Dim Sum @ Restoran Hoong Foong , USJ 21, Subang Jaya

You do not need to go all the way to Hong Kong to get a formidable dim sum experience. And its nice to have an experience so close to home. I have been patronising this amazing place for years now. But I have yet given it the credit it deserves. Today will be that day.

One of the 3 dining areas

Hoong Foong is a typical dim sum shop located in USJ 21. Similar to Jin Xuang in terms of set up and feel, this place serves good quality food at great prices. They used to open in the evening, but for some undisclosed reason, they decided to open up to lunch. Still, dim sum has always been a breakfast item so not much of a loss there. 

First set of goodies!

And speaking of morning munchies, you better be here early. If you are here any later than 9, you would need to wait for a space or eat from a folding table by the roadside. Be that as it may, the trouble in getting to this place is worth it. And the first thing to order, would be the steamed items first. 

The well deserved close up. 

Like any self respecting dim sum connoisseur, siew mai and har kao dumplings are a must have in your eating session. They are both so simple, but difficult to masterly execute. And this establishment got it pinned down to a T. The pork stuffing for the siew mai has been seasoned well and the wrapping was firm but smooth. it was chewy but not too much and was as thin as paper. It is very annoying when you have to fight with your food. Not here though. 

Pretty!

The har kao prawn dumplings were expertly done as well. With a pearl like exterior, it gives a glistening glow to such a delicate dish. The prawns were fresh and also seasoned well, with a supple bite to it. The pleats are neat and tidy, a true testament to a proper dim sum chef. This one deserves a special shout out. 

Look at the pleats!

Their chive and prawn dumpling is not to be trifled with too. Looking like ziao long paos, it backs some serious punch in terms of flavour, especially with the extra aromatic vegetables in its filling. If you like to have you har kao with a bit more personality, this will fit in just nicely. 

Mouth watering

Speaking of paos, they are done well and are a joy to eat. If you are up for something savoury, their char siew buns are highly recommended. With that sweet barbecue glue holding on to that delicate and tender pork, this amazing texture is complimented with a contrasting one, which is the bread-like personality of the bun. 

Golden pillows. 

If you are up for something sweet, then the lou sar, or salted egg custard buns are your port of call. I do love these golden pillows of sweetness and also cannot recommend them enough. However, I do feel that this salted egg fad is getting a little bit too far. If we do not keep it under control, we might get salted egg durian custard in the future. And that would not be a good thing.

A collection of supporting acts. But no slouches here either. 

Steamed delights are not the only thing that this place is good for, as their fried and baked items are also of high quality. A particular shout out needs to be made to their daikon cake, which was savoury, slightly floury and crunchy at the same time. The aroma is outstanding and it has a little edge of sweetness to it, being related to the carrot. 

Not a carrot . Trust me .

And then again, the carrot is not too far behind! Despite being shaped as an orange coloured root vegetable, its actually deep fried sweet potato. And it was surprisingly good and it looked as good as it tasted, although it was a little deceiving to the eyes.

Sinful. 

The egg tarts are also something worth noting. The custard is soft, but not too runny, and has a caramel edge to it. The crust has a flaky feel, and is buttery and moist. If you had one of them in Macau, this will directly transport you back there. It is that good. 

Slurps. 

If you are more to having main courses, than a full on assault of tiny things, this place has got you covered. The mai kai rice parcels are very tasty and comforting. If you would like to have something lighter, chee cheong fun would be a good second option. The rice rolls that make up the chee cheong fun was delicate and felt like a curtain made out of rice flour. And it carries the sweet sauce it is soaked in well. I do recommend getting a mix of prawns and char siew. 

The fried counter area. Feel free to pick them up if you are not patient enough for them to be wheeled over. 

Overall, I cannot praise this place enough. Dim sum items are about RM5-7 per basket and main like the mai kai and chee cheong fun not exceeding RM10, so its serious gormet on a budget. Its simple, satisfying and comforting. 

The view of the other part of the dining area. This one is air conditioned. 

If you are looking for some high end avant-garde dining experience like the Concorde, then you are at the wrong place. But if you want some dim sum that really "dim" your "sum" ( as dim sum means touch the heart), then Hoong Foong has got you covered. 

Front of the house. 

So fancy a go? The address is as follows:

No77&79&83, Jalan USJ 21/10, 46500 Subang Jaya.