Dim Sum in Chicago’s Chinatown
March 17th, 2010Filed under: Exhibitions
Dim Sum steamer baskets piled high. John Alderson, photographer
This post is sure to make you hungry.
Not surprisingly, one of the best parts of developing the My Chinatown object theater experience was the food.
Over the past couple of years, I’ve spent days and days in Chinatown—meeting people, touring businesses and schools, conducting interviews, filming, and, of course, eating. Every time I was invited to meet with a member of the Chinese American community they insisted that I eat with them—moon cakes, steamed buns, formal dinners, and of course, Dim Sum. It’s my new favorite.
Watch the kitchen professionals prepare and serve Dim Sum at the Phoenix Restaurant in Chicago’s Chinatown. Videography by John Paterson, Exhibit Media, Inc., Chicago
If you’ve never experienced Dim Sum you’re in for a treat, but like so many of the great food experiences in Chinatown, timidity is not your friend. You must be bold. So here’s a bit of information to help you have a great Dim Sum experience.
Typically Dim Sum is served during the early part of the day. It’s like a late morning or midday brunch. Restaurants often have a separate Dim Sum menu with brief descriptions and pictures of the different dishes. Ask for one. Dim Sum dishes are not too expensive so you can afford to try one or two that might not suit your palate. The shrimp dumplings are an easy choice and the chicken feet are a staple for the experienced Dim Sum diner. There are quite a few vegetarian dishes as well. Sometimes Dim Sum is served from carts that roam between the tables when a new batch of Dim Sum comes out of the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to ask what’s in the small steam baskets stacked on the cart. You might just discover your favorite Dim Sum.
Lotus leaves set for Dim Sum. John Alderson, photographer
During the filming of My Chinatown the crew spent almost an entire day filming at the Phoenix Restaurant along Archer Avenue between Chinatown and Chinatown Square. Owner Eddy Chin allowed us to have full access to the entire restaurant and film Dim Sum from the kitchen to the tables. It was an eye-opening experience.
Are you hungry yet?
Learn more about Chinatown traditions in the My Chinatown exhibition, the Museum’s first multimedia theater experience, now open.
> Plan a visit to see My Chinatown
Tags: Chinese American community, Dim Sum, John Russick, My Chinatown, Phoenix Restaurant, Video