Flushing, New York, is a vibrant neighborhood known for its rich cultural diversity and exceptional food scene. Among the many culinary delights it offers, dim sum stands out as a favorite for both locals and visitors. Dim sum, a style of Chinese cuisine that involves small, bite-sized portions of food served in steamer baskets or on small plates, is a must-try experience. In this article, we will explore the best dim sum spots in Flushing, NY, and delve into what makes each of them unique.
What is Dim Sum?
A Culinary Tradition
Dim sum originated in the Guangdong province of China and has since become a beloved culinary tradition worldwide. The term “dim sum” translates to “touch the heart,” and these small dishes are designed to do just that. Typically enjoyed during brunch or lunch, dim sum is often served with tea, making it a social and leisurely dining experience.
Variety and Flavors
Dim sum offers a wide variety of dishes, ranging from savory dumplings and buns to sweet pastries and desserts. Each dish is carefully crafted to deliver a burst of flavor in every bite. Common ingredients include shrimp, pork, chicken, vegetables, and a variety of seasonings and sauces.
Top Dim Sum Restaurants in Flushing, NY
Jade Asian
A Staple in Flushing
Jade Asian is one of the most popular dim sum restaurants in Flushing. Known for its extensive menu and high-quality ingredients, this restaurant offers a traditional dim sum experience with a modern twist.
Must-Try Dishes
Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings): These translucent dumplings are filled with succulent shrimp and are a dim sum classic.
Siu Mai (Pork Dumplings): These open-topped dumplings are filled with a mixture of pork and shrimp, offering a rich and savory flavor.
Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns): These fluffy buns are filled with sweet and savory BBQ pork, making them a favorite among diners.
Asian Jewels Seafood & Dim Sum Restaurant
A Luxurious Experience
Asian Jewels Seafood & Dim Sum Restaurant is known for its luxurious setting and exceptional dim sum. The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, from traditional favorites to innovative creations.
Must-Try Dishes
Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls): These silky rice noodle rolls can be filled with shrimp, beef, or vegetables, and are often served with a sweet soy sauce.
Egg Tarts: These sweet pastries have a flaky crust and a creamy egg custard filling, making them a perfect end to your dim sum meal.
Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf: This dish features glutinous rice filled with chicken, mushrooms, and other ingredients, all wrapped in a fragrant lotus leaf.
Royal Queen
A Hidden Gem
Royal Queen is a hidden gem in Flushing, offering some of the best dim sum in the area. The restaurant is known for its fresh ingredients and expertly crafted dishes.
Must-Try Dishes
Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings): These delicate dumplings are filled with pork and a savory broth that bursts in your mouth with each bite.
Turnip Cake: Made from shredded radish and rice flour, this savory cake is pan-fried to perfection and often served with a dipping sauce.
Custard Buns: These soft buns are filled with a sweet and creamy custard, offering a delightful contrast to the savory dishes.
Popular Dim Sum Dishes to Try
Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings)
A Dim Sum Classic
Har Gow is one of the most iconic dim sum dishes. These dumplings are made with a thin, translucent wrapper and filled with fresh shrimp. The key to a good Har Gow is the texture of the wrapper, which should be slightly chewy yet tender.
Siu Mai (Pork Dumplings)
A Savory Delight
Siu Mai is another must-try dim sum dish. These open-topped dumplings are filled with a mixture of pork and shrimp, and often topped with a small piece of carrot or roe for added flavor and visual appeal.
Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns)
Sweet and Savory
Char Siu Bao are fluffy buns filled with sweet and savory BBQ pork. The combination of the soft bun and the flavorful filling makes these buns a favorite among dim sum lovers.
Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls)
Silky and Smooth
Cheung Fun are silky rice noodle rolls that can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as shrimp, beef, or vegetables. They are often served with a sweet soy sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor.
Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)
A Burst of Flavor
Xiao Long Bao, also known as soup dumplings, are a delicacy that requires skill to make. These dumplings are filled with pork and a savory broth, which bursts in your mouth with each bite. The key to enjoying Xiao Long Bao is to take a small bite first to let the broth flow out.
Tips for Enjoying Dim Sum in Flushing, NY
Go Early
Dim sum is traditionally a brunch or lunch meal, and many restaurants start serving as early as 10 AM. Going early ensures that you get the freshest dishes and avoid the crowds.
Share Dishes
Dim sum is meant to be a shared experience. Order a variety of dishes and share them with your dining companions to get a taste of everything.
Try Something New
While it’s easy to stick to your favorite dishes, don’t be afraid to try something new. Dim sum offers a wide variety of flavors and textures, and you might discover a new favorite.
Pair with Tea
Tea is an essential part of the dim sum experience. Common choices include jasmine tea, oolong tea, and pu-erh tea. The tea helps to cleanse the palate and enhances the flavors of the dishes.
Cooking Dim Sum at Home
Simple Recipes to Try
If you enjoy cooking, why not try making dim sum at home? Here are a couple of simple recipes to get you started.
Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup of bamboo shoots, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper
- 1 cup of wheat starch
- 1/2 cup of tapioca starch
- 1 cup of boiling water
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- Instructions:
In a bowl, mix the shrimp, bamboo shoots, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, combine the wheat starch and tapioca starch. Add the boiling water and stir until a dough forms. Add the vegetable oil and knead until smooth.
Roll the dough into small balls and flatten into thin circles.
Place a small amount of the shrimp mixture in the center of each circle and fold the edges to form a dumpling.
Steam the dumplings for about 10 minutes until the wrappers are translucent and the shrimp is cooked through.
Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of BBQ pork, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of warm water
- 1 teaspoon of yeast
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix the BBQ pork, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, warm water, yeast, sugar, and vegetable oil. Knead until a smooth dough forms. Let it rise for about an hour.
Roll the dough into small balls and flatten into circles.
Place a small amount of the BBQ pork mixture in the center of each circle and fold the edges to form a bun.
Steam the buns for about 15 minutes until they are fluffy and cooked through.
Conclusion
Flushing, NY, is a paradise for dim sum lovers, offering a wide range of restaurants and dishes to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned dim sum enthusiast or a newcomer, the vibrant flavors and unique dining experience are sure to leave a lasting impression. From traditional favorites like Har Gow and Siu Mai to innovative creations, the best dim sum in Flushing has something for everyone. So, next time you’re in the area, be sure to indulge in this delightful culinary tradition. Enjoy your meal!
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