Counter Intelligence: Wang Xing Ji restaurant

Wang Xing Ji, an import from Wuxi, China, is on Valley Boulevard in San Gabriel.  (Christina House / For the Los Angeles Times)

A customer drinks the juice of a juicy pork and crab bun with a boba straw.  (Christina House / For the Los Angeles Times)

A preserved egg and tofu dish.  (Christina House / For the Los Angeles Times)

Coco Chang, left, of Whittier, her daughter Fanny Yuan, of Walnut, center, and friend Ann Wu, of Monterey Park share dishes at lunch.   (Christina House / For the Los Angeles Times)

The spareribs are a good version of the Wuxi dish.  (Christina House / For the Los Angeles Times)

House golden crispy cakes.  (Christina House / For the Los Angeles Times)

Diners enjoy lunch as dumplings are prepared, at left.  (Christina House / For the Los Angeles Times)

Salt and pepper crispy cakes.  (Christina House / For the Los Angeles Times)