Alright, so yesterday I got this crazy idea. Woke up thinking, “Man, I need real deal Hong Kong dim sum today.” Simple thought, right? Turns out, not so much. Buckle up.
The Quest Begins
Jumped online, started searching “good dim sum near me.” Big mistake. So many places, so many reviews screaming “authentic!” or “tourist trap!” My head started spinning. After an hour of scrolling, eyes glazed over, I just picked one with decent photos that didn’t look too fancy. Figured, how bad could it be? Famous last words.
Walking Into the Chaos
Parked a block away. Walked up to this place – bright red sign, gold lettering, the works. Pulled open the heavy door and bam. Noise hit me first. Like a wall of sound – chatter, clattering plates, trolleys squeaking. So crowded. An older lady pushing a steaming cart nearly ran over my toes. Managed to catch a waiter who looked stressed. “Table for one?” I asked. He just kinda grunted and jerked his head towards the back. Found a tiny table squeezed between two big families.
The Hunger Games – Dim Sum Edition
Grabbed the menu. Another mistake. Lists were long, weird names. Har Gow? Siu Mai? Turnip Cake? What even is that? Saw trolleys rolling by piled high with bamboo baskets. Looked promising. Waved at a different lady pushing one. Felt like hailing a cab in the rain. She finally stopped. Peeked inside the steamer. Mystery dumplings! Just pointed at the first two things I saw. She plonked down baskets, scribbled on a card on my table, and zoomed off. No explanations. Got it: survival of the quickest pointer.
Waited ages for tea. Another waiter eventually poured this dark stuff into a tiny cup. Took a sip. Hot! And way stronger than my usual breakfast stuff. Okay, adjusting expectations.
The Eating (Finally)
Cracked open the first basket. Shrimp dumplings! Those clear skin ones – Har Gow, I guess. Looked good. Took a bite. Pretty tasty! Shrimp was springy, skin not sticky. Little win. Next basket held these open-top pork and shrimp dumplings – Siu Mai? Also decent. Porky, kinda juicy. Feeling a bit braver now. Saw a trolley with golden-brown buns. Waved down the lady again. Pointed at those. Char Siu Bao, the bbq pork ones. Sweet and savoury, warm, fluffy bun. Okay, this was hitting the spot.
Tried pointing at some fried stuff later – spring rolls and these little taro croquette things. Crunchy, greasy in that good way. Messy fingers all around. Got dipping sauce everywhere.
Survival Checkout
Getting out was another mission. Wanted to pay. Tried making eye contact with passing staff. Felt invisible. Finally stood up and kinda hovered near the front. Someone noticed. Got the check on that little card. Did some mental math – a few bucks per basket, plus tea. Paid cash. Felt like escaping.
Bottom line takeaways:
- Go hungry and prepared for noise/chaos.
- Pointing is your best language.
- Don’t expect quiet chats; it’s pure food hustle.
- Get the Char Siu Bao. That soy sauce kick? chef’s kiss.
- Patience is mandatory. Lots of waiting involved.
Was it authentic? Who knows. Definitely an experience. Tummies full, ears ringing, kinda sweaty. Mission accomplished… barely. Next time? Maybe bring friends to share the chaos… or blame.