LTH Home

Dim Sum?

Dim Sum?
  • Forum HomePost Reply BackTop
    Page 5 of 6
  • Post #121 - July 30th, 2014, 2:05 pm
    Post #121 - July 30th, 2014, 2:05 pm Post #121 - July 30th, 2014, 2:05 pm
    Apparently four small and medium dim sum and a lunch entree at Furama (Wentworth) is enough for three lunches. Duly noted.
    I want to have a good body, but not as much as I want dessert. ~ Jason Love

    There is no pie in Nighthawks, which is why it's such a desolate image. ~ Happy Stomach

    I write stuff.
  • Post #122 - July 31st, 2014, 8:57 am
    Post #122 - July 31st, 2014, 8:57 am Post #122 - July 31st, 2014, 8:57 am
    Thought I would chime in since I go for dim sum somewhat often with my ABC (American born Chinese) girlfriend.

    Furama on Wentworth -- Perfectly fine, but there's a lack of energy because it's so big that it feels empty. The flip side is that there is no waiting and it's easy to get a larger party seated. The carts come by pretty often.

    Cai - In Chinatown Square. The restaurant is huge, crowded and the waits can be very long. Would not want to come here with a large party except early (shortly after opening). You order off a menu. However, it's probably the best dim sum in the city. The dumplings are particularly good. I like it much better for dim sum than dinner, where it's very mediocre.

    Triple Crown - Also on Wentworth, this restaurant is large, but usually easy to get seated quickly. I like the congee here quite a bit here and don't forget to order the dough sticks (not sure what they are called, but they look like small churros) to go in the congee. Other food is good, not great.

    Phoenix - Perfectly good across the board but IMO, not worth the wait.
  • Post #123 - July 31st, 2014, 9:33 am
    Post #123 - July 31st, 2014, 9:33 am Post #123 - July 31st, 2014, 9:33 am
    I too have never been enamored with Furama, either location. On multiple visits, food arrived lukewarm (at best) and/or greasy. I wouldn't bother to ever return.

    I think Triple Crown is respectable but can be inconsistent. I'd rate it a notch below Phoenix.

    And though Cai is my current favorite in town, Lao You Ju is pretty respectable too. You might want to give it a try at least for comparison purposes.

    I have yet to try MingHin for dim sum . . . need to do that.

    And I'll add that although Cai is my current fave, it is not as good as the recently departed Shui Wah, which was not nearly as good as the more distantly departed Hong Min (haven't been to remaining suburban locale - Pigmon, help?).
  • Post #124 - July 31st, 2014, 9:57 am
    Post #124 - July 31st, 2014, 9:57 am Post #124 - July 31st, 2014, 9:57 am
    The dim sum at Furama was so hot yesterday I had to wait to dig in. Everything I had was delicious, and is the case with Chinese, good the next day too. I'd go back, but I don't have a great knowledge of dim sum so I can't compare it with others. I will say the place was disturbingly empty at lunchtime, so if you want a quiet place to dine...
    I want to have a good body, but not as much as I want dessert. ~ Jason Love

    There is no pie in Nighthawks, which is why it's such a desolate image. ~ Happy Stomach

