Cung Dinh Imperial Tofu

No food poisoning… yay?
You know your expectations for a place are low if not getting food poisoning is a highlight.
I guess it’s changed, like the other reviewers stated, truly bummed.
Old place was on point with the banh mi sandwiches.
Came in around three and ordered a special.
After I paid, ($ 3) I sat down to eat.
Midway in my sandwich and one of the women tells me they are closing ‘to beat traffic’
Wtf?
I asked what she meant, she said they have to see a lawyer and traffic would be too long going home… um ok???
I’m hustled out. :(
Sandwich: it’s like subway made it. Methinks it’s prepackaged items placed in stale bread .
Ever had a cold, banh mi?
Well, here’s your chance.
They skimp on the pâté, jalapenos, no cilantro, little pickled carrots and no mayo.
So, cold sandwich, stale bread, more dry and less flaky.
Also, no drinks. Waaaa.

Came here thinking it was Rainbow Bakery from the old days. Over 20+ years I been going to this place for the best banh mi sandwich since I love the way they make it compare to other places.
Sad to say, that place is gone and this new one which I did not know of came.
The differences are astounding,
1. The banh mi is way smaller than the old one. The old one was about 1 foot long and this new one is about 8 inches.
2. The previous person who didn’t know much english and me who didn’t know any vietnamese and barely any chinese still make it how I like it. I got a sandwich which I ask for only pickle carrots and no other veggie, in english to a person who spoke and understand english fluently, and they still got it wrong. Surprising huh?
3. The sandwich I got does not look anything like the picture they had blown up on the window. What I wanted was a Pork sandwhich which on the picture look like BBQ grill pork which seem like it had a lot of flavor but what I got was pan grill pork which did not have too much flavor. Since it is missing the pickled Carrots, its missing alot of favor. They also skimp on the butter and Patte.
While I will truly miss the old Rainbow bakery and wish for it to come back which it won’t, I don’t think I will be back. Another great lost as they made such a great banh mi in my own opinion.
Price was good at only $ 2.75 but that was the only good part about it.

My boyfriend & I used to frequent Jenny Mai’s place. Best tofu Banh Mi & sesame balls I’ve ever had! So when we went a few days ago & saw Cung Dinh Imperial Tofu sign and some renovations underway, I was sad but willing to give it a chance; after all they did still offer tofu Banh Mi.
There are two major issues here: I won’t hold it against them that they had no menu or prices listed whatsoever because it seems like the restaurant isn’t quite finished… though they are open for business. I knew what I wanted before I went, so it didn’t really matter. Just something to keep in mind.
Issue #1: The most annoying and overbearing ‘hostess’ I’ve ever experienced. She would not leave us alone! I swear she tried to get us to buy soda at least half a dozen times. We politely declined her offer the first few times, but after she approached our table repeatedly to ask «How is everything? Would you like some drinks? Sodas? In the cooler back there we have sodas! Would you like some? Desert? Sodas? Drinks?» we grew a bit colder towards her. Please keep in mind this is a very casual place, you are not served but are welcome to sit at one of the three small tables they have. She is not a waitress, just a cashier.
Issue #2 (and probably the worst issue anyone can have with a restaurant): Drum roll please… FOOD POISONING!!! Now it wasn’t the kind of food poisoning where you are rushed to the hospital dry heaving, however it was the kind where you have to rush to the bathroom again & again & again & AGAIN for two days after eating nothing but lunch from CUNG DINH IMPERIAL TOFU!!!
I know for a fact that we both reacted poorly to this food. It wasn’t even bad, honestly I enjoyed my sandwich. But we did both share a ‘Xoi Banh Kep’, a prepackaged desert they offer, looks like a taco filled with sweet rice. Delicious, usually. But I’m scared to eat one ever again, now.
Jenny Mai, I miss you & I wish you were still there!!!

Grand opening. This place took over that Jenny mai Vietnamese food. Sweet tofu $ 2.50 for small cup. Not as smooth as the alhambra stores but still good.
Other Vietnamese desserts and food available.
Parking 1 hr. Free with validation with $ 10 min. But even if u spend $ 5, they’ll validate it for you.