Ivette D.
Yelp
Okay, so the food was delicious but the service was insulting. So if you're wondering why the rating is low when dim sum is so scarce in Denver, you can put your health and safety or flavor concerns to rest. The service is just bad.
I would have had a better experience if I had read the reviews about the service and been prepared to be far more aggressive. Language barrier and cultural difference are likely a part of it and not just bad attitudes but regardless, it makes for a frustrating experience.
So
1. Cart ladies are inconsistent. They do not offer everyone the same options.
People all around us were getting items we had not been offered. I asked for a shrimp dumpling because I saw them serving it to the table next to me and and they said, "No, later." Later, when they offered a fried shrimp ball I tried differently, "I want a steam shrimp ball," and they laughed. Then later once again when other people were getting the shrimp dumplings and I asked for shrimp dumpling and they said, "No, later," I asked the new couple sitting next to us who had been served my coveted shrimp what it was called (Thinking maybe it wasn't even shrimp after all and the joke was on me.) And my neighbor said, "It's a shrimp dumpling." Needless to say, I never got my "shrimp dumplings."
2. Cart ladies at times don't even want to show you what's in the steam baskets.
Example: lady parks cart in front of our table and stares at us.
Me: what is it?
Her: waves at steam baskets
Me: what is inside ?
Her: Reluctantly opens the baskets
Me: what are they? Beef ? Pork?
Her: Loosely describes things I didn't want.
Me: Okay, no thank you
Her: You just say, "No no no"
Me: Thats how this works - You offer me items and if I want them, I say, "Yes," and if I don't, I say, "No."
It was petty. I shouldn't have said anything back. My bad.
I enjoyed what I did get to eat. The following were very delicious.
Pork siu mai - open face dumplings
Guortie - Pork Potstickers
Gai Mei Bao - Coconut Buns
Lo Mai Gai -Sticky Rice wrapped in lotus leaf
Oh and the Chile oil is deceptive - it's not that hot and very flavorful. Don't be afraid to go big.
Food I wanted to enjoy by wasn't offered :
Chinese Broccoli
Fried Rice
Sesame Balls
And what research has now revealed the shrimp I wanted was Har Gow, *crystal* shrimp dumplings.
Crystal, I guess being the operative word.
I will be trying out the other dim sum spots in town when I am craving Dim Sum next, but otherwise I'll return armed with a Dim Sum Glossary, a steam basket full of boldness and an extra serving of patience.