    I write stuff.
  • Post #125 - July 31st, 2014, 10:45 am
    Post #125 - July 31st, 2014, 10:45 am Post #125 - July 31st, 2014, 10:45 am
    Oh, I forgot to mention Ming Hin. It's certainly the nicest restaurant in terms of decor by a pretty good margin. The food is a bit overrated IMO. I like it better for dinner than dim sum. The congee was very bland (I like it to be more gingery) and the other dishes were no better than any other place. Not a bad wait to get seated either.
  • Post #126 - July 31st, 2014, 2:53 pm
    Post #126 - July 31st, 2014, 2:53 pm Post #126 - July 31st, 2014, 2:53 pm
    We have been at the Furama on Broadway maybe twice a year over the last ten years or so, just because it is closer to us than going down to Chinatown. Over that period, it seems to me that it has improved a great deal and I would rate our last couple of trips as increasingly good. It really does seem to help when you get there during a busy time.
    "I live on good soup, not on fine words." -Moliere
  • Post #127 - July 31st, 2014, 3:00 pm
    Post #127 - July 31st, 2014, 3:00 pm Post #127 - July 31st, 2014, 3:00 pm
    I love Furama--I only go on Sundays during prime time (HUGE room so I've never had to wait more than a few minutes for a table) or order delivery for which they have always prepared it fresh. It's always been basic but, to me, delicious. YMMV. But there are times I just don't feel like hiking it down to Chinatown and Furama has been a much more convenient option--particularly for groups.
    "Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad." Miles Kington
  • Post #128 - July 31st, 2014, 3:57 pm
    Post #128 - July 31st, 2014, 3:57 pm Post #128 - July 31st, 2014, 3:57 pm
    I used to go every once in awhile to Furama with my friend and it was always OK - not amazing but not bad. About a year ago on a week night we ordered off menu and the dim sum was terrible. Cai, though, has been my go to spot. I found out about it from my SE Asian (but Chinese descent and lived in China before) ex girlfriend and her friends from SE Asia/China. Cai was their favorite in the city, but they also liked Ming Hin. A handful of months ago I had Phoenix and thought they upped their game. Those three to me are the best I've had in Chicago.
    2019 Chicago Food Business License Issuances Map: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1AGfUU ... sp=sharing
  • Post #129 - July 31st, 2014, 5:08 pm
    Post #129 - July 31st, 2014, 5:08 pm Post #129 - July 31st, 2014, 5:08 pm
    marothisu wrote:I used to go every once in awhile to Furama with my friend and it was always OK - not amazing but not bad
    My friend compared Furama's dim sum to methadone: it satisfies the craving, but without the high.
  • Post #130 - July 31st, 2014, 5:52 pm
    Post #130 - July 31st, 2014, 5:52 pm Post #130 - July 31st, 2014, 5:52 pm
    BR wrote:I too have never been enamored with Furama, either location. On multiple visits, food arrived lukewarm (at best) and/or greasy. I wouldn't bother to ever return.

    I think Triple Crown is respectable but can be inconsistent. I'd rate it a notch below Phoenix.

    And though Cai is my current favorite in town, Lao You Ju is pretty respectable too. You might want to give it a try at least for comparison purposes.

    I have yet to try MingHin for dim sum . . . need to do that.

    And I'll add that although Cai is my current fave, it is not as good as the recently departed Shui Wah, which was not nearly as good as the more distantly departed Hong Min (haven't been to remaining suburban locale - Pigmon, help?).


    I liked Cai quite a bit, but for whatever reason it didn't get me excited like Lao You Ju does. I should probably get back to Cai more often to really give it a fair shake. Then again I never liked Shui Wah very much, while everyone I know loved it, so what the heck to I know about good dim sum?
    Part of the secret of a success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.

    -Mark Twain
  • Post #131 - July 31st, 2014, 6:50 pm
    Post #131 - July 31st, 2014, 6:50 pm Post #131 - July 31st, 2014, 6:50 pm
    tapler wrote:
    marothisu wrote:I used to go every once in awhile to Furama with my friend and it was always OK - not amazing but not bad
    My friend compared Furama's dim sum to methadone: it satisfies the craving, but without the high.


    Satisfying the craving, without the high is a great description of where Furama has been for us lately. Not as greasy as it used to be, convenient enough so you will actually go, and yet you know there is something better out there.
    "I live on good soup, not on fine words." -Moliere
  • Post #132 - March 4th, 2016, 3:26 pm
    Post #132 - March 4th, 2016, 3:26 pm Post #132 - March 4th, 2016, 3:26 pm
    What are some good places in Chinatown and the surrounding area that do good dim sum delivery/catering?
    I want to have a good body, but not as much as I want dessert. ~ Jason Love

    There is no pie in Nighthawks, which is why it's such a desolate image. ~ Happy Stomach

    I write stuff.
  • Post #133 - March 5th, 2016, 11:41 am
    Post #133 - March 5th, 2016, 11:41 am Post #133 - March 5th, 2016, 11:41 am
    Pie Lady wrote:What are some good places in Chinatown and the surrounding area that do good dim sum delivery/catering?


