Alright folks, let me tell you about my Bangkok dim sum adventure. I’ve been meaning to try some authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum outside of Hong Kong for ages, and Bangkok seemed like a good bet.
First thing’s first, research. I spent a solid evening scrolling through blogs, checking reviews, and basically becoming an armchair expert on Bangkok’s dim sum scene. Ended up with a shortlist of three places that looked promising.
The first place I hit up was a total bust. The pictures online looked amazing, but when I got there, it was super touristy, the service was slow, and the dim sum itself? Bland. Seriously disappointing. I ordered the usual suspects – siu mai, har gow, char siu bao – and none of them were up to par. The har gow was rubbery, the siu mai tasted like it had been sitting around for hours, and the char siu bao was just…sad.
Next up was a small, unassuming place tucked away in a back alley. This looked more promising! It was packed with locals, which is always a good sign. The menu was only in Thai and Chinese, so I had to rely on pointing and gesturing. I went for some steamed dumplings, spring rolls, and something that looked like a lotus leaf wrap.
This was more like it! The dumplings were juicy and flavorful, the spring rolls were crispy and not too greasy, and the lotus leaf wrap was a revelation – sticky rice, chicken, mushrooms, all wrapped in a fragrant lotus leaf. So good! The only downside was that it was super hot and crowded, but hey, that’s part of the experience, right?
Finally, I tried a more upscale restaurant in a fancy hotel. Figured I’d treat myself. This place was definitely pricier, but the ambiance was nice and the service was impeccable. I ordered a bunch of different things, including some fancy truffle siu mai and some abalone dumplings.
Okay, the truffle siu mai was a bit much, to be honest. The truffle flavor overpowered everything else. But the abalone dumplings were amazing! Delicate, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. They also had some really interesting desserts – mango sticky rice spring rolls, anyone? Surprisingly good!
So, after three days of intense dim sum-ing, what’s the verdict? Bangkok definitely has some great dim sum to offer, but you gotta do your research and be willing to venture off the beaten path. Don’t be afraid to try new things and don’t be discouraged if you strike out once or twice. The good stuff is worth the hunt!
My top tips for finding good dim sum in Bangkok:
- Read reviews, but take them with a grain of salt.
- Look for places that are popular with locals.
- Don’t be afraid to try something new.
- Go with a group so you can try more dishes.
That’s all for now, folks. Happy eating!