Woke Up Craving Dim Sum Like Crazy
Seriously, my stomach wouldn’t shut up this morning. That Mongkok dim sum obsession hit hard. Decided right there in bed – gotta hunt down the absolute best spots today. Grabbed my phone, scrolled past a million “top 10” lists that all looked kinda fake. Needed real people dirt, you know?
Dove Straight Into the Mong Kok Madness
Hopped off the MTR at Mong Kok station. Boom! Wall of people. Hot air smacked me in the face. Followed my nose – first smell of shrimp dumplings steamy goodness pulled me down a tiny side street. Stumbled into this cramped place barely big enough for three tables. No English sign, just loud Cantonese chatter. Figured, screw it, must be good. Slapped down on a sticky chair.
Operation Point and Devour Begins
No menu I could read. Just started pointing at baskets steaming on carts rolling past. Got me:
- Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings): Skin so thin I swear I saw the pink shrimp through it. Nailed the bounce.
- Siu Mai (Pork & Shrimp Dumplings): Bigger than my thumb. That orange roe on top? Legit.
- Steamed Cha Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns): Sweet, sticky pork mess. Pure heaven.
That first bite of Siu Mai? Nearly cried. Prices were stupid cheap too. Left buzzing. Okay, one down.
Strategy Shift: Follow the Old-Timers
Stomach half-full, brain kicked in. Places packed with locals just sitting, reading papers, sipping tea? That’s the gold. Saw a crowd pouring into this hole-in-the-wall spot up some stairs. Followed ’em. Inside was all noise and clattering plates. Got seated elbow-to-elbow with this grandpa who nodded at me. Took it as a good sign.
Nailed the Classics Again
Ordered smarter this time. Went for:
- Char Siu Cheung Fun (BBQ Pork Rice Rolls): Silky smooth outside, sweet pork inside.
- Egg Tarts: Crust shattering like glass. Custard like silk.
Grandpa actually smiled when my tart arrived. Universal sign: “You done good, kid.” Score two.
Pushed My Luck (And My Stomach)
Walking off lunch, spotted a neon sign flashing “Dim Sum Palace.” Looked fancier. Wallet whimpered but curiosity won. Fancier chairs, cleaner teacups. Tried their:
- Phoenix Talons (Chicken Feet): Bravely popped one. Messy as hell. Flavor bomb though.
- Deep Fried Squid Tentacles: Crunchy madness. Dipping sauce? Killer.
Felt fancier, but honestly? Preferred the chaos of the first two joints. More soul.
The Verdict
After seriously stuffing myself silly all day? Forget the big names and shiny signs. Here’s where you gotta stuff your face:
- Har Gow & Siu Mai: Find the cramped spot locals cram into. Point at steaming carts.
- Cha Siu Bao & Cheung Fun: Look for grumpy-looking aunies pushing carts upstairs.
- Egg Tarts: Get ’em wherever, but if grandpa smiles? You’re golden.
- Brave Stuff (Chicken Feet): “Palace” places might be cleaner, but that’s it.
- Just Wander: Got lost twice. Found killer steamed ribs in some random basement place. Follow the smell!
Seriously, best dim sum ain’t on some Top 10 blog list. It’s buried deep in Mong Kok’s noisy guts. Go get lost. Point at carts. Get your hands sticky. Helluva adventure.