I’m sure my face as I heard the clinking of the carts this past Saturday morning at China Star Dim Sim Lounge was one of awe and excitement. My first time at Dim Sum was marked by trying different foods I hadn’t had before or had some iteration of, but one would ask, how had the Maven never had Dim Sum? Well, for years I heard of it but wanted to go with someone who had eaten it before and knew what they were doing. Of course my good friend Ani ( owner of Humanity Style in DTL) was up to the challenge and took me out so I could experience this dream world of different flavors, textures and straight out deliciousness.

So lets talk about location- China Star is located on Middlesex Street in Lowell with easy access to everything else. The restaurant itself is large and also serves as a function hall for events and more. I loved it- it was spacious, well lit & beautifully decorated. This restaurant reminds me yet again how much we have local to Lowell. So many different cultures and ethnic food groups reside here in Lowell and it continues to amaze me every time I try something new. I have been a resident for over twelve years and I am still finding new places to eat at.

So what is Dim Sum? Well according to my research the Dim Sum we eat here in the United States, Australia, Canada and the UK originated from Hong Kong in the 1950’s. The traditional dishes we eat during Dim Sum originate from the Guangdong Province and have a variety of different flavor components comprising of steamed, fried & baked goods. Fresh food in bamboo or metal containers is brought around in carts, you choose which one you want to eat and then they mark it down on your little slip. Each flavor was unique and bursting with flavor. It is also a great experience, sitting around the table, drinking tea, speaking with friends and family. This sense of community intrigued me because I love sharing food with friends and family at the table and just having a good time.

If you’ve never had Dim Sum, try it. It transports you to a different time and place. Really one of my favorite food experiences yet.

What did we eat??? Read on and take in all the pictures!

Exterior!

Hot tea for drinking & chili oil for dipping

So it begins…

Literally my face all morning…

1. Siomai | Open wrapped dumpling filled with pork & shrimp

2. Chang Feng or Rice Rolls | Noodles with beef filling

3. Har Gow or Shrimp Dumplings | Shrimp in a translucent wrapping

The first three dishes we ate! I mean look at how beautiful they are!!

4. Pai Gwut or Steamed Pork Ribs | Pork rib tips steamed with whole black beans & oil

5. Fried Wrappers full of Shrimp & Chive

6. Dàn Tà or Egg Tarts | Delicious egg custard in a flaky crust- nice and warm too

7. Siapao | Steamed pork buns

I mean look at the filling???

8. Fried Soft Shell Crab – Incredible

This cart full of goodies – cant wait to go back!

All the bamboo!

I hope you all enjoyed this journey into my first adventure in the Dim Sum world, if you’ve never been its an experience you must try.

• Please note that Dim Sum is eaten early in the day like when we would eat breakfast and brunch. The carts are taken around during the day but you can order these same things off the ala carte menu if you don’t make it in time.
• Also go early – it starts filling up quickly and then you will wait and wait 🙂 We went at 9 am and it was perfect.

Always the foodie,

Life as a Maven

*Some of this Dim Sum knowledge came from these two websites, here and here

Check them out for some cool tips and facts.