Most dim sum connoisseurs categorically state that the best dim sum in LA may be found in the San Gabriel Valley (SGV). Sea Harbor, Elite, and Lunasia are a few they usually utter when asked. From my house, it can take just under an hour with no traffic to arrive to the SGV. With traffic, that could take an extra 30 minutes and sometimes more. I was thrilled to learn that a dim sum restaurant, Dim Sum 101, recently opened nearby Lomita.
Dim Sum 101 occupies the space where Muodo Shanghai resided. It is in the same corner mini-mall that houses Kotosh. The restaurant’s dining space is relatively small, with seating for approximately 20. Additional bar-type seating overlooks the kitchen, but it lacks sufficient counter space to accommodate many dim sum baskets.
They provide both an order sheet with a pencil and a menu with pictures of each item. The combination is helpful for non-Chinese-speaking customers like me. I’ve frequented dim sum restaurants that deliver in a cart or on a text-only order sheet that you need to check each item you want.
Dishes began arriving at my table steaming away, and I have not experienced this at other dim sum establishments. My wife likes to say, “I like my hot things hot,” and I agree that this freshly made dim sum experience was satisfactory.
The Spareribs were tasty and made with lots of minced garlic. The Shrimp and Mushroom Shumai arrived steaming at my table, and it was super fresh and moist and juicy inside.
Scallion Pancakes is a savory, unleavened flatbread folded with oil with minced scallions. I was delighted that their version is crispy and light and can act as a palate cleanser between traditional dim sum plates.
I paired my selections with hot tea. It was delivered in a Chinese teapot. Lifting the top, I was happy that they used tea leaves instead of a teabag. It was the ideal way to enjoy dim sum.
Dim Sum 101 is an excellent addition to the South Bay Asian restaurant scene. The food is high quality and made fresh to order. Most plates are priced at $5.68, which is quite a deal in the South Bay.
Dim Sum 101, 2418 Lomita Blvd, Lomita; 424.263.5530; dimsum101.com