🇺🇸 Enjoy morning tea at Joyful Garden in Watertown, Boston
🥢 Joyful Garden: Watertown’s Spacious Dim Sum Haven (Perfect for Post-RMV Celebrations) Tucked in Watertown Mall, this sprawling dim sum spot is a lifesaver for anyone tackling the RMV (or shopping at Target). With rolling carts, huge portions, and a laid-back vibe, it’s a far cry from cramped Chinatown spots—ideal for large groups or casual weekend brunches. 🌟 Must-Order Dim Sum (Consistently Great) Chicken Feet & Spareribs 🌟🌟🌟🌟 • The classics done right: Tender, sauce-soaked chicken feet (fall-off-the-bone tender) and savory spareribs steamed with black bean sauce. • Why it works: Not too salty, with that signature "dim sum stickiness" that pairs perfectly with tea. Durian Pastry 🌟🌟🌟🌟 • A must for durian lovers: Flaky, buttery crust filled with real durian (no artificial flavoring). ・Creamy, slightly sweet, and "shāshā的" (sandy-textured)—rich, but worth the calories (split it with a friend to avoid Shrimp Dumplings & Siu Mai 🌟🌟🌟 • Plump, translucent har gow with fresh shrimp (no starch filler) and juicy pork siu mai. • Reliable, if not revolutionary—exactly what you want from dim sum basics. Sweet/Savory Tofu Pudding 🌟🌟🌟 • Customizable: Salty version comes with chili, pickles, and soy sauce (north China-style), while sweet gets a dusting of sugar. • Silky smooth—great for balancing spicy or rich dishes. 💡 Skip These Taro Pastry 🌟🌟 • Greasy, with a dry taro filling—lacks the buttery flakiness of the durian version. Xiaolongbao 🌟🌟 • Skin is thick, broth is sparse—better to stick with the dumplings. 📍 Why It’s a Hidden Gem Vibe: • Huge dining room with plenty of space (no elbow-to-elbow squeezing) • Rolling carts come frequently—no waiting for your favorite dishes • Popular with locals (both Chinese and non-Chinese)—a good sign for "broad appeal" Location Perks: • Attached to Watertown Mall (Target, Nike, and a movie theater nearby) • Free parking in the mall lot—way easier than Chinatown Bonus: ・Serves full Chinese dinners too (try the if you’re craving American-Chinese classics) • Affordable: $20–$25/person for a feast (cheaper than city spots) 🌟 Final Verdict: 3.8/5 (RMV’s Best Neighbor) It’s not "authentically Cantonese" in the strictest sense, but Joyful Garden nails "satisfying dim sum" with space, convenience, and standout durian pastries. Whether you’re celebrating a passed road test or just shopping, it’s a solid pick. 🚗 #WatertownEats #BostonDimSum #PostRMVFeast #CasualBrunch
