most unassuming dimsum spot: the best i’ve had 😩

as a lover of dim sum, i've tried so many dim sum places and this has consistently been my #MyGoTo 🤤 i've always thought of gatekeeping it so it doesn't get too crowded ✊ but i guess today is the day where i #spillthetea on where it is — especially since it's been getting pretty popular too as of late! i've been there more than 5 times (even though i thought the place was a bit sketch the first time) & it’s none other than hong kong dim sum shop 😮‍💨

so i can assure you that it's solid - and definitely consistent, which is super important for a dim sum place! so if you've been looking for a good dim sum spot, look no further - i got you 👀

📍190 Middle Rd, # 01-06 Fortune Centre, Singapore 188979

🚶 5 min walk from bencoolen!

📆 daily 8am - 11pm

— VIBE CHECK 🧘🏻‍♂️ | 3/5

one thing that makes this lil spot truly reminiscent of the hk experience is how hit or miss the service is: 3/5 times where i'm there it's amazing, but there are some days where they may be a lil grouchy / too busy 😩 the spot is also super unassuming since it's located in fortune centre and honestly isn't the prettiest, but it definitely gets the job done really well. it's also super near smu so when i was a student, this spot used to be our go-to for a quick comfort meal! if it counts as a lil perk, every table has free tissue 🤡

— FOOD CHECK THO 🥟 | 11/10

i've been there so many times and honestly i feel their standard has been pretty consistent - that's super important for a dim sum place imo. the menu is also quite extensive, ranging from the regular suspects like har kow and char siew pau, to mains such as chicken chop noodle and porridge. they also have lots of desserts & solid old school drinks - so you're gonna get spoiled for choice 🤤

with that, let's dive right into our top picks after visiting regularly:

— THE PAUS: MY ALL-TIME FAVOURITES 🍞

honestly paus are my favourite part of dim sum: especially when it's warm, QQ and yet generous with the fillings. i think this place checks most of the boxes.

✔️ crispy bbq pork bun ($4.8 for 3) 🐖

the true MVP that's always sold out - it's a bit smaller than the usual paus, but it really is a 3-in-1 (adorable visuals, crispy sweet top, warm & juicy char siew inside)

✔️ salted egg yolk custard ($6.0 for 3) 🥚

the liu sha really wasn't playing and it'll be sure to serve that satisfying ooze and maybe even scald your tongue if you aren't careful!

✔️ salted egg lotus seed paste bun ($6.0 for 3) 🪷

it's like a mooncake but in pau form - loved that the lotus was fragrant but not overly sweet & don't underestimate what the lil bit of salted egg can do!

— THE MAINS: THE CRAFT IS IMMACULATE 👌

beyond the individual dim sum items, i love that they also have filling mains if you ever want a solo fix:

✔️ three egg prawn porridge ($6.0) 🍤

this was a hidden gem?? it has an egg beat into the porridge, along with century and salted egg which created this super creamy consistency with savory bits in every bite which was PERFECT with prawn.. craving it rn.. 🤤

✔️ chee cheong fun w bbq pork ($6.0) 🐷

ok honestly we were a bit skeptical about how worth it'll be especially with its small size but it really wasn't playing - probably one of the best ccf i've had. jam packed with meat and the dough was QQ but soft? love.

❌ hk style vege bee hoon ($9.8) 🥦

with so many phenomenal dishes, some things have to give - and this was it. probably one of the few things on the menu i wouldn't recommend, simply because it was good with wok hey, but it doesn't have much meat or protein - not super worth the price imo!

— THE DESSERTS: SOLID STUFF ONLY 🍮

this was probably the highlight for me everytime i visited...

✔️ black sesame glutinous rice ball w peanut ($5.0 for 4): 🥜

this is actually my fam's favourite - because of how QQ the mochi is and how that is balanced with the crunchy peanut and fragrant sesame inside. served warm, it's so filling that it could be a meal on its own on some days.

✔️ rock sugar osmanthus jelly ($4.8) 🌸

this is literally the loml - i order this every single time regardless of who i'm with. this place was where my love for osmanthus jelly began, and this one rly turned me into a convert. love how sweet and light this is, whilst being refreshing with a herbal twist.

and of course not to forget the drinks - pair it with a lil kopi o kosong for just $1.50 and you have a whole meal to get you through the day ☕️

overall, this spot is pretty affordable for students and anyone in the area really - especially considering the quality of the food you're getting. fortune centre is also home to amazing korean food upstairs, so i think there's lots to look forward to in this familiar space 👁️ even though i'm no longer studying at smu, i still head back once in awhile just for the dim sum so maybe i'll see you there next time if you visit 👋

#lemon8food #FoodReview #foodrecommendations #dimsum #dimsumsg #hiddengem #FoodDeals #lunchideas