If you’ve been around Southern California or Orange County for some time, you’ve probably seen photos of bright yellow buns with wonky eyes floating around online. If you’re lucky, you may have seen it oozing sweet yellow egg custard from what may seem like a mouth. As if buns had mouths. But if you haven’t, don’t worry! Because I am here to introduce you to one of my favorite dim sum spots that have these delightful POKEbuns (pronounced like “I’m going to ‘poke’ you,” not “po-kay”, like the raw fish).
The Dim Sum Co is Orange County’s fast-casual authentic dim sum concept. Unlike a traditional restaurant, it is located at the entrance of a Vietnamese market in Westminster, CA. It is partitioned off from the rest of the market and has several tables for dining, but it’s definitely not a sit-down restaurant with table service. There are no dim sum carts and old Cantonese ladies coaxing you to order a tin of dumplings from their carts, no stamps, no waiting around for bad service.
Instead, this no-frills, hole-in-the-wall invites you to take a number, get in line, and order at the counter. Aside from a few made-to-order items like wonton noodle soup and XLB dumplings, almost every dim sum you could want is laid out on the counter for you to see – steamed dumplings, fried dumplings, BBQ pork buns, egg tarts, poke buns, and sesame balls. There are workers hustling to steam more dumplings in the back and tins turning over quicker than you can decide what to order. All signs that they’re serving fresh dim sum all day long. Until they sell out, that is. They sometimes sell out of the most classic (hence popular) dim sum like har gao (shrimp dumplings) and sui mai (pork and shrimp dumplings)! If you’ve seen the lines though, you wouldn’t doubt it. But rest assured, the lines move fast. Customers simply point at what they want, and those items are snatched up and ready to go.
My top picks at The Dim Sum Co
If you need a little help deciding what to order, these are some of my favorites that I recommend:
Sui Mai (Pork and Shrimp Dumplings): As mentioned previously, these dumplings are one of the classics! And the sui mai here are plump, juicy, and double the size of the sui mais I’ve had at other dim sum restaurants!
Har Gao (Shrimp Dumplings): Another traditional dim sum dish, these crystal shrimp dumplings are pretty, and their thin, sticky, translucent wrappers make them unique from other dumplings. These must be eaten fresh and hot! (Once the wrapper cools and hardens, it doesn’t taste great).
Fried Crescent Dumplings (“Footballs”): These dumplings shaped like a football have a fried mochi-like exterior. Crispy, chewy glutinous rice flour filled with a delicious savory pork filling.
Fried Seaweed Rolls: These are only available on the weekend, and you’ll definitely want to grab an order when they’re around! It’s a shrimp filling wrapped in seaweed and fried to a crisp.
Juicy Pork Dumplings: Steamed to order. These dumplings are one of my favorite dumplings! I love the thin, thin wrapper that holds the filling inside, and the burst of hot soup that fills your mouth as you take your first bite of the pork dumpling is so satisfying. Dip it in vinegar and ginger!
Wonton Noodle Soup: Made to order. If you’re looking for a more substantial dish rather than small bites, try the wonton noodle soup! It’s a big, comforting bowl of savory soup filled with delicious wontons and noodles, with a side of bean sprouts and lime.
Pokebuns: Steamed to order. If you can’t tell from above, these are a must-try. The sweet, creamy salted egg custard is unique and addicting. It has a slightly grainy texture, and when enjoyed hot, the runny custard with the fluffy bun is a real sweet treat. These buns are also super Instagrammable and will definitely catch your friends’ attention!
Egg Tarts: I am a sucker for traditional egg tarts, and these are simply delicious.
There’s so much more you should try, but if I go on, I may end up listing most of the menu! Tell me which is your favorite dim sum, or which one you would like to try and haven’t! Also, comment below, subscribe to my mailing list, and follow on social media to be entered to win a free meal!
📍 The Dim Sum Co
8900 Westminster Blvd, Westminster, CA 92683