The Golden-ticket Fare

Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant may be the most recognizable eatery in Chinatown. Its large, red pillars have been used as a meeting place and geographical landmark for decades. Golden Palace has also been a hot spot for diners in the mood for dim sum and other Hong Kong-style delicacies. With three generations of family ownership, the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and is capable of hosting graduation parties, weddings and more.

It’s impossible to claim one dish as the restaurant’s best-seller: The favorites are many, depending on your cravings and appetite. However, manager Gary Lam offers his own recommendations.

First on that list may very well be Steamed Shelled Oysters with Black Bean Sauce ($11.95). Fresh oysters are steamed and topped with black bean sauce, diced onions, chili peppers and green onions.

“It’s like heaven,” says Lam with a smile. “What can I say? I’m an oyster guy.”

Lam suggests pairing the entree with rice, as it soaks up the thick and tasty sauce. Delicious.

Another Golden Palace top-seller is Chinese Snow Peas with Scallops ($8.95). The light and flavorful dish features carrots, straw mushrooms, green onions, peas and naturally sweet scallops.

One last recommendation by Lam is Bah Chun Style Tofu Casserole ($8.95). This dish translates to “eight treasures tofu casserole.” The bubbling pot is filled with char siu pork, squid, tofu, shrimp, mushrooms, green onions and carrots, stir-fried and then simmered until all the flavors blend together perfectly. Are you hungry yet?

Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant

111 N. King St., Honolulu
521-8268
7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
Dim sum starts at 7 a.m. daily