Eating Dim Sum for the First Time

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by: wyantchen
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Word Count: 536
Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 Time: 12:16 PM
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Dim sum is an age-old Cantonese culinary practice. Translated as "to touch the heart," dim sum is fast becoming a breakfast or lunch choice for many. An ever-present item in Chinese restaurants, dim sum are small portions of specialty food which usually comes on trays or carts that are brought to you by a server. The attraction of dim sum is that it can be enjoyed by everyone, from an intimate affair between two, to a larger bunch of diners. Dim sum provides an opportunity to taste and sample from a mishmash of dishes. Here are tips to help initiate first timers.

Choice of Dim Sum Restaurant

Diners new to dim sum would do well to check with locals or friends for the best places in town. It is common belief that no two dim sum restaurants are ever alike. Those who eat dim sum fairly regularly end to eat at many locations, reserving the best places for special food trips. The general rule of, the more crowded the restaurant-the better the food, is often true in the case of dim sum. Some restaurants offer dim sum every day while many places only offer dim sum during specific morning to afternoon hours on weekends. The latter kind of dim sum restaurants tend to be crowded on these hours, so be prepared for the long queues. Although dim sum restaurants serve a basically similar sampling, each will have it's own unique touch to the preparation and presentation. Take note also, each dim sum location may offer specialty dishes that may not be found elsewhere.

Dim Sum Waiter

Since the restaurant servers are assigned to push food carts and carry trays to many different tables, a waiter is assigned for every table to attend to the tea or drink orders from the diners. Upon seating, the waiter will introduce himself and begin to fill the table glasses with water. The waiter can also answer any question regarding pricing and to assist with containers to pack up leftovers.

Pricing of Dim Sum items

The most baffling part dealing with eating dim sum for first timers is the method of pricing. Usually, the menus do not list the prices for the items, and neither do the carts carry a hint of the pricing. Dim sum restaurants may have a price list nearby the entrance to the place, categorizing prices by the size of the dish, but often do not indicate which food items are classified into each size group.

Patrons are handed a cardboard the size of a brochure with boxes. The server ticks off the boxes to make a tally of what the customer has ordered. When the customer is done eating, the card is then presented to the counter where the bill is issued. It's rather difficult to have an idea of your running bill; it becomes known only when the card is taken to the register. Since some specialties can be pricey, it is all right to ask the server about the prices of specific items. Also, ask the billing clerk if waiter's tips or gratuity has already be included in the total.

About the Author

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