You might feel a little overwhelmed walking into Joy Tsin Lau early on a Sunday morning when you're not quite sober or awake. Lanterns hang every foot or so, banners of characters and embroidered flowers adorn the walls, and red and gold paint covers every nook and cranny as far as the eye can see: it seems like everyday is Chinese New Year here. After a few minutes of soaking it all in, however, the colorful clutter that surrounds you starts to blend in with the lively hustle and bustle in a restaurant that is anything but dead on a Sunday morning.
For those of you new to the delicious Chinese tradition of dim sum, don't worry -- you'll get the hang of things rather quickly. Instead of badly translated menus with unknown ingredients, dim sum is as simple as point and eat. Carts with a selection of different prepared dishes (mostly dumplings) are continuously wheeled around so you can evaluate everything offered. With dim sum, dishes are meant to be shared and come with 3-4 small pieces, and each plate is only about $2-$3. All you do is point at what looks tasty and just like that it's on your table, ready to eat. For timid eaters, start with the pork shumai, steamed shrimp dumplings, long noodles with beef or shrimp, and sesame balls filled with red bean paste. If you feel more adventurous, you can try the turnip cake or the fried taro and meat dumplings. Given the prices, one wrong dish won't spoil your meal. No matter what your preference, you can take things at your own pace, grabbing another tray or two at your leisure.
To really dim sum like a seasoned veteran, you should be sure to get a table in the main dining room by the walkway; try to avoid corner tables so you won't be overlooked. Also, make sure you arrive before 11:30 a.m. or you will find yourself in a long line watching everyone eat happily as your stomach eats itself. So next Sunday morning, drag your roommates out of bed, push them into a cab, point, eat and walk away with a fresh start to the morning and full belly for only about $5-$8 a person. Not too shabby!
