Alright, so yesterday I went on this mission to find the best dim sum in New Jersey. You know, the real good stuff, not just your average everyday Chinese takeout. I’ve been craving some authentic dim sum for a while now, so I decided it was time to get serious about it.
First things first, I hit up the internet. I spent a good couple of hours just browsing through forums, reading reviews on Yelp, and checking out any blog I could find that talked about New Jersey’s food scene. I made a list of places that people seemed to rave about, making sure to note down any that were repeatedly mentioned as “must-try” or “hidden gem.”
Then came the more hands-on part of my adventure. I decided to visit a few places that topped my list. The first place, I hopped in my car and drove about 40 minutes to this spot in Edison. It was packed! Families, groups of friends, you name it, they were all there. I thought to myself, “This has got to be a good sign.” I managed to snag a table after a short wait, and let me tell you, the hustle and bustle really added to the whole experience. It felt like I was in one of those busy dim sum places in Hong Kong.
- Ordering time: When the carts started rolling out, my eyes lit up. I ordered the classics – har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), and some char siu bao (barbecue pork buns). But I also threw in a few wildcards like phoenix claws (chicken feet) because, why not? When in Rome, right?
- Taste test: The har gow was amazing – the shrimp were juicy, and the dumpling skin was just the right thickness. The siu mai was flavorful, and the char siu bao had that perfect balance of sweet and savory. As for the phoenix claws, well, let’s just say it was an experience. Not my favorite, but I’m glad I tried them.
- Ambiance: The place was buzzing with energy. Everyone was chatting, carts were weaving through the tables, and the clatter of dishes and cutlery created this lively symphony. It was exactly what I was looking for in a dim sum experience.
After that, I visited two more places that same day. One was a smaller, more intimate spot in Fort Lee. It didn’t have the same buzz, but the food was definitely on point. They had this amazing lo mai gai (sticky rice in lotus leaf) that I couldn’t get enough of. The last place, I went with high hopes, it’s a little restaurant hidden in Hackensack, but it turned out to be a bit of a letdown. The food was okay, but it didn’t really stand out compared to the others.
By the end of the day, I was stuffed, but it was totally worth it. It was so much fun going around, trying out different places, and comparing their dim sum. It’s like each place had its own personality, you know? The Edison spot was the classic, bustling dim sum hall; the Fort Lee place was the cozy, quality-focused joint; and the Hackensack one was just your average neighborhood spot.
My Verdict
If I had to pick a favorite, I’d say the place in Edison took the crown for the overall experience, but the Fort Lee spot definitely won for best-tasting food. It’s tough to choose just one because each place had its own charm. I guess it really depends on what you’re in the mood for. Want the full, bustling dim sum hall experience? Go to Edison. Prefer a quieter place with top-notch food? Fort Lee is your spot.
All in all, it was a great day of dim sum hunting. I discovered some great spots and got my fill of dumplings and buns. If you’re ever in New Jersey and craving some good dim sum, definitely check out the places I went to. You won’t be disappointed! And hey, if you know of any other dim sum gems in Jersey, let me know. I’m always up for another food adventure!