So, I got this real craving the other weekend. Woke up Saturday morning and just thought, man, I need some dim sum. It’s been a while, you know? Living here in Atlanta, you hear things, especially about Buford Highway having all the good stuff.
Didn’t really have a specific place in mind. I just figured I’d drive up there. Usually, the rule is, if it’s packed, especially with families, it’s probably decent. So, hopped in the car and headed north on I-85. Took the exit for Buford Highway and just started cruising, looking around.
Finding the Spot
Passed a few plazas. Lots of signs I couldn’t read, which is sometimes a good indicator, right? Then I saw this one place, big parking lot, and cars were circling like sharks looking for a spot. Peeking through the window, it looked bustling inside. Okay, this might be it. Found a spot eventually, way in the back.
Walked in, and yeah, it was loud. Exactly what you expect. Lots of chatter, plates clinking, carts rolling. There was a bit of a wait, put my name down with the lady at the front who seemed like she was handling a million things at once. Stood around awkwardly for maybe 15, 20 minutes. Watched all the food rolling by, which just made me hungrier.
Getting Down to Business – The Food!
Finally got seated. Table was kinda sticky, but hey, authenticity? Almost immediately, the carts started swarming. This is the fun part, but also kinda stressful if you don’t know what you’re doing. You gotta flag ’em down quick!
First things first:
- Saw the classic Har Gow (shrimp dumplings). Pointed frantically. Got a steamer basket. They were pretty good, nice shrimp inside, wrapper wasn’t too thick.
- Then the Siu Mai (pork and shrimp dumplings). Grabbed those too. Standard, solid choice.
- A cart with fried stuff came by. Got some Spring Rolls. Crispy, hot, can’t go wrong.
- Had to get the Char Siu Bao (BBQ pork buns). These were the steamed kind. Soft, fluffy bun, sweet pork inside. Hit the spot.
The ladies pushing the carts were efficient, I’ll give them that. Not much chit-chat, mostly just pointing and stamping the card. Sometimes they’d shout out what they had, but my Cantonese is non-existent, so pointing was key. Tried some sticky rice wrapped in a lotus leaf, Lo Mai Gai. That was tasty, packed with goodies inside like chicken and sausage.
We kept grabbing stuff. Some turnip cakes (Lo Bak Go), pan-fried just right. Even got adventurous and tried the chicken feet (Fung Zao). They’re not for everyone, kinda gelatinous, but the sauce was good. You just gotta suck on ’em, really.
Wrapping Up
Finished off with some dessert. Waited for the sweet cart. Got the mandatory Dan Tat (egg tarts). Flaky crust, warm custard. Perfect way to end it. Maybe had one or two other things I can’t remember the name of.
The tea kept getting refilled, which was nice. Just flip the lid open when you need more. Paid the bill by taking the stamped card up to the front. It wasn’t super cheap, dim sum adds up fast when you just keep pointing, but it felt worth it.
Overall? Yeah, it was a good experience. Satisfied the craving. Was it the absolute best dim sum I’ve ever had in my life? Probably not. But for Atlanta, on Buford Highway, it felt pretty legit. The atmosphere was right, the food came out fast and hot, and most of it tasted good. Left feeling super full and happy. I’d go back, or maybe try another one of the busy spots next time just to see how it compares.
