Shanghai Dimsum House - Burnaby

The broth itself had a beautiful golden hue, rich, fatty, salty, and extremely hot. I even got a little splash in my eye, but it was totally worth it. Just be cautious when you bite in, as the soup can squirt out! This broth was incredibly comforting; I might be exaggerating, but I honestly felt it could cure any ailment if I were feeling under the weather. Alright, I've talked enough. I'm just so excited to have tried these buns!

The stall and food court get very busy during peak hours. Both the steamed and pan-fried pork buns are sizable, with a thick outer layer, and are surprisingly filled with a generous amount of broth. The pork filling was good, though a few of the pan-fried buns were nearly burnt.

Despite the high ratings for this restaurant, it didn't quite live up to my expectations. We ordered soup dumplings and pan-fried dumplings and had to wait about 30 minutes for our food, as the place was quite busy. While both types of dumplings were very juicy, and the pan-fried ones were cooked well, those were the only highlights of the meal. The filling and broth had an unusual sweetness reminiscent of something drenched in maple syrup. I'm not sure if this is a signature flavor they offer, but it didn't work for me—it was simply too sweet. Additionally, I found the skin of the soup dumplings to be on the thicker side, which I didn't find appealing.

I visited this restaurant on a weeknight, and it was lively with customers! If you're thinking of dining here, I highly suggest making a reservation. I've been here numerous times with my family, and they've consistently exceeded our expectations. The service is exceptional—staff members are both friendly and attentive. The food is always fantastic. The dumplings and buns are incredibly juicy and generously stuffed with meat. The chicken dumpling soup is full of flavor, and we always make sure to order it when we come. Another dish you shouldn't miss is the smoked duck! It tends to sell out fast, so consider preordering or arriving early (before 7 PM)!

The food at this restaurant is truly delightful, offering a great variety of options. However, the service can be hit or miss, varying from excellent to just average. The xiao long bao is particularly fresh and delicious. I also appreciated the clear dessert soup, which was flavorful yet not overly sweet, providing a perfect conclusion to the meal.