Dim sum, a traditional Chinese meal of small dishes and snacks, offers a delightful culinary adventure. Often enjoyed at brunch with tea and loved ones, dim sum typically includes steamed, baked, or fried dumplings and other delectable bites. It’s akin to Spanish tapas or a Super Bowl snack spread, but with a unique Cantonese flair. Dishes are often presented on wheeled carts, allowing for a visual feast as you choose your selections. Sometimes, ordering involves marking down desired quantities on a paper list.
Dim sum’s roots trace back to Southern China’s Guangdong region, eventually spreading to Hong Kong and beyond. Cantonese dim sum culture blossomed in tea houses during the late 19th century in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong. These tea houses provided respite for Silk Road travelers, who then carried the tradition of dim sum’s bite-sized delicacies throughout their journeys, particularly popularizing it in Hong Kong. Today, dim sum encompasses dishes and traditions from all over China.
While personal preference dictates dim sum choices, exploring various options and seeking recommendations is encouraged. From meats and seafood to vegetables and desserts, dim sum caters to a wide range of palates. Popular dishes include shumai, steamed dumplings, BBQ pork buns, egg tarts, and even chicken feet. The true essence of dim sum lies in the experience itself.
Fashion Dim Sum in Edmonds has achieved local fame, particularly for its adorable piggy buns. These custard-filled treats, with their surprised expressions, were even featured on the cover of Seattle magazine.
Beyond the piggy buns, Fashion Dim Sum boasts a menu filled with standout dishes. Seafood shumai, ginger tripe, pan-fried pork buns, and taro shrimp cake are just a few of the must-try items. Daily specials and rotating images on in-house TVs provide further inspiration for diners. Don’t forget to grab some frozen buns to enjoy at home!
Edmonds provides a vibrant dim sum scene, with several restaurants offering their own unique take on this culinary tradition. Dumpling Generation, conveniently located on Highway 99, offers a variety of fresh meat and vegetable dumplings. Their warm service and additional dishes like cold noodles and colorful salads ensure a satisfying meal.
Furi Chinese Restaurant, situated in downtown Edmonds, features a concise dim sum selection within its broader menu. Steamed and pan-fried buns, succulent pork dumplings, and flavorful green onion pancakes are among their offerings. Their fresh, made-to-order dishes are served by a friendly staff in a spacious setting.
Harvest Wonton Noodle, a newer addition to the Edmonds dining scene, shares a location with Fashion Dim Sum on Highway 99. This Hong Kong-inspired establishment specializes in spicy dumplings, along with congee, noodles, rice dishes, and various soups.
T&T Seafood Restaurant, another Highway 99 gem, presents an extensive array of dim sum options. From shrimp dumplings and steamed bean curd to spicy beef honeycomb and custard tarts, their diverse menu caters to a wide range of preferences.
Finally, Wonton Noodle House, known for its deep-fried buns and other fried delights, rounds out the Edmonds dim sum experience. Located on Highway 99, this restaurant also offers wontons, pan-fried rice rolls, Chinese donuts, and a comforting selection of soups.
Edmonds offers a rich tapestry of dim sum experiences, each restaurant contributing its own unique flavors and ambiance. Whether you’re a seasoned dim sum enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Edmonds provides a delicious journey into the heart of Cantonese cuisine.
