China Gourmet

You can find good dim sum all over Chinatown, but even with all the classic choices, China Gourmet is the first place we think of when we’re in the mood for dumplings. The Mayfair restaurant has all the markers of a classic Chinese banquet hall—glistening chandeliers, pink tablecloths, and enough room for several weddings to take place at once. It’s the setting for Philly’s best dim sum staples, served up on oversized tables packed with large families and groups of friends.

photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo

Test the limits on lazy Susans with countless orders of delicately wrapped shu mai, aromatic chicken feet, and the creamy yellow egg tarts that whiz by on roaming carts, along with slippery rice noodle rolls and crispy fried shrimp balls.

There is a menu full of traditional Cantonese dishes, but if you’re there for dim sum (9:30am-3pm) it’s easy to overlook. That would be a mistake, because the crispy lobster with minced pork is a must-order.

photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo

Even if there’s a crowd waiting in the bustling entryway or parking lot of this Northeast Philly spot (and on the weekends, there will be), China Gourmet's service and turnover is remarkably fast, so buckle down with your in-laws and their in-laws, your friends, the kids, or your entire bowling league. Coming here is always worth the wait.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo

Crispy Lobster With Minced Pork

Despite the countless great dim sum dishes to be had at China Gourmet, this is the showstopper. Buttery lobster is stir fried with ginger, scallion, and salty chunks of pork.

photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo

Pork Shu Mai

These juicy shu mai have a blend of pork and shrimp filling. They're surprisingly light, and held together by a delicate dumpling wrapper. You'll need more than one order.

photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo

Crispy Shrimp Balls

These fried shrimp balls are super crunchy on the outside and have a smooth, dumpling-esque interior.

photo credit: Nicole Guglielmo

Salt And Pepper Squid

A mountain of fried calamari is tossed in a mixture of crunchy stir-fried garlic, ginger, and hot green peppers. It's fragrant, light, and addictive.