Heading to Vancouver in December, looking for the best congee in town.

[uhockey]

Hello all,

Heading up to Seattle and Vancouver in Late December/Early January and am currently putting together my agenda with two of my biggest desires being high quality dim sum and someplace serving top notch congee - two things that are near impossible to find in central Ohio.

I've alread tabbed Sun Sui Wah for dim sum but was wondering if dim sum is available all day or only at breakfast/lunch/brunch? Additionally, is this the best choice for upscale dim sum or am I overlooking something better.

With regard to the congee question, I tend to like more creamy (think risotto-esque) preparations but I understand there are many styles to be found in cities as diverse as Vancouver. Is there any place serving the sort I suggest and also, if there is someplace serving a more toothsome version that is even better where should I look?

Thanks in advance.

http://endoedibles.com

[uhockey]

Thanks all for the recommendations - given the weakness of Chinese (and Asian food in general) here in Ohio I'm planning to try 3 of the following spots - some for congee, some not. Which should be left off?

Sea Harbour (Dim Sum)
Jade Seafood (Dim Sum)
Sun Sui Wah (Dinner)
Peaceful (XLB and other small plates)
Shanghai Garden (XLB, etc)
Kintaro Ramen (Ramen)

Trying to get as broad a sampling as I can in 3 meals - maybe 4.

http://endoedibles.com

[fmed]

A couple of suggestions:

SSW - go to Jade for dinner instead
Peaceful - XLB is not one of their strong dishes. You should have their pulled and shaved noodles too. My fave is actually their Xian cold noodles. The noodles are cooked in a special noodle steamer.
Shanghai Garden - gone ( were you meaning to type Shanghai Village perhaps?). Go to Beijing Garden and order from the back half of the menu (the green listings). SIchuan. The front half of the menu is their Canto food.
Kintaro - solid Ramen, though my current fave is Santuoka.

[uhockey]

Thanks all! I've been looking at Sherman's site quite a bit actually and have e-mailed him for advice as well.

At this point thinking Jade and Sea Harbor for dim sum, Shanghai River for XLB and Sichuan, and Sun Sui Wah for a dinner but I need to look at the other options.

Thanks again!

http://endoedibles.com

[LotusRapper]

Other options may include a large bottle of Pepto Bismol ....... ;-)

[uhockey]

You've clearly not looked into my eating history. ;-)

Family may be at risk of tapping out on day one, though.

And, those are all of different days - fyi.

http://endoedibles.com

[ja_rtw]

Chiming in with my opinion:
Long's over Peaceful
Santouka over Kintaro
Michigan Noodle for congee

[LotusRapper]

One option worth considering, IMHO:

http://www.shermansfoodadventures.com/2011/09/place.html

http://www.604munchies.com/2011/03/30/the-place/

http://chowtimes.com/2011/04/06/the-p...

XLBs are quite decent, and all their other dishes (ones I've had) were consistently good too.

[fmed]

I haven't been there in quite a while, so I am unable to personally recommend it. But it was quite good the last time I went (maybe 2 years ago at this point).

[clutterer]

Went about 10 days ago. Amazing value for the dollar. Went on a Tuesday night and it was packed.

[LotusRapper]

Not sure how creamy or toothsome you prefer. But I always found Congee Noodle House (Broadway @ Main) and its cousin Congee Noodle King (KIngsway @ Joyce) in Vancouver to be consistently good.

Not aware of any places that offer the traditional Cantonese dim sum at dinner time, if there are I'd be quite surprised. But IMHO one does not need to go high-end to enjoy good dim sum. And to that end, I vote:

- Red Star (Vancouver, Richmond)
- Kirin (Richmond location preferred)
- Sea Harbour (Richmond)

There are many other medium to above-medium places with v. credible dim sum. Others here will handily offer suggestions.

[fmed]

I had a nice, creamy congee at Michigan Noodle House in Richmond recently.

[LotusRapper]

Found a couple of pics to back Fmed:

http://www.creamyblue.com/2011/08/michigan-noodle-restaurant-richmond.html

http://www.followmefoodie.com/2011/04/michigan-noodle-shop/

And the congee prices:

http://www.urbanspoon.com/u/menu/762955

[uhockey]

Thanks! Nice recommendations, and an extensive menu.

http://endoedibles.com

[usspinkerton]

For upscale dim sum, also check out Fisherman's Terrace in Richmond. I prefer them over Kirin.

[uhockey]

Can I assume most of these spots do dim sum during the week and not just on weekends?

http://endoedibles.com

[bevo]

Our fav dim sum the past few months is Red Star in Richmond. Their service is excellent and the food is consistently good. If you go, do try number 30 on the dim sum menu...Fish Paste with Bean Curd in Rice Roll..tis a special treat!
20% off before 11am during the week and 25% off before 11:30am on weekends.