Har Gau Siew Mai Char Siew Bao!

hahahaha... this is exactly what was spurted out in a flowing fashion while ordering dim sum this afternoon. For my family (and many others I believe), this "threesome" is the cogent part of our traditional dim sum palate at new restaurants tried out. If any of the three items falls short of expectations, it's hardly redeeming even when the rest of the food is good. I don't proclaim to have tried many dim sum places (I have the habit of going back to the same place again and again, pledging high loyalty out of non-adventure), but I hope to recommend these few. Dim sum lunches are fantastic, affordable, hearty get-togethers, and everyone seems to have a consistent favorite(s). Mine's char siew bao. kekeke....

Most preferred dim sum places:

1) Crystal Jade Golden Palace
- for the chic setting, great well-rounder on all cooking styles: steamed, baked, deep fried. "char siew soh" aka bbq pork pastry and egg tarts are MUSTs! I cannot retaliate enough. you can probably skip desserts like almond and walnut paste though.


Paragon, #05-22
Tel: (65) 6734-6866

2) Lei Garden at Chijmes
- I very much prefer the Chijmes branch (the other one is at Orchard Shopping Centre) for the lovely daylight, tall roof and pretty windows. Try to get a seat in the main hall if you enjoy the bustle of dim sum "ladies" shuffling their little treats into your conversations. (just kidding... Lei Garden's service crew is an exceptionally attentive and efficient bunch). It is imperative to try the cheesy lobster deep fried with thin noodle crisps. Mango lovers should save room for dessert; try the mango pomelo sago.

#01-24 Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street
Tel: (65) 6339 3822

3) Li Bai Restaurant
- Exquisite. I am not sure if this would be a fair post, because we last ate there more than 2 years ago. I remembered I had the freshest "har gau" aka shrimp dumpling ever. The sheer freshness was impressive.

Sheraton Towers
39 Scotts Road Basement 1
Tel: (65) 6839 5623

4) Hua Ting Restaurant
- We just had it today in fact. It's the source of motivation for this post. The "Siew mai" has a whole load of shrimps in it. They are generous on the sizing of these hearty treats, though we should be mindful they do put less on 1 portion (ie 3 har gaus in 1 bamboo steamers vs 4 which is the usual for other restaurants). Bring your UOB card for 18% discount, I think citibank saves you 15% as well :)

Orchard Hotel, 442 Orchard Road
Tel: (65) 6739 6666

Go Go Go Go Go Go Go Go Go !!! What are you waiting for!??!

Please let me know if you have other recommendations!