    I wouldn't think dim sum delivers well, I've never been to a catered event that served it. I know Tony Hu's group does catering I'd call them and ask.
    For what we choose is what we are. He should not miss this second opportunity to re-create himself with food. Jim Crace "The Devil's Larder"
  • Post #134 - March 5th, 2016, 5:49 pm
    Post #134 - March 5th, 2016, 5:49 pm Post #134 - March 5th, 2016, 5:49 pm
    Both stores for Jockey Wok n Roll ares closed. The one at Mitsuwa, as well as the one on Higgins.
  • Post #135 - March 2nd, 2018, 12:56 pm
    Post #135 - March 2nd, 2018, 12:56 pm Post #135 - March 2nd, 2018, 12:56 pm
    Hello!

    I'm planning a dim sum day for a group of friends (5 of us) who are Chinatown newbies.

    I'm pretty darn new to dim sum as well having only had it at Cai and Triple Crown.

    I'm wondering what spot would be best to take the uninitiated? We are big fans of dumplings in general (who isn't) and open to trying things we've never had before.

    Any advice?
  • Post #136 - March 2nd, 2018, 3:19 pm
    Post #136 - March 2nd, 2018, 3:19 pm Post #136 - March 2nd, 2018, 3:19 pm
    I'd say Phoenix or Ming Hin. Both have plenty of approachable and adventurous options that they do well. If Phoenix still did cart service I would say there without a doubt to get the fun of the experience, but to my dismay, they abandoned that with the ownership change a year or two back.
  • Post #137 - March 2nd, 2018, 4:45 pm
    Post #137 - March 2nd, 2018, 4:45 pm Post #137 - March 2nd, 2018, 4:45 pm
    Enjoying Dolo more than the others these days. And they take reservations.
    "In pursuit of joys untasted"
    from Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata
  • Post #138 - March 5th, 2018, 3:04 pm
    Post #138 - March 5th, 2018, 3:04 pm Post #138 - March 5th, 2018, 3:04 pm
    Ming Hin in the suburbs was off the hook for me.
    Compared really admirably to all of the downtown places.
    Crispy Pork belly, with a little sugar to dip in
    I thought I died and went to heaven.
    "If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home."
    ~James Michener
  • Post #139 - March 5th, 2018, 3:07 pm
    Post #139 - March 5th, 2018, 3:07 pm Post #139 - March 5th, 2018, 3:07 pm
    Makes sense. They were the go-to on Cermak before they burned down yrs ago.
    "In pursuit of joys untasted"
    from Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata
  • Post #140 - March 5th, 2018, 5:12 pm
    Post #140 - March 5th, 2018, 5:12 pm Post #140 - March 5th, 2018, 5:12 pm
    My go-to spots are Dolo and Minghin, but recently tried Macau Tasty House and really liked them too! They're pretty busy on weekends but everything comes piping hot out of the kitchen. Sure it's not as nice as Dolo or Minghin but I thought the food was pretty close, and some items even better.
  • Post #141 - March 5th, 2018, 7:27 pm
    Post #141 - March 5th, 2018, 7:27 pm Post #141 - March 5th, 2018, 7:27 pm
    Jazzfood wrote:Makes sense. They were the go-to on Cermak before they burned down yrs ago.

    I think you're confusing Ming Hin with Hong Min.
  • Post #142 - March 5th, 2018, 8:11 pm
    Post #142 - March 5th, 2018, 8:11 pm Post #142 - March 5th, 2018, 8:11 pm
    You are correct. Sorry.
    "In pursuit of joys untasted"
    from Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata
  • Post #143 - March 7th, 2018, 2:37 pm
    Post #143 - March 7th, 2018, 2:37 pm Post #143 - March 7th, 2018, 2:37 pm
    CjenChicago wrote:My go-to spots are Dolo and Minghin, but recently tried Macau Tasty House and really liked them too! They're pretty busy on weekends but everything comes piping hot out of the kitchen. Sure it's not as nice as Dolo or Minghin but I thought the food was pretty close, and some items even better.


    Most everyone is telling me MingHin, but a few people are telling me MingHin is overrated and too popular.

    I've been debating between MingHin or Dolo. I've been to Dolo for dinner and it was very good and I've read great things about their dim sum. (I've never been to MingHin.)

    I suppose what it comes down to for me is that, since my friends have never had dim sum, I want to take them to an entry-level spot (if you know what I mean).

    I'm leaning toward Dolo.

