Hollywood East Cafe on the Boulevard, web site, 11160 Veirs Mill Road, Wheaton, MD, 240-290-9988 (Metro Trip Planner – opens in new window) [Washingtonian | WaPo | Yelp | Gayot]
Right now this is the best dim sum place around, although that has never been a strength of this area. They don’t just churn out the usual stuff, they are consistently interesting and make the dim sum with care. At times you might be frustrated by the delays. Very good greens too. I might add that they make stuff in batches, and you should stick around for about two hours, and save up space in your stomach, rather than filling up right away. Go slow, and make an afternoon of it.
Updated January, 2011
We have been eating dim sum for ten years and have hit at least ten major cities in the US and europe in search of the perfect dim sum…or as my husband says…the dim summit (forgive the horrible pun). This may be the closest we have come.This review hits the nail on the head when they say that it is interesting and made with care. After ten years, it is rare that we come across items that we have not experienced and today was nirvana. So many new and exciting tastes…and wonderfully presented.If you like chinese pastries, be sure to try the orange, carrot-shaped custard treats for something different. Awesome presentation and a cross between cream/custard buns and sesame balls. Oh, and the steamed duck dumplings are to die for!!!Definitely heed the advice to take it slowly because new things do indeed come out of the kitchen as the afternoon progresses. We were all wrapped up around 12:45pm and then the chow fun and greens came out. Sniff.If you are within an hour’s drive of this place, you MUST go. Bring your appetite and friends so that you can try more and share.
As a dim sum connoisseur with my favorite in San Francisco and 2nd choice in NYC, I loved this place. We were only able to go during the week while in town so be sure to note that the menu is limited M-F. I did some research and went with recommendations I found online; I loved the crispy bean curd w/ shrimp, sticky rice w/ scallions, vegetable buns, pork buns, turnip cake, and stuffed pepper. Only the spare ribs disappointed. And, tricky as it can be, check your bill — they tacked on $12 in extra charges for items we didn’t order! They quickly corrected it once pointed out.
Don’t be deterred by the Wheaton location — this place is a must for delicious, high-quality dim sum!