Dim Sum Express, Monterey Park, CA

Dim Sum Express
326 N. Garfield Ave
Monterey Park, CA 91745
626-307-5800
Walk-up stand; 4 tables and benches on the side.
Parking in the lot behind.
Open 7:30a-7:00p.

Visited: May 2010, Late afternoon, Take-out


We were a little apprehensive in visiting this place because almost all of the dim sum items are sold by the piece, and that just seemed way too expensive (and unlike most other dim sum places). However, after we saw how large they were, and how tasty, we were sold.

The Siu Mai ($0.75) were large and plump, and very flavorful. I sometimes worry when siu mai are too big cuz they don't cook all the way through, but these were great.

The Har Gow ($0.85) had large pieces of shrimp - you could actually tell they were shrimp, not just minced orangey-pink bits. Very good.

The steamed Cha Siu Bao ($0.85) was also very tasty. There could have been a little more filling, but overall it was still satisfying.

The Hom Suey Goks ($0.75) were very large. They were a little greasey, but the dough was nicely chewy and the meat filling had a nice flavor.

We don't usually order Egg Rolls ($0.75) for dim sum, but thought we would try them while we were here. Yeah, no. They were nicely crisp and had lots of veggie filling, but they were very oniony. The overwhelming flavor was onion.

The flat Fried Wontons ($1.35) were disappointing. They tasted like fried egg roll wrappers (which is fine) but there was hardly any filling.

The Pot Stickers ($1.35 for 4) and the Steamed Dumplings ($1.25) had plenty of filling and were very tasty.

Also good was the Chicken Rice in Lotus Leaf ($1.65). The rice was tender, and there was the right amount of chicken filling. This would make a great lunch.

And the Turnip Cakes ($0.75) had a very nice pan fried char, and lot of yummy tasty bits.

The last thing we ordered, we were a bit disappointed in. They also feature some 'fast food' non-dim sum items. We tried the spicy Deep Fried Pork Chops and rice ($4.49). For the price, you get a lot of food. But it didn't have much taste - definitely not spicy.

Overall, we were quite pleased with this little dim sum walk-up stand.