    Thanks everyone for the input!
  • Post #144 - March 7th, 2018, 2:38 pm
    Post #144 - March 7th, 2018, 2:38 pm Post #144 - March 7th, 2018, 2:38 pm
    irisarbor wrote:Ming Hin in the suburbs was off the hook for me.
    Compared really admirably to all of the downtown places.
    Crispy Pork belly, with a little sugar to dip in
    I thought I died and went to heaven.


    Naperville or Rolling Meadows? I'll have to check it out. Most of my friends live in the burbs but I want to give them the true Chinatown experience. Thanks for the rec!
  • Post #145 - March 7th, 2018, 10:07 pm
    Post #145 - March 7th, 2018, 10:07 pm Post #145 - March 7th, 2018, 10:07 pm
    JellyShakeups wrote:
    CjenChicago wrote:My go-to spots are Dolo and Minghin, but recently tried Macau Tasty House and really liked them too! They're pretty busy on weekends but everything comes piping hot out of the kitchen. Sure it's not as nice as Dolo or Minghin but I thought the food was pretty close, and some items even better.


    Most everyone is telling me MingHin, but a few people are telling me MingHin is overrated and too popular.

    I've been debating between MingHin or Dolo. I've been to Dolo for dinner and it was very good and I've read great things about their dim sum. (I've never been to MingHin.)

    I suppose what it comes down to for me is that, since my friends have never had dim sum, I want to take them to an entry-level spot (if you know what I mean).

    I'm leaning toward Dolo.

    Thanks everyone for the input!

    Those are my two favorites. You won’t go wrong at either place.
  • Post #146 - September 5th, 2022, 10:34 pm
    Post #146 - September 5th, 2022, 10:34 pm Post #146 - September 5th, 2022, 10:34 pm
    I did not see a dedicated post for Peppercorns Kitchen, and so I will put it in here. I walked past Peppercorns Kitchen in Evanston on my way to the downtown Whole Foods, and they were doing lots of business, but they had a sign up, notifying customers that dim sum is temporarily off the menu.
  • Post #147 - September 6th, 2022, 10:25 am
    Post #147 - September 6th, 2022, 10:25 am Post #147 - September 6th, 2022, 10:25 am
    NFriday wrote:I did not see a dedicated post for Peppercorns Kitchen, and so I will put it in here. I walked past Peppercorns Kitchen in Evanston on my way to the downtown Whole Foods, and they were doing lots of business, but they had a sign up, notifying customers that dim sum is temporarily off the menu.

    There is a dedicated Peppercorns thread. Interestingly, it did not come up in the old site search but did via the Google powered search.
    -Mary
  • Post #148 - March 6th, 2023, 1:20 pm
    Post #148 - March 6th, 2023, 1:20 pm Post #148 - March 6th, 2023, 1:20 pm
    The Phoenix for dim sum yesterday with the bride and neighbors. Ran into an old school LTHer and his buddy and we all ate together. 25-minute wait. Not bad for a Sunday before noon.

    Everything was tip-top. And I Way Overordered. Love dim sum leftovers. Made up a quickly chili oil with a ton of Szechuan peppercorns to go with my leftover lunch.

    My mouth is buzzing like power lines running next to the highway.

    Phoenix dim sum. Count me a fan!
    Hold my beer . . .

    Low & Slow
  • Post #149 - March 7th, 2023, 3:52 pm
    Post #149 - March 7th, 2023, 3:52 pm Post #149 - March 7th, 2023, 3:52 pm
    At the same time, we were at Ming Hin in Rolling Meadows. Same problem with over ordering. Does Phoenix still have the carts on weekends?
    Evil
    If you aren't tasting, you aren't cooking.
  • Post #150 - March 7th, 2023, 10:47 pm
    Post #150 - March 7th, 2023, 10:47 pm Post #150 - March 7th, 2023, 10:47 pm
    Twas a good weekend for Dim Sum. I hit Dolo Sunday at 1p. I left stuffed, happy, and a big bag of leftovers. What is dim sum if you don't over order?

    Anyone currently at the top of the dim sum circuit? Any old favorites that trended down in the past but have rebounded?
    "And if you don't know, now you know." -BIG

Contact

About

Team

Advertize

Close

Chat

Articles

Guide

Events

more