Shanghai Dimsum House LTD, the #1 cheap eats in Burnaby’s infamous Crystal Mall Food court.
This Vancouver Gem specializes in the juiciest Xiao Long Bao (XLB, soup dumpling), a type of small Chinese steamed bun traditionally prepared in a xiaolong, a small bamboo steaming basket.
Walking up the escalator in the Crystal Mall food court, I see many food stalls. The Crystal Mall food court reminds me of the Richmond Night Market (without the expensive fees), and reminds me of food courts in the Philippines.
I am particularly drawn to Shanghai Dimsum House, the yellow stall at the very far right corner. Many Tik Tokers have vlogged their experience as this is the best place for Xiao Long Bao, and Shanghai Style Pan-Fried pork buns.
For time reference, I ordered my food at approximately 11AM. For a weekday, it was quite busy. I ordered #12 Lanzhou Style Beef Noodle Soup, #13 Shanghai Style Steamed Mini Pork Buns (Xiao Long Bao), and #14 Shanghai Style Pan-Fried Pork Buns. The prices were very cheap for #12 for $8.95, #13 for $7.80, and #14 for $8.30. I would consider it a good deal (especially in times of inflation). Be sure to bring cash! Like most Asian cheap eats, Shanghai Dimsum House only accepts cash.
This was the first time I got to try Shanghai Style Pan-Fried Pork Buns. They were good! I found that I went to try them again at a different restaurant and liked the Shanghai Dimsum House ones better. They give big portions, are very juicy, and are flavourful. I rate it 10/10.
The Xiao Long Bao was the best I have ever had. Very juicy, very flavourful. The Tik Tokers were not wrong about this one. I rate this dish 10000/10.
Unfortunately, I have to say the opposite for the Lanzhou Style Beef Noodle Soup. Honestly, you are better off eating your favourite instant noodles. There was no flavour, the cilantro added nothing. The only redeeming quality was the beef which was not even that great. I rate this dish 2/10.
Overall rating: 9/10. Get the Xiao Long Bao and Shanghai Pan-Fried Pork Buns. Not sure if anything else will taste better since many people only rave about these two items. If you want to try something else on the menu, I suggest you don’t. There are lots of food options in Crystal Mall, you are better off eating other items elsewhere.
Shanghai Dimsum House LTD. is located at 4500 Kingsway, Burnaby at Crystal Mall.
Operating hours are: Sunday- Saturday 11AM-7PM, Wednesday CLOSED.