Gao’s BBQ & Crab 老高烧烤 @ Milpitas

擼串 is a colloquial term for eating BBQ skewers Northeastern style. We have been trying to find a good NE style BBQ 東北燒烤 for the longest time, and then we chanced upon this.

Gao’s BBQ & Crab is classified as Louisiana boil and BBQ in the search engine, but when I started reading the Chinese description, the NE style attracted me to go and try.

Even with reservation, we had to wait for another 20min to get our table and we booked for 6.30pm. As the night went on, the place filled up and a queue started to form outside. The clientele was primarily Chinese the evening we were there.

Unlike in China, the skewers are charged by each piece, and it is about 10x versus eating in Shanghai. So we ordered what we wanted cautiously.

Big Lamb Skewer

Grilled lamb skewer seasoned with sesame seeds and spices. I used to be able to eat 10 of these, these days I can only do one at a time.

Fish Tofu Skewer

Grilled tofu infused with a delicate fish flavour, typically includes a glaze of BBQ sauce and a sprinkle of traditional spices. Nice type with the fish tofu wrapped around Chinese chives.

2 lb Crawfish Combo

Here, the Szechuan spicy crawfish meets Louisiana boil. Szechuan spicy crawfish 麻辣小龍蝦 is a favourite among the supper crowd in China, and over short period crawfish farming in China overtook the world. In USA, crawfish typically seasoned with Cajun spices, accompanied by corn and potatoes in what is known as a Louisiana boil. Louisiana’s seafood feast of fresh shrimp to crabs, with diverse flavours that blends tradition with deliciousness and is usually spread on a table covered in newspaper when served. 

Grilled Stinky Tofu

The last time I saw the blackened stinky tofu 湖南毛豆腐 was in a menu in USA was in a Hunanese restaurant in Las Vegas. How could I resist? And it turned out to be very delicious, but I shall resist.

Tofu Skin Skewers

Tofu skin skewers, traditionally barbecued, offering a unique texture. Served as a portion of 20 pieces. Eaten more as an appetiser than a main draw.

Lamb Kidney Skewers

Lamb kidney with bites of lamb fats, typically marinated and grilled, offering a unique taste and texture, often accompanied by a special BBQ sauce.

Squid Feet Skewer

Grilled squid feet, typically skewered and seasoned with a blend of spices, including cumin and chilli.

BBQ Spice Pig’s Blood Jelly

Pig’s blood jelly delicately seasoned with Szechuan spices typically prepared using a foil boiling method unique to Chinese cuisine. Surprised to find this in USA.

Grilled Bullfrog Legs Skewer

Grilled bullfrog legs, typically served with a blend of spices and herbs, offering a unique taste experience.

Grilled Oysters

We were never sure how fresh the oysters were in grilled oysters. So we ordered a couple to try, and we were blown away with the size, the freshness as well as the spices and garlic used on the perfectly grilled oysters. We ordered four more.

King of Eggplant

This came out very late, after our second order of grilled oysters came – but it’s well-worth the wait. Grilled eggplant topped with a savoury sauce, garnished with sliced red chilies and fresh herbs.

Darling and I are discovering more and more local favourites as we spend more time here. We now have a Teochew porridge place, a Cantonese seafood restaurant, and now this Northeastern style BBQ. Chain of locations across the USA.

Gao’s BBQ & Crab Milpitas 老高烧烤旧金山店
1741 N Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas, CA 95035, United States
Tel : +1 408 708 7906 (Reservations)

Visited Apr 2025