vibes

A friend of mine wanted to visit this Dim Sum shop and I totally agreed expecting the classic large venue with Dim Sum carts, glass-top tables, and loud ambiance. I was very surprised when we came to tiny space just enough for ~15 seats, a counter for the cashier, and not much else.

foods

I LOVE THE MENU. So simple and sleeeek. Almost everything has pork in it, so if you don’t like or eat pork you’re might be limited to the veggie options. We (three people) ordered everything. Wontons in Chili Oil, Shanghai Dumpling (XLB), Pork and Veggie Pan Fried Buns, Vegetarian Noodle, Youtiao with sweet soymilk and savory soy milk, Cucumber Salad, and Noodle in Peanut Sauce. I’m drooling.

The cucumber salad was essential in cutting the fattiness of the pork and dough. Very subtle flavor, perfect for a palette cleanser.

The Youtiao was fantastic (when is it not though?!). In sweet soy milk it tasted like the greatest dessert ever. With the savory soy milk it added body to a meaty but light stew.

The peanut noodle was super rich and textural with the crunchy peanut and the fattiness of the pork. A bit one dimensional in flavor but bomb with a touch of vinegar and chili oil.

The Pan Fried Buns and Shanghai Dumplings were typical, good dumplings. Shanghai Dumpling had a generous amount of soup. Eat them first, while they’re hot. The noob me punctured one and spilled the juice before it even got to my spoon so I cried a little inside. rip.

I was surprised at how flavorful the veggie buns were. They were pretty great. The pork buns had a good crust and porky flavor, small enough as one-biters. They reminded me of the time I went to Hong Kong and ate nine giant pork, truffle, and shrimp buns in one sitting. Good times…

Wontons in Chili OIl was a different flavor than what I’m used to, but I loved it nonetheless. They are less vinegary and spicy and a lot calmer. I realized that this restaurant serves more muted/subtle flavors, which I think has its own appeal/merit.

My top pick would be the Savory Soy Milk, Cucumbers and Wontons in Chili Oil. But frankly I like them all and would order everything all over again. Except the veggie noodle.

final thoughts

yes. yes. and yes. I will remember this place forever and will love to visit it again. I highly recommend coming, but recommend ordering for to go because seating is so limited. If you have the opportunity to sit down, you can enjoy a truly intimate and authentic experience. We were lucky I think, to only wait around 15 minutes because we went closer to the oncoming of this terrible season of corona and self distancing. I’m safe back at home practicing my due diligence to keep this virus from spreading. Stay safe y’all.

find it: 1123 Taraval, San Francisco, CA 94116