So, I finally made my way over to Dim Sum Palace in Chinatown the other day. I’d been meaning to check it out, you know how it is, you hear things, you get a craving, and then life happens. But I carved out some time, and off I went.
Getting There and First Impressions
The journey itself was pretty straightforward. Navigating Chinatown is always a bit of an adventure, with all the sights and smells. Found the place without too much trouble. It looked like, well, a dim sum place! Bustling, a bit noisy, exactly what you’d expect, really. There was a short wait, but nothing too crazy, which was a good sign. I just people-watched for a bit, soaking in the atmosphere.
The Main Event: Ordering and Eating
Once I got seated, it was down to business. They had the classic pushcarts going around, which I always find fun, but also a menu to order from directly for some items. I decided to go for a mix of my usual favorites and a couple of things that caught my eye.
Here’s a bit of a rundown of what I tried:
- Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow): This is always my first test. And I gotta say, they were pretty solid. The wrapper was nice and translucent, not too thick or sticky. The shrimp inside was plump and had a good snap. Definitely a good start.
- Pork Siu Mai: Another classic. These were generously filled, flavorful, and steaming hot. You can’t really go wrong with a good siu mai, and these didn’t disappoint.
- BBQ Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao): I opted for the baked version this time. Oh man, these were good. The bun was slightly sweet and golden brown on top, and the BBQ pork filling was plentiful and had that perfect sweet and savory balance. I could have eaten a whole plate of just these.
- Steamed Rice Rolls (Cheung Fun): I went for the shrimp rice rolls. The noodle was smooth, and they were doused in that lovely sweet soy sauce. The shrimp inside were cooked just right. Simple, but so satisfying.
- Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf (Lo Mai Gai): Unwrapping this is always like opening a little treasure. The rice was fragrant, and packed with goodies – chicken, Chinese sausage, mushrooms. It was a hefty portion too!
- Egg Tarts (Dan Tat): Had to finish with something sweet. The egg tarts were still warm. The custard was creamy and not too sweet, and the pastry was flaky. A perfect ending.
Thoughts on the Experience
The service was efficient, which is typical for busy dim sum spots. Don’t expect lengthy chats, but they were quick to bring the food and clear plates. The tea pot was refilled promptly, which is always appreciated. The place was definitely lively, lots of chatter, families, groups of friends – it had a good, authentic buzz.
You know, it reminded me of when I first started really getting into dim sum. It felt a bit overwhelming at first, all the choices, the carts whizzing by. But once you get the hang of it, it’s such a great way to eat. You try a bit of everything, share with people. It’s a whole social experience, not just a meal.
I’ve been to a few dim sum places over the years, some fancy, some more hole-in-the-wall. Each has its own charm. Dim Sum Palace felt like a solid, reliable choice. It’s not trying to be overly modern or reinvent the wheel. It just does traditional dim sum, and it does it pretty well. Sometimes, that’s exactly what you’re looking for. No fuss, just good food.
I spent a good hour or so just slowly working my way through the dishes, enjoying the atmosphere. It’s funny, I was thinking about how I used to be quite shy about flagging down the cart ladies, but now I’m right in there, pointing and nodding. Practice makes perfect, I guess!
So, yeah, that was my little excursion to Dim Sum Palace. Walked out feeling very full and very content. If you’re in Chinatown and have a dim sum itch to scratch, it’s definitely worth considering. I know I’ll be back when the next craving hits.