Pearl Court Restaurant - Cheap and Delicious Dim Sum - Toronto
I can't get enough Dim Sum. Luckily, Toronto is blessed with not only a large number of Chinese restaurants, but also a large number of Chinatowns! So when it's time to grab some Dim Sum, we've got lots of options.
Dim Sum is a mid-morning/early afternoon Chinese meal that consists of small portions of food (dumplings, rolls, buns) served in steamed baskets or small plates. Dim Sum items are typically chosen off of rolling carts that are pushed around the restaurant tables. I find this type of service not only fun, but really quite addictive. It combines the joys of eating with the addictive qualities of "impulse shopping". You typically learn very quickly to request all desired item off any cart that goes by, because the next time the cart comes around, that item may have been snapped up by other diners!
Dim Sum cart service at Pearl Court Restaurant. Photo: Robert Windisman
My go-to spot in Toronto is Pearl Court Restaurant. Why? It's inexpensive (you will eat massive amounts for less than CAD $15 per person.) It's delicious. And it's located in a part of downtown Toronto that is overly congested with traffic so parking (should you drive in winter) is not a big problem. (Free parking before 13:00 on Sundays!)
I stopped in on a weekday with my stand-up comedian friend David MacLean. We arrived just as cart service was ending (the lunch rush was over) so we ordered from the à la carte Dim Sum menu.
Pearl Court is know for their har gow (shrimp dumplings). If fact they are know as "The King of Har Gow" and I can attest to the large pillow-like size of their Har Gow! However, today we opted for the shrimp and chive dumplings (gow choi gow.) I find them just a good as the har gow, but with an extra "oomph" from the chives.
Shrimp and Chive dumplings (gow choi gow). Photo: Robert Windisman
We quickly followed up with another favourite: Pan fried turnip cake (lo bak gou) - chinese radish (yes, radish, not turnip!), rice flower and often bits of chinese sausage. I take mine with chilli oil (laht jiu jong)! Mmmm.
Pan Fried Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Gou). Photo: Robert Windisman
Next on the list were bbq pork buns (char siu bao). These fluffy steamed buns are filled with traditional Chinese sweet bbq pork (like the reddish-brown strips of bbq pork that hang in the windows of tradition hong-kong style bistros? I'll do a post on these bistros shortly!). These are always a dim sum favourite - even for dim sum beginners. You've gotta try these!
BBQ Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao). Photo: Robert Windisman
Next up? Steamed sticky rice filled with minced meat (typically chicken or pork) wrapped in banana leaves (lo mai gai). A traditional chinese comfort food!
Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf (Lo Mai Gai). Photo: Robert Windisman
Vegetarian bean curd rolls (sin zuk gyun) quickly followed! These consist of thin tofu "skins" rolled around thinly sliced vegetables.) These are light and refreshing - providing a nice break from some of the heavier Dim Sum items.
Vegetarian bean curd rolls (sin zuk gyun). Photo: Robert Windisman
Oh...here come the minced pork and peanut dumplings (fung guo). No problem! We can handle these delicious babies! Can we get some hot Chinese mustard (guy laht) please?
Minced pork and peanut dumplings (fung guo). Photo: Robert Windisman
Now...one last thing. Egg tarts (dan taht) for dessert! These are a light and flaky end to our wonderful meal!
Egg tarts (dan taht). Photo: Robert Windisman
The Verdict
You can't beat Pearl Court Restaurant for cheap and delicious Dim Sum. On weekends they open up the expansive upstairs to accommodate the crowds. Apart from Dim Sum, they also offer a full (non-dim-sum) menu with a vast variety of Chinese dishes. Do check them out!
Top Tip: If you are new to Dim Sum, grab some Dim Sum flash cards. They have pictures of the most popular Dim Sum items, the names in both English and Cantonese and their ingredient! Makes a great gift for Dim Sum newbies!
Dim Sum flash postcards published by Chronicle Books. Photo: Robert Windisman
Pearl Court Restaurant
633 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Y2
Mon-Fri: 9:00 to 24:00
Sat & Sun: 9:00 to 2:00
416-463-8778
