In the fast-paced, competitive world that is today’s business climate, owning a successful restaurant can be a challenge unlike any other. Yet, with the right tools, namely a genuine love of food and desire to share that passion with others, culinary serendipity inevitably results. For Darren and Elaine Li, owners of the newly opened Ocean Dim Sum in Waipahu, that love first blossomed while living in their hometown of Canton, China.
“Growing up, cooking was a significant part of our lives and something we passed on to our own children,” says Elaine, whose daughter Michele works as restaurant cashier. “The food speaks to our own personal heritage, so we take the extra time and effort to ensure everything is done well.”
Made completely from scratch, Ocean Dim Sum’s dishes pay homage to some of Canton and Hong Kong’s most revered dim sum eats with a local twist. Popular choices include Deep-Fried Pork Hash (five for $4.50, one dozen for $9.50) and Half Moon (five for $4.50, one dozen for $9.50). “We cook everything for that day only to keep the ingredients fresh and extra tasty,” says Darren. “Customers can mix and match whatever appeals to them.”
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- Steamed Manapua Mini Chicken (three for $2.75, six for $5.50, one dozen $9.50)
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- Half Moon (five for $4.50, one dozen $9.50)
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- Steamed Pork Hash (five for $4.50, one dozen $9.50)
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- Egg Tart (three for $3.50, one Dozen $12), Baked Mini Manapua Char Siu (three for $2.75, six for $5.50, one Dozen $9.50), Gin Dui Coconut (three for $2.75, six for $5.50, one Dozen $9.50) and Baked Mini Manapua Red Bean (three for $2.75, six for $5.50, one Dozen $9.50)
In harmony with the restaurant’s impressive lineup of dim sum favorites, including Taro Gok (three for $2.75, one dozen for $9.50) and Egg Custard Bun (three for $2.75, six for $5.50), no trip to Ocean Dim Sum would be complete without some famous manapua.
The couple recommend Steamed Manapua Mini Chicken (three for $2.75, six for $5.50), as well as the classic Steamed Manapua with Chair Siu (three for $4.50, one dozen for $17). “To keep our manapuas fresh and allow them to retain more flavor, we make our own sauce, as well as the honey glaze on the exterior,” says Elaine. “In the end, you can tell it’s so much more flavorful with a nice, fluffy, textured bun.”
For a limited time only, Dining Out readers are welcome to take advantage of a special Hot Deals offer available at the Waipahu retail store, redeemable for a $20 voucher for only $12 (not valid on drinks) and a $40 voucher for $26 toward catering with a one-day advanced order. Vouchers are available for purchase via HotDealsHawaii.com. The deals are not combinable with other offers and/or discounts, and are valid for six months.
Ocean Dim Sum
94-370 Pupupani St., Suite 101, Waipahu
847-8888
Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Waipahu, HI 96797
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