Dim Sum virgin seeks advice

Where are you going?

As I'm sure you can guess, loml and I tend to over-order horrondously ("Prawn dumplings are non-negotiable"), but go for a mixture of steamed and fried things (I adore the stuff in the casing that looks like high-density foam), with some pork, some beef and some seafoody fillings. And don't forget the custard buns.

Depends where you're going and what you like.

Like tapas, I'd aim for 2 dishes per person at the table, and then order more if that doesn't fill you up.

Favourites are Char sui puff pastry (or venison ones if you're at Yauatcha)

Har gau (prawns in transulcent steamed pastry)

Sui Mai (pork & prawn normally, can have scallops, in a yellow wonton type skin)

Cheong feun ( described as chinese canelloni, but only really in shape / 'pasta' type. made with rice flour. I like mine with king prawns. Comes with a sweet soy over the top)

Lor mai gai - a heavy one. Glutinous rice in triangular lotus leaf parcel with chicken, chinese sausage, chinese mushrooms etc. Can be excellent but depends on where you're going.

Chicken feet - up to you really. I can't stand them and don't see the point but some people like em <shrug>

Why, are you going to stalk us ? ?

Dragon Castle.

Liking the sound of custard and bun in the same mouthfull.

Do you have anywhere particular you're going? New World on Gerrard St in Chinatown does trolley service, the best way to have dim sum. It means you can just see things you like and point at them.

If it doesn't have trolley service I'd start by ordering some things that you like the sound of, asking them to suggest anything you should try and not overdoing it to start with. You can always order more if you like it.

I love the potsticker ones: sometimes called war-tip or shanghai style, basically pork that is part steamed and part fried.

Dim sum is my favourite.

Just curious <sharpens Global filleting knife>

We went there for a Chinese New Year dim sum feast a couple of years ago - really really good stuff. I'd avoid the ducks' tongues though, they are thoroughly nasty.

Pretty much WSS - although duck always makes it onto our list in some form.

Am highly amused at the thought of only ordering two dishes each to start off with - Mr Boop would spend the whole time worrying that he was going to run out of food ?. Less is definitely not more as far as he's concerned.

Waaaah you're right, I can't count. We always always over order. I've just realised we normally have WAY more food than that. I can't think what we do now. Perhaps we order our basics and THEN have 2 new dishes per person. ?

Thanks. Probably won't be ordering duck's tongues, chicken feet or ocelot's noses - all sounds a bit Roman.

But Har Gau and potstickers sound pretty good - I did go with some Chinese colleagues about 10 years back, but they ordered and I just gorged.

There is no risk of under-ordering. ?

Pieman, this may all be in vain. Looks like the mock tudor has "politician's second home" appeal.