Dim Sum Express — Restaurant in Monterey Park

Enjoying many different locations for "Dim Sum" and after nearly most of my childhood growing up in Monterey Park always seeing this spot while driving by. Took about 30+ years to finally give it a try. Before I review this particular location just want to make a PSA. Please be sure to take cash when you visit. Cash only here! To my surprise Dim Sum Express has one of the best Dim Sum in the city of Monterey Park and even throughout Southern California. My wife and I love Dim Sum and have been all over L.A. Basin for the delicacy. Ordered their Chicken Chow Mein(photo not shown), Sui Mai, Hargow, Sesame Ball, Hom Sui Gok(photo not shown), for the first time, Chicken Udon second time. Everything was so flavorful and delicious. All the textures of each item are made to perfection. All flavors were on the authentic point. Prices are a tad bit more than the usual places, however worth every cent. Our daughter loves their Sui Mai and our second visit ended up purchasing 2 dozen!! They practice social distancing, where your mask! Easy to order, just fill out the item order sheet with pens provided, hand it to the order takers, pay and wait for your number to be called. They have a loud speaker so you can hear your order number when it's ready. Order lots, and enjoy your Dim Sum. We will be frequenting this spot from now on. They are...

I just had a bad experience with food from Dim Sum Express, but it was DUE TO MY OWN IGNORANCE. Here's what happened: I made a large order of dim sum and took them home. When I bit into a Char Siu Bao I got a huge whiff of ammonia. I assumed the food I bought was bad, and tossed $50 worth of Dim Sum in the trash.

It occurred to me that Chinese cooking sometimes contains Potassium Nitrate, and I wondered if maybe what I smelled was a decomposition product of KNO3. So I did some Googling.

What I discovered was that the making of Char Siu Bao requires Ammonium Bicarbonate (臭粉), a leavening agent that releases Ammonia!

So be aware that Dim Sum Express Char Siu Bao may be a little adventurous for diners who are accustomed to Chinese food that has been "toned down" for consumption by Westerners. I think that the Ammonium Bicarbonate is ONLY used when making steamed bao, so you may order anything else without getting surprises.

By the way, Char Siu - Chinese red pork and Chinese Sausage both contain Potassium Nitrate, as do some other dishes. This is the actual cause of the headache and discomfort that most people ascribe to MSG (Monosodium Glutamate).

So, just passing along some things I...

Egg Rolls #11 $1 each....too expensive for frozen Egg Rolls not home made at location..they were very, very greesy, the Sweet & Sour condiments were not given out without asking for them.....Not tasty at all, ate 2 of the four Egg Rolls..$4 FOR #4 ( 2.5 INCH)...before going somewheres else to eat that makes fresher food and better customerservice..oh well you live and learn...thats what they call experience....we learned a valuable lesson today...Please try for yourse, and post a reply....Truth is;as for my enjoying homemade Egg Rolls so much... I have paid as much a $3.99each...but if you want repetitive business..You give a hardy snack...not frozen from Smart & Final ...I could be wrong....The owners seem to have a very nice store, great location too...I alway give new business a few weeks to make improvements ...I be back. for a second time to see before giving up on this establishment...Because everyone deserves a second chance....Thats the only fair way to approach business....God Bless you and have a great day...

Suggestions: make large homemade Fresh Egg Rolls, and serve with home sauce...and serve with a smile...People enjoy tasty food and are willing to pay for...