Hello dear
Welcome To Yo Cafe
At Yo Cafe, nestled in Timonium, MD, we're passionate about sharing authentic Chinese cuisine. Our story is rooted in a commitment to freshness and tradition, where delicate noodles, vibrant flavors, and carefully crafted dishes create an unforgettable dining experience. Our customers rave about standout offerings like the Big Plate Chicken with handmade wide noodles and our succulent Beef Lo Mein, both celebrated for their rich, genuine taste that transports you straight to China. From delightful fresh fruit teas to comforting bowls of handmade noodle soups, every item reflects our dedication to quality and authenticity, making Yo Cafe a cherished gem in the local dining scene.
About
Yo Cafe
Welcome to Yo Cafe, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Timonium, MD. Specializing in authentic Chinese cuisine, Yo Cafe offers a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Beijing. Conveniently located at 1508 York Rd, this charming eatery stands out not just for its flavorful dishes but also for its welcoming atmosphere.
At Yo Cafe, every dish tells a story. Their house specials include:
- Mala Tang Beef: An enticing blend of beef, potatoes, tofu, and mushrooms stewed with bok choy in a spicy broth, all for just $21.50.
- Big Plate Chicken: Featuring bone-in chicken served with hand-made wide noodles, bell peppers, and a rich broth—this dish is a fiery delight at $28.95.
- Kong Pao Chicken: Diced chicken stir-fried with peanuts, served with steamed rice for a zesty $17.95.
- Mapo Tofu with Ground Beef: A classic dish that melds the earthiness of tofu with savory beef, all for $17.95.
Not to be forgotten, their refreshing desserts and drinks, like the Mango Pomelo Sago and Strawberry Cream Smoothies, offer the perfect balance to the savory dishes. The smoothies start at just $8.30, making a delightful treat not far out of reach.
What truly sets Yo Cafe apart is the extensive care they put into each dish, which patrons have praised as “authentic”. Reviews from customers like Jessica K. highlight how the dishes evoke flavors reminiscent of experiences in Beijing, with the Mapo Tofu standing out for its complex spice levels that build in heat over time. Misty J. loved the fresh ingredients, while Alexis M. raved about their large portions and the freshly made milk teas, asserting their new status as a go-to restaurant.
In conclusion, if you seek a truly authentic Chinese dining experience, Yo Cafe should be on your radar. With a warm atmosphere, outstanding service, and an extensive menu filled with flavors bursting from every dish, it's a culinary adventure that beckons you to indulge. Whether you choose to dine in or enjoy a cozy takeout meal, every visit promises a delightful taste of genuine Chinese culture right here in Timonium.
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“ AUTHENTIC. If you don't like the food, it's because you don't like or appreciate authentic Chinese cuisine. My boyfriend who lived in Beijing for 2 years said the beef noodles and mapo tofu were exactly like what he had in Beijing. I've had mapo tofu many times from different Chinese restaurants, and it's certainly different. Compared to what I've had which I can only assume was an Americanized version, this one was more bland upfront with a subtle deep flavor from the dried peppers, which builds in heat over time. I was so happy to have an authentic experience in a very unassuming area. I mean c'mon, it's in Timonium, where really good restaurants are far and few between. This place is a hidden gem. Also, apparently their bobas are something to try. I will most definitely be ordering that next time. ”
“ Fun and different little spot headed from Towson into Timonium! I was really in the mood for some popping boba! I ended up getting a lychee green tea iced and it had the actual lychee fruit as opposed to the boba! Very good! I would definitely return. The staff were super friendly! I also grabbed some shrimp and chicken lo mein which was so hot and fresh. Very yummy! ”
“ So happy I found this spot! They have been here for almost 2 years and I wish I had known about them sooner. My friend and I ordered the green beans, bok choy, Henan beef noodle soup, a Chinese beef hamburger and some milk teas. We could have lived off the green beans alone because they were AMAZING and the garlic bok choy was also very delicious! The beef noodle soup is a new favorite as the serving was large, beef super tender and the noodles are freshly made in house! Oh, and the milk teas are all fresh brewed tea combined with real milk - NO powder mixes! It was not busy at the time we went so the service was fast and the ladies running the restaurant are very sweet. This will be a new go-to for me for sure! ”
“ I've been to Yo Cafe three times now and every visit is a delight. It's a welcome addition to the area after the hot pot place closed at the end of the pandemic. Staff are excellent and very knowledgeable. The restaurant is small but comfortable. They put in a partition between the front door and the restaurant that successfully keeps out these awfully cold temperatures. The food is just excellent! The boba tea is delicious. They have a genmaicha milk tea, my favorite tea ever, that is delicious. I've had soups, noodles, chicken and their Chinese burgers, and nothing has disappointed. Portions are big enough that I go home with leftovers. My only con is that I wish their chicken dishes came with more broccoli or other vegetables as I really like a balance between the two when I have Chinese food. ”
“ I ordered braised beef noodle soup for dine in, $12.95 a bowl it's a pretty good price, I didn't even finish the whole thing and I'm pretty full. I'll definitely comeback again to try other stuff. ”
“ What a great hole in the wall Chinese spot! The hand pulled noodles were some of the best I've ever had and the people who work there are so kind and attentive. I was blown away by the flavors and the service. The bubble tea had real lychee in it, no powders like other places. So fresh and not too sweet. ”
“ Best Chinese food in the area! We drove about an hour to try this place out and the taste of food didn't let us down! Boba is also highly recommended! Overall a A+ experience^^ with a clean and convenient dinning environment! ”
“ My daughter and I stopped in for a quick bite to eat and had no idea of the variety and options we faced once we walked inside. They have the basics for a boba tea and snack place, but also traditional Chinese and Taiwanese food that's surprising if you're not in the know. The food runs the gamut of Chinese American staples, but there's also Taiwanese traditional dishes, Japanese options and some Korean items. I think we'll have to go back a few times just to get a good sense of everything, oh darn! ”
“ This is a small shop in a cramped plaza. It's a bit difficult to get in or out of here from York Road. We went here for the drinks, mainly the fruit teas because they advertise using real fruit, unlike many places that just use flavored syrup. The price tag is hefty - with tax, my mango pomelo drink was over $7 bucks, but apart from sticker shock, it tasted very good. I even came back a week later to get it again but I probably won't be able to do that often due to the cost. We also enjoyed the Earl grey milk tea. You can customize the drinks such as the sugar and ice content. We have yet to try the food. The employees seemed nice although I didn't have to interact with them much since there's a handy self service kiosk where you can place orders and pay. ”
