My Dim Sum Adventure Starts
Woke up crazy hungry for steamed shrimp dumplings last Sunday. Grabbed my notebook, put on walking shoes, and hopped on the MTR to Kowloon. First mission? Finding legit bamboo-basket dim sum before noon hits.
Navigating the Tasty Chaos
Got off at Jordan station around 10AM. Saw this old-school joint with stacked bamboo baskets smoking outside. Ordered:
- Har gow – translucent skins packed with plump shrimp
- Siu mai – pork and mushroom flavor bombs
- Chicken feet – sticky and melt-in-mouth
Lady yelled my order number in Cantonese. Grabbed chili oil and poured hot tea over chopsticks like locals do for cleaning. The siu mai juices dripped down my wrist – totally worth it.
Midday Egg Tart Hunt
After that, walked toward Temple Street area. Smelled buttery pastry from three shops away. Line stretched around corner for Portuguese egg tarts. Bought four warm ones in paper bag. Flaky crust shattered everywhere when I bit in. Custard was jiggly perfect – not too sweet like some fancy versions. Messy fingers = authentic experience.
Hidden Alley Discovery
Followed this uncle carrying takeout boxes into tight alleyway. Found underground food court with stainless steel tables. Tried:
- Pineapple buns – crispy sugar top, no actual pineapple
- Sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaf – unwrapped like presents
- Pork buns with sweet char siu inside
Cashier laughed at my Cantonese but counted my coins anyway. No AC, just ceiling fans and happy chewing sounds.
Final Stop Tea Break
Stumbled into cha chaan teng tea restaurant by 3PM. Feet hurting, but needed milk tea. Got:
- Silky steamed milk pudding
- Hot Hong Kong milk tea with evaporated milk
Sipped while sweat dripped from temples. Tea tasted strong, almost bitter – cleared my fried food coma instantly.
Last Thoughts Riding Home
MTR back was packed with families and shopping bags. Leaned against door counting my dim sum missions:
- 3 hole-in-wall spots conquered
- 7 dishes tried
- 1 food baby achieved
Best tip? Follow smoke and grandmas carrying food boxes. Real Kowloon dim sum ain’t Instagram pretty – it’s steamy, loud and stains your shirt. Already planning next weekend’s carb attack.