Shower Dad with delightful Chinese treats

Diced Winter Melon Soup ($13.95)

Do yourself a favor and make time for a visit to The Mandalay this week. The restaurant’s dim sum offerings will feature a rather rare and truly delightful bun called Xiaolongbao ($4.50).

Also known as Shanghai dumplings, xiaolongbao originated in China’s Jiangnan region. The bao — three plump pillows filled with minced pork, shrimp and soup, which are made fresh daily — are named for xiaolong, the steamer baskets in which they’re cooked.

Xiaolongbao ($4.50)

“It’s one of the favorite dim sum in Shanghai, and a very authentic one,” says manager Wilfred Leung.

Quite time consuming to make, the little buns are filled with aromatic broth and require a bit of skill to eat. The trick is to pick up the bun with chopsticks in one hand and take a small, delicate bite from it while holding a big spoon under the bun, catching the soup as it streams out. This treat is worth the effort and drive to Alakea Street for a true taste of Shanghai.

The Mandalay is conveniently located on Alakea Street downtown.

In addition to Xiaolongbao, hungry customers can satisfy dim sum cravings with other beloved bitesized treats, such as shrimp dumplings, baked barbecue pork buns, and pork hash, to name a few.

An entree sure to please any appetite is Hoi Nam Chicken, a delicacy from China’s southernmost province ($16.50 half chicken, $33 whole chicken), marinated and cured overnight with ham and other ingredients.

Hoi Nam Chicken ($16.50 half chicken, $33 whole chicken)
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Another star dish is the eatery’s Diced Winter Melon Soup ($13.95), a warm-weather delight consisting of shrimp, chicken and mushrooms.

“It’s summertime, and winter melon soup helps to decrease the heat,” says Leung. “The soup is served hot, but it’s not as heavy as some other soups. It’s very favorable.”

Mandalay Special Lettuce Wrap ($19.95) is a great option, too, as it features a mixture of vegetables and one’s choice of meat, such as pork or chicken, served alongside crisp pieces of lettuce.

Mandalay Special Lettuce Wrap ($19.95)
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A few tables still are available for The Mandalay’s Father’s Day Buffet Dinner this evening. Treat your favorite father to a feast that includes a whole roast pig, crab legs, Peking duck, prime rib, and more for just $32.99 per adult, $18.99 per keiki (ages 3-12), and $27.99 per senior (60 years and older) — scheduled seating times are 5 and 7:30 p.m.

The Mandalay satisfies Chinese cravings seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.