It's China Week here at All Purpose Dark.
I'm researching a Chinese food piece, so look forward to some updates. Plus, all the pre-Olympics hype has got me missing China. Haven't been there since October and was jonesing for some dim sum and crazy eats. So I recruited Ross, an adventurous eater who possesses an open mind and even more accommodating stomach and we set out for the South Miami strip mall where South Garden works its dumpling magic. They do trolley service on the weekends and the place was packed with Chinese families. I like to know what I'm getting at these places and luckily most of the cart gals spoke English but there were a few mix-ups (tripe soup I'm looking at you) but it was an otherwise enjoyable feast. We got shrimp-stuffed eggplant, fluffy pork buns, stuffed bean curd, fish balls (eerily similar to gefilte fish), gelatinous rice pancakes wrapped around fried dough (loved the melding of textures there), fried sesame balls, fried turnip cake and fried bean curd stuffed with vegetables - the last one being best in show. Each plate is $2-$4 making for a wonderfully cheap and fun weekend breakfast.
South Garden, 10855 SW 72nd St.
(305) 274-8788
12 comments:
My favorite dim sum joint is Tropical Chinese. The cart ladies are fast and furious and the food is really good. The leek dumplings are always my favorite. Prices are great and you can be in and out in no time. Heck, one time I had food on the table before my ass hit the seat!
I'm available for recruitment. Have you tried Lung Gong? I've heard great things, despite the odd website (bagels and lox?): http://www.lunggongrestaurant.com
bm - I've heard mixed things about Tropical Chinese. I was really impressed with South Garden.
rob - glad to know you're game! Just tried Lung Gong and loved it. Any other rec's?
I went to South Garden for the first time last Sunday. I like their dim sum more than Tropical. The food is less salty and more fresh.
The pictures you took looked like what I ate also! The sesame balls were the best I have had in S. Fla.
Sara, whats your opinion on Mr. Chus, alton and 8th.
They have dim sum and i think it is decent. Prices not bad either. For people living on the beach, less gas money! Is south garden that much better?
I hear ya on the gas mileage issue. Mr. Chu's is defintiely a pricey alternative. Better to go there for the roasted duck than dim sum - it's usually 4 pieces for $6 which can add up quickly if you're a dim sum fiend.
Head up to 163rd St and try Sang's and then Jumbo's for Dim Sum
I think you gotta give Tropical a try and make your own assessment. Ive never had a bad meal there and I dont find it to be overly salty. Everyone's different though. Ive also had Jumbo's and thats pretty good but too far north for me. Kon Chau on Bird in South Miami area is pretty good dim sum too but no cart ladies. Cart ladies are a factor in my dim sum selection.
Chowfather - been to Sang's and Jumbo - both great options but I was in the mood for the cart ladies. Was really impressed with the chewiness factor at Sang's, the dough had the right thin-yet-chewy quality that I love.
bm - Have yet to check out Kon Chau, also a bit of a drive for me.
Sara-
Mark in your calendar next time you come to NY, we are taking a trip to Buddha Bodai. Vegetarian dim sum heaven. Sticky rice balls galore! My favorite way to order is to ask the Chinese ladies next to me what they are eating.
blogmaster Simi - you got it! Did I ever take you to Veggie Dim Sum on Pell St.? It's also BYOB which I love.
Is Miami ever going to get Soup dumplings like the ones at Joe's Shanghai on Pell st?
If i had to pick one dish to get down here, that would be it!
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