Okay, so I’ve been craving dim sum for a while now, and I finally got around to trying out this place called Mandarin Kitchen. I heard they’re the go-to spot for dim sum in the Twin Cities, so I was pretty stoked. Their menu is packed with all the classic stuff, you know, dumplings, soups, the works.
First off, I had to figure out how much to order. I found somewhere that around 3-4 dishes per person is a good rule of thumb, but it really depends on how hungry you are. I went with three dishes since I wasn’t starving, but I made sure to get a variety.
- I started with some steamed Shrimp Dumplings.
- Then, I went for some fried Spring Rolls because, why not?
- And finally, I had to try their BBQ Pork Buns.
I also ordered some Chinese tea to go with my meal. I heard it helps with digestion, and it’s a good deal since you get free refills.
Ordering Process
Now, when I got there, I noticed the way they do things is a bit different. Usually, you’d have carts going around with all the food, but at Mandarin Kitchen, it’s more modern. I just got a menu card, checked off what I wanted, and handed it to the server. It was pretty simple, I just waved my card and the waiter took my orders.
The Food
The food came out pretty fast. I was surprised! The Shrimp Dumplings were juicy, the Spring Rolls were crispy, and the BBQ Pork Buns were fluffy and flavorful. It was all really tasty. Honestly, the whole experience was pretty great, but be prepared, it can get crowded, especially on weekends.
The service was okay, nothing to write home about, but they were busy, so I get it. I heard that Mandarin Kitchen gets packed, especially on weekends for their dim sum. I went on a Saturday morning, and it was definitely buzzing, but not overwhelmingly so. I can see why it’s popular, though. The food was delicious, and there were so many options. I feel like dim sum is cool because you get to try a bunch of different things without committing to a huge plate of one dish.
I’ll definitely be back to try more of their menu. Next time, I’ll probably be a bit more adventurous and try some stuff I’ve never had before. If you’re ever in Minneapolis, and you’re in the mood for dim sum, you might want to check out Mandarin Kitchen at 8766 Lyndale Ave S. Just be prepared for a bit of a wait, and maybe go with a group so you can try even more dishes!