Dim Sum - Yum

  DIM SUM GARDEN RESTAURANT: 59 North 11th Street  Philadelphia, PA 19107

So no more than a block or so away from the Reading Terminal Market (see previous post) is another little food gem, serving up something very special - *MAGIC*.  At first glance the place looks a bit dicey, located under a bridge and tucked next to an alley, but I can assure you this place it LEGIT. Always tasty, very clean, and the service is friendly.  I go there mostly for their Soup Dumplings - they are little pockets of 'dreams come true' served up in the steamer tray.  I order the pork & crab (yes, pork and crab mixed together - who knew?) and they are always hand made from scratch and served up screaming hot.

Just take your dumpling, delicately lifting it by the top and set it on the large soup spoon they provide.  Then with the tip of your chopstick pierce the side of the dumpling and watch the magical soup spill into the spoon.  Now, (carefully) slurp it all up together after applying a liberal dose of their 'dumpling sauce' that always sits table-side - and let your taste buds wrap their minds around this magical mix of flavors.  It's salty, sweet, sour, spicy, umami, and bright all at the same time!

I can't stress enough to just take your time (because these innocent looking little dumplings will go like a forest fire in your mouth if you aren't careful).

Then to try something new I also got their noodles, served in soup (or not if you choose), I ordered the beef brisket (as recommended by the staff) and it was pretty awesome.  The broth is quite light but the brisket is nicely tender and spiced, accompanied by green onions, baby bok choy, cilantro, pickled cabbage, and a generous portion of their incredible homemade noodles.  Now, just add some siracha and this meal is hearty enough to fill up the hungriest, and warm up the coldest during this holiday season.

It's only a short walk from Macy's and other nearby retailers if you are out Christmas shopping and need to grab a bite.  Go on, it's the season for giving, so treat yourself to a some soup dumplings or any of their other homemade offerings.

Dim Sum Garden: 59 North 11th Street  Philadelphia, PA 19107 - it's near the corner of 11th and Filbert St.  You just head north of Filbert on 11th for about a half block and you will see this glowing gem calling you in to have some fresh hot tea (on the house).