Extra, Extra Greek Girl Eats Dim Sum for First Time!: China Garden, Irvine

Finally, I had my first taste of Dim Sum. It's been long over due, especially for a gal hailing from Cupertino, CA. I've had Dim Sum treats once at a Chinese New Year party hosted by one of my former clients, but eating dumplings on the 31st floor of some constipated law firm doesn't count. 

Dim Sum service began with a fresh pot of Chrysanthemum Tea ($2), a sweet daisy like tea with actual dried flowers floating the pot.


The Shrimp Har Gow ($3.50) were an immediate grab as the cart rolled by. I've had these before and was excited biting into the chewy tapioca wrapper. 


These particular ones seemed a little dry, but I enjoyed the shrimpy flavor with just a hue of scallion.


The Mathlete grabbed a Pan Fried White Turnip Cake ($2.25) for us to try. I thoroughly enjoyed the chewy, gummy texture of this cake and bits of salty meat and turnips.


The Sticky Rice Wrapped with Lotus Lead ($4.50), a Mathlete favorite, is something that I'd be better at eating in the dark. Miscellaneous pieces of meat scare me.


Still, it was fun unwrapping the rice baby. The flavors sung of mushroom, pork and soy sauce. It tasted delicious, but I had trouble swallowing all the meaty bits.


I noticed the Shrimp with Green Leek Dumplings ($3.50) on the menu, requested an order from our cart lady. I loved biting into the  chewy, glutinous wrapper to find fresh leek and sweet shrimp. This was my favorite dish.


I love Chinese style greens, usually quick fried with a bit of garlic. We requested some and they gave us Chinese broccoli, which was not exactly what I had in mind, but it was still nice to have some greens.


We went on a week day so not all menu items were available. It was an awesome first step into the Dim Sum world, and I hope to one day make Crystal Chicken Feet status :P


China Garden
14825 Jeffrey Road
Irvine, CA 92618
949.653.9988