As a food stall, there are no carts or anything one expects with the traditional dim sum experience, which is why it's so cheap! The pre-made items are on display, much like a bakery or a cafeteria, and you point-and-choose what you'd like (in my case, I had to gesture a lot because I do not possess any Chinese language skills).
Pan fried turnip cake: this was my favorite and something I order whenever I have dim sum. I love how the humble turnip shines in this preparation that doesn't seem like it has much in it, but packs great flavor.
Shrimp rice noodles (or cheong fun): Another go-to item for me usually and while the flavor was okay, the noodles sat too long and were cold and not very silky.
Fried taro with pork filling: Another old pal, the dear fried taro thing! The filling was very basic and I am 99% sure it was pork. My heart sank a little bit because this version wasn't amazing, but I was still thrilled to be reacquainted with it.
BBQ pork buns: too dry and could have used more filling, but they will be a-okay as a late night snack!
I had been curious about Yum Cha Cafe for ages, so was glad to relieve myself of its mystery. Although I would stop in for a shopping break or as a hold-over between meals, I wasn't blown away by its quality, so wouldn't make the drive solely for it. If I happen to be in the neighborhood, though, I'd like to try their roasted meats, particularly the duck. Here's what I imagine keeps the customers coming back: everything above came to about 5 dollars. YEP.
Yum Cha Cafe
421 N. Atlantic Blvd
Monterey Park, CA 91754
(626) 289-6287
Multiple locations
Cash only
9 comments:
Yum Cha Cafe = Meh City. Can't beat the prices though ;-)
Jenny 8 Lee and I were on the Harvard Crimson together.
Too bad I am book-less.
$5?! holy crap! i agree, sometimes you just need a fix. do they have chicken feet...chicken feet gets me excited :0
I definitely don't go to Yum Cha Cafe for the dim sum. It's one of those places that if I'm going grocery shopping and want a few dim sum items, but not the actual dim sum experience. Hit me up next time you want to do sit-down dim sum! A real craving can't be satisfied this way.
Gastronomer: I suppose dim sum is already a fairly cheap thing, but their prices do fascinate!
Weezermonkey: Ooh, interesting! But you do have Mr. Monkey and Socal's glorious weather! :P
Bagnatic: Yes, they did have chicken feet. I never order those at dim sum; I think I could do one or two, but not an entire order. I need to bump up the Chinese poseuring!
WC: Sweet! I SHALL hit you up for quality dim sum time very soon! :)
I'm sorry you ate this. This is shat. Dimsum Express is better than this. And that's not saying much at all. Or is it saying a lot?
SinoSoul: Thanks for your sympathy! Now I know to never set foot in Dim Sum Express! I have seen the name on Yelp. :P
Yum Cha Cafe is cheap and that's about it. If you want cheap dim sum, I'd recommend Capital on the 4th floor of the Ranch 99 Market Plaza on Valley/Del Mar. Otherwise, go to Elite! :)
Kung Food Panda: Thanks for the rec, but I think I am done with cheap dimsum for the moment. :P
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