. The richness pairs perfectly with the thick noodles, making it a meal in itself.
These noodle soups showcased why Jack’s Bao ranks high for Asian food in Monterey CA—the flavors are layered, balanced, and clearly made with care.
Round 4: Beverages That Go Beyond the Ordinary
Jack’s Bao doesn’t just stop at the savory side. Their beverage menu is small but smart. The J-Milk Tea was creamy, lightly sweet, and an ideal match for spicy or salty dishes.
The Lychee Lemon Green Tea was refreshing, with a fragrant floral note from the lychee balanced by the tartness of lemon. It’s the kind of drink that feels like a palate cleanser between bites.
Why Jack’s Bao Stands Out in Monterey’s Food Scene
1. Freshness You Can Taste
Every dish we tried tasted like it was made to order, which is rare for quick-service options. The bao dough is soft and fresh, the broths taste simmered rather than instant, and even the fried items avoid that heavy, greasy feeling.
2. Menu Variety Without Overwhelm
Some restaurants try to do too much, but Jack’s Bao has curated its offerings. The menu covers different cravings—bao, wontons, noodles, tea—without diluting quality.
3. True Flavor Profiles
This isn’t Chinese-inspired food—it’s Chinese food done right. From the delicate balance of soy and vinegar in the dipping sauces to the nuanced spice in the noodle soups, there’s authenticity in every bite.
The Verdict: Best Chinese Food in Monterey, CA
Our taste test confirmed what locals have been saying: Jack’s Bao earns its reputation for having some of the best Chinese food in Monterey, CA.
The bao are perfectly crafted, the wontons deliver both comfort and depth, and the noodle soups rival those from much larger cities. Add in quick service, a prime location, and fair prices, and you’ve got a winning combination.
For anyone visiting Cannery Row—or even just passing through Monterey—Jack’s Bao is worth a stop. Whether you’re a bao enthusiast, a soup lover, or just someone in search of great Asian food in Monterey, CA, you’ll find a reason to come back.
Insider Tips for Your Visit
- Order ahead if you’re short on time; pickup is usually ready in 30 minutes.
- The Steamed Pork Xiao Long Bao is a must-try for first timers.
- Pair spicy noodle soups with a Lychee Lemon Green Tea for a perfect flavor balance.
- If you’re dining with friends, order multiple bao varieties and share—each offers a unique experience.
Final Bite
The search for the best Chinese food in Monterey, CA often ends up being about more than just taste—it’s about atmosphere, service, and the feeling you leave with. Jack’s Bao nails all three. Our taste test didn’t just confirm their quality; it made us plan our next visit before we even left.
In a city where fresh seafood usually steals the spotlight, Jack’s Bao is proof that Monterey also has a thriving scene for authentic, skillfully prepared Chinese dishes. If you haven’t been yet, consider this your invitation to skip the ordinary and bite into something extraordinary.
