Dim sum from the heart

Dining on dim sum is one of my favorite cultural traditions — sitting in a loud, crowded Chinese restaurant, with servers maneuvering food carts in between tables and chairs, while we order baskets and baskets of steamed dumplings, along with other tasty dishes, such as baked manapua, custard tarts and more.

At Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant (111 N. King St.) in Chinatown, dim sum is served bright and early starting at 7 a.m. daily. The restaurant also has a convenient, takeout service at the entrance, which attracts a line of people before it even opens. Dim sum preparation stops at 2:30 p.m., but the restaurant’s regular menu is available throughout the day.

“We have the cheapest prices on the Island, but we don’t sacrifice on quantity or quality,” says manager Gary Lam. “Our chefs are from China, and have 40-plus years of experience in the kitchen.”

Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant has been a Chinatown landmark for decades, and continues to be a favorite for authentic Hong Kong- and Southern China-style cuisine. Its second floor ballroom (which can hold up to 400 people) also is popular for special events, such as weddings, birthdays and graduation parties.

The restaurant was purchased by Howard Lam in 2001, and his sons Gary and Sherman help manage the business. The family also owns Hoong Wun Market next door, which is where the eatery attains most of its vegetables, meats, seafood and poultry.

“We get to pick our ingredients straight from the source, so it’s very fresh,” notes Lam.

There are more than 40 items on Golden Palace’s dim sum menu, with each dish priced at just $2.29. Among the best-sellers are Pork Shu Mai, Spinach and Scallop Dumplings, Steamed Shrimp Dumpling, Baked Custard Manapua, Deep Fried Taro Puff and Deep Fried Seaweed wrapped with Shrimp. There also are some unique items, such as Chicken Shu Mai.

Also available during dim sum hours are Steamed Look Funn with Beef, Shrimp, Scallop or Char Siu ($3.90 each) and specials, including Shoyu Chicken, Roast Duck, Jelly Fish, Cold Scalded Boneless Pig’s Feet, Char Siu and Cold Ginger Chicken.

Portioned as appetizers, dim sum (which literally means to touch your heart) is the perfect meal for those who want to taste a little bit of everything.

Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant

111 N. King St.
521-8268
7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily