This kooky Cantonese joint feels like a funhouse with its long open tables and gaudy patterned sofas. The décor is kitschy but fun, and we especially enjoyed the cartoon characters on the menus and placemats, and the humongous dim sum soup spoon. Service is quick and friendly, and the food is very similar to Sanlitun Village fast-food dim sum eateries like Chao Dian and Herbal Café—quick, simple and sufficient.

The shaomai (¥22) are extraordinary, with huge whole shrimp on top. They were flavorful in taste and succulent in texture. The oyster barbecue pork buns (¥16) were served just the way we expected—a standard savory classic with luscious oyster sauce. The liushaobao (¥16) keeps the traditional flavors of this sweet egg and sugar custard but wraps it in a green tea bun, which we were skeptical about at first glance. However, the tea flavor of the bun was mild and added just a hint of taste without overpowering the rest of the dish. The black pepper turnip tripe (¥19) is a most authentic, chewy peppery pleasure.

However, we were disappointed that some dim sum staples, like barbecue pork buns, were unavailable on our visit. There were also many issues with the vermicelli beef roll (¥22). The texture was mushy, the rice wrapper was too thick, the golden mushrooms that were supposed to be included were nowhere to be found, and the ingredients tasted like the dish came out of a freezer bag.

The dim sum here isn’t stellar, but it’s sufficient enough that if we lived or worked in the area, we would stop by for a meal.

Our rating: 3.5/5 stars

DETAILS

What: Biao Mei

Where: Bldg 8, World City, 8-9 Jinhui Lu, 金汇路8-9号世界城商业街8号楼

Tel: 8353-5999

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