Second Bite: Lei Garden

My second trip to Lei Garden, I left quite disappointed. I admit their dim sum is delicious, but it’s too expensive, the portions are way too small, and if you go for a late lunch, then half the menu is sold out and no longer available.  But I really should not complain because at the end of the day, it was yummy dim sum and good dim sum is rare to come by in Beijing.

Highlights of my meal were the Mushroom & Veggie Baozi, Shao Mai, Beef Tripe and BBQ PorkRice Noodle:

Since half of the dim sum menu was sold out, the other dishes we ordered were a bit off the wall especially since the entire menu was only in Chinese and decided to just randomly order off the menu:

It’s such a shame that quality dim sum is not prevalent AT ALL in Beijing.  If you want good dim sum, you need to pay a pretty penny and the better dim sum is always in some sort of office building or hotel.

Where oh where are the little carts filled with steam baskets with Cha Xiu Bao (叉烧包) and Siu Mai (燒賣)??

Review of Lei Garden: 3/F, Jinbao Tower, 89 Jinbao Jie, Wangfujing – beside The Regent Hotel 金宝街89号金宝大厦3层 丽金酒店东侧, Tel: 8522-1212

Best Part:

• A popular dimsum destination, Lei Garden is always full (reservations are recommended)
• Quality dim sum in terms of quality ingredients, taste and presentation
• Clean, hygienic environment

Comments:

• Get there early or you run the risk of having all your dim sum favorites already sold out after the brunch rush.
• Portions and size of dim sum is miniature. They say good things come in small packages, but I prefer good value.
• Dim Sum Menu is all in Chinese and no photos making it quite difficult to order.  Come prepared with your dim sum vocabulary.
• Venue design is generic and staff and service is quite stiff and formal making the experience feel like you’re dining in a hotel.  Dim Sum should be a casual, comfortable affair.

Rating: (on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being best)

• Food: 7
• Atmosphere: 6
• Service: 6
• Overall Experience: 6