I was very excited to learn that there's a dim sum place in this strip mall. We frequent to Kitayama so to learn that there's a dim sum store we just had to try it out.
we were greeted by friendly staff (which i am sure is the owner of the restaurant). I later learned that his name is Joe. Speaks cantonese and english. A lady was working with him and i know she speaks cantonese and mandarin as well.
Because we were here early, a few items were not ready yet (egg tart, deep fried taro dumpling weren't ready yet) and because we were taking it to go and with kids in tow, we couldn't wait. Which is fine, gives us another exuse to come back again!
We ended up ordering a 4 orders of ha gao, 2 orders of siu mai, ham sui gok, baked bbq buns and the wontons with chili oil. Let me point out that the prices are very reasonable here -- i cannot complain about it at all! I am from southern california so to see these prices i feel more at home .. more normal. I've been to several dim sum places up here and an order of ha gao is $8 (so expensive!!). Anyway, i just hope their prices stays the same or just have a slower increase.. don't surprise me with a sudden increase to $8 please. See my photo for latest menu and pricing
while waiting for my order i see that they're about to offer frozen dim sum which i'm most excited for. With current condition it's hard for families to dine out so it is great to see restaurants that offers frozen items so we can cook it at home!
One thing i forgot to order was the salted egg lava bun. That's something i wanted to try to see if it's good. Hard to find a place that makes it right up here in NorCal.
We didn't wait that long for our orders and we quickly took it to a nearby park to enjoy our dim sum picnic. i must say the BBQ pork bun were fantastic. these are one of my favorite ones up here in NorCal. i told my husband that THESE are the type ive been looking for! soft buns, just the right amount of filling and the sauce -- that sauce reminds me of home.
The ham sui gok was also good too, crispy outside, chewy in the middle -- right amount of filling.
Siu mai was delicious too!
Ha gao, while the skin was a bit too thick the filling was good. i, personally would like a little more seasoning in the shrimps, but that's just me. Other people may think it's okay. My husband thought it was good just the way it is. But yes the skin, if only it was thinner.
we didn't care much for the wonton in chili oil -- it was just okay. we had better at other szechuan places.
overall, this is going to be my new dim sum place. definitely will come here for the Baked BBQ Buns and get a few order of frozen ones. Keep up the good work - don't disappoint me -- i want this restaurant to stay and offer...
Read moreJoyful Dim Sum is one of those places that is good but borderline great and you don't WANT people to go b/c it's your own secret. Well... they're also really nice and had awesome service so helping them out wins.
Food: Har Gao - This was just okay. The skin is thick and the shrimp was fresh but it could have used a LITTLE more seasoning. Not a lot, just a LITTLE more. Overall, this go to dish is still a go to for us here.
Shiu Mai - Great! The stuffing had a great flavor and they're pretty good sized. We ordered two orders and my son (who normally noms nothing but Har Gao) ate 4 pieces of this. I was a little bummed because this is normally my #1 dish and now I had to share with him.
Char Siu Bao (Baked) - My parents always love a place in Oakland because it has a lot of stuffing. I remember eating it when I was little and loving it too. That place's quality of flavor has gone downhill in lieu of quantity but Joyful Sim Sum has nailed the HK style flavoring. The amount of stuffing could be a bit more but given the price and quality, I won't mark it against them.
Wonton in Chili Oil Sauce - We were hoping to get the sweet mala flavor that you get from a few places in LA. This place did NOT have that at all, not even close. What it did have was another spicier chili oil that was more centric on savory. It was good but the stuffing of the wonton also lacked a little flavor. Surprising considering how they nailed the other pork based products.
Service: Here's where they shined imo. It's a counter service place with a few tables. The staff was super happy to answer any questions and helpful with everything we wanted to know.
Pricing: This and the service is why I gave it 5 instead of 4 stars. The pricing is VERY reasonable. 4x Har Gow for $4.98. For reference, Koi Palace (who's IS better w/ regards to skin and taste) is $8.25. The quality difference isn't worth 2x the price imo. Here's where Joyful wins out.
That's it. I do wish I could keep this place a secret so they don't get too busy, but I really do hope the best for the restaurant.
PS: They have the CUTEST plus dim...
Read moreJoyful Dim Sum Bistro has truly exceeded all my expectations, providing an exceptional dining experience that I cannot praise enough. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with warmth and genuine hospitality, setting the tone for a delightful meal.
The customer service at Joyful Dim Sum Bistro is top-notch. The staff is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, always ready to offer recommendations and ensure that every aspect of the dining experience is enjoyable. They go above and beyond to accommodate special requests, making each guest feel valued and appreciated.
The dim sum itself is nothing short of exquisite. The extensive menu offers a wide array of delectable dishes, each bursting with authentic flavors and expertly crafted. The ingredients are fresh, and the presentation is both beautiful and appetizing. Whether it's the delicate dumplings, savory buns, or flavorful rolls, every bite is a delight to the senses.
I was particularly impressed by the cleanliness and ambiance of the restaurant. The interior is tastefully decorated, creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere for diners. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the well-arranged tables to the immaculate restrooms.
Joyful Dim Sum Bistro takes great pride in maintaining high standards of hygiene and sanitation, which is especially important during these times. The restaurant adheres strictly to safety protocols, ensuring that customers can dine with peace of mind.
In addition to the outstanding food and service, the prices at Joyful Dim Sum Bistro are incredibly reasonable for the quality offered. The portions are generous, making it an excellent value for money.
In conclusion, Joyful Dim Sum Bistro is a culinary gem that stands out in every aspect. The exceptional customer service, delectable dim sum offerings, inviting ambiance, and commitment to safety make it a standout dining destination. Whether you're a dim sum enthusiast or a first-timer, I highly recommend visiting Joyful Dim Sum Bistro for an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you eager to...
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