Decor was more or less the same. Elegant and nothing to indicate it was a Chinese restaurant.
My usual dim sum drink of choice -- chrysanthemum tea, petals only.
When the restaurant changeover first came, the low price point was an incredibly low $1.88. The price has gone up so the small plates are $2.28, medium $3.28, large $4.28, special plates $5.88, and kitchen specials are $6.88.
Har gow (Chinese shrimp dumplings) $3.28. The picture doesn't show how translucent the dumpling skin really is, and that they were chock-full of large whole shrimp.
Lotus leaf sticky rice wraps $4.28.
Pan-fried potstickers $3.28.
I think these were the Chiu Chow pork dumplings $3.28? Although, in my head I was remembering them as pea tips shrimp dumplings, but couldn't find them on the menu again.
Taro cake $3.28. Love the light flaky layers with the mashed taro and pork filling.
Baked char siu bao (Chinese barbecued pork buns) $2.28.
Shrimp rice noodle $3.28.
Shark's fin dumplings $5.88. Good, but I thought the version at Elite Restaurant was better. More whole pieces of shark's fin and tastier broth there.
Forgot to show the filling last time.
Soft sweet tofu $2.28.
Durian tarts $2.28. These were my favorite items and great bargain when the low price point was $1.88. Look at the layers of flakiness. Less greasy than Elite's version.
Luscious and creamy durian filling.
Macau roasted pork belly $5.88. The crispy skin was a little burnt and hard. Better at Elite too.
Shanghai soup dumplings $3.28. My friend wanted to order these, otherwise, as I've said before, I normally skip ordering xiao long bao at dim sum restaurants.
Pork siu mai $3.28.
Chicken feet $3.28.
Bean curd skin wrap $4.28.
Pan-fried turnip cake $3.28.
Tripe $3.28.
During my last visit with Gourmet Pigs, we ordered durian tarts and they gave us durian pudding, $2.28. :( When we asked about the error, they told us the restaurant took the durian tarts off the menu. Please bring the durian tarts back! :(
Lunasia has been my dim sum restaurant of choice since the changeover from Triumphal Palace. I think the quality and service has gotten a touch better. Unless you specifically want the shark's fin dumpling or the Macau roasted pork, which are both better at Elite, I'd suggest Lunasia. Quality dim sum, reasonable prices, serene decor, and less wait than Elite and Sea Harbour Seafood Restaurants.
Please bring the durian tarts back! :(
August 4, 2011: Durian tarts are back! :)
For a look at their regular menu, including Peking duck carved tableside and lettuce wraps, check out my post on Lunasia Chinese Cuisine - Alhambra.
Other dim sum restaurant posts:
Bon Marche Bistro/B Village Cuisine (Dim Sum) - Monterey Park
Capital Dim Sum & BBQ - Monterey Park
CBS Seafood Restaurant (Dim Sum) - Los Angeles (Chinatown)
Dim Sum Express - Monterey Park
Elite Restaurant (Dim Sum) - Monterey Park
Full House Seafood Restaurant (Dim Sum) - Arcadia
NBC Seafood Restaurant (Dim Sum) - Monterey Park
Ocean Star Seafood Restaurant (Dim Sum) - Monterey Park
Sea Harbour Seafood Restaurant (Dim Sum) - Rosemead
Seaworld Seafood Restaurant BBQ & Dim Sum To Go - Rosemead
Top Island Seafood Restaurant (Dim Sum) - Alhambra
Yum Cha Cafe - San Gabriel
Lunasia Chinese Cuisine
500 W. Main St.
Alhambra, CA 91801
626-308-3222
Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
*****
1 year ago today, Nuoc Rau Ma (Vietnamese Pennywort Juice).
2 years ago today, some of my favorite restaurant and business names.
I love dim sum. I really should travel up there and try it one of these days. It's one of my favorite hobbies. LOL Trying new food at different restaurants.
ReplyDeleteYour orchid pic is pretty!
ReplyDeleteLooks nice! I almost would say the inside doesn't look like a chinese restaurant but those subtle marks are there :). To me this is exceedingly pricey in terms of dim sum, but everything looks great! The durian pudding is quite interesting.
ReplyDeleteAs for dim sum XLB, I only had one experience which was mind blowing. That was in Shenzhen at a hotel dim sum restaurant. Thin skin like DTF, but much flavorful pork filling and lots of juice! Yum.
Your pictures make me so hungry for some dim sum now... How were the chicken feet prepared? Is the soft sweet tofu similar to the Vietnamese tàu hủ nước đường?
ReplyDeleteBoooo! Down with durian! Don't bring it back!
ReplyDeleteDiana,
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived in OC, I used to drive up to SGV for dim sum. And in reverse, I sometimes go down to OC for Vietnamese food.
WeeMo,
Thanks!
ETE,
There's the live seafood tanks too, but they're blended into the decor. I just tend to avoid northern food in southern restaurants, and vice versa.
Ubercmuc,
Steamed with sauce. Similar to most places. The soft sweet tofu is the same as the VNese version.
Q,
Noooo! I loved those durian tarts!
great post. i agree, while lunasia's dim sum may be on the the pricey side, it is definitely justified by its quality. the har gows are huge and shrimp rice noodles are smooth and tastey!
ReplyDeletebtw, lunasia is promoting their gift cards on their site. you can get $10 for free when you buy $50 or more.
we already made our reservations for our xmas dinner. gonna watch the magic vs thunder there! muhahahaha
Gymrat,
ReplyDeleteI just tried another restaurant nearby for dim sum, and kept thinking the whole time that I would've paid less for way better at Lunasia. :P