Chinatown in New York City once resonated with the vibrant energy of grand banquet halls, the go-to venues for wedding celebrations, special family dinners, and bustling dim sum feasts. While many of these iconic establishments have sadly faded, with notable closures like Joy Luck Palace and the once-mammoth Jin Fong, the heart of dim sum culture still beats strong at Royal Seafood Restaurant, located at 103 Mott Street.
While dim sum’s popularity has spread throughout NYC, finding its way into neighborhoods beyond Chinatown, Royal Seafood remains a steadfast guardian of authentic dim sum traditions. This is a place where generations of families once gathered, and still gather, to savor classic dishes like dumplings, rice noodle rolls, and custard tarts, amidst the joyful sounds of children and the watchful eyes of elders. For those wondering if this cherished dim sum world still thrives in Chinatown, a visit to Royal Seafood is a resounding confirmation. Replacing the former Oriental Food Restaurant over a decade ago, Royal Seafood is helmed by Chef Kendy Cheng, a Hong Kong native, ensuring an authentic taste of Cantonese cuisine right in the heart of Manhattan.
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The Vibe: Stepping into a Traditional Chinatown Dim Sum Hall
A visit to Royal Seafood Restaurant is a step back into the golden age of Chinatown dim sum. Arriving at 9:30 a.m. on a Monday, the restaurant was already bustling, quickly filling with a lively crowd. Within an hour, the place was packed, with patrons waiting eagerly in the entrance. A constant stream of dim sum carts, around ten at any given moment, navigated the room, offering a tempting array of dishes. The clientele leaned towards a senior demographic, estimated around 65 to 70 years old, creating a vibrant and convivial atmosphere. While fewer children were present on a weekday morning, weekends likely see a more family-oriented crowd. Adding to the communal vibe, unrelated groups often share tables, fostering a unique dining experience where you can observe and even exchange a few words with your neighbors about your dim sum selections.
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What to Eat: Must-Try Dim Sum at Royal Seafood
Royal Seafood Restaurant proudly upholds Hong Kong-style dim sum traditions. With most dim sum plates priced affordably between $4.50 and $5.50, indulging in a variety of dishes is easy. From the rolling carts, we sampled a delightful selection: succulent shrimp rice noodle rolls, generously drizzled with soy sauce by the cart attendant; flavorful beef and cilantro rice noodle rolls; steaming bamboo baskets filled with savory pork shumai; a rich bowl of braised tripe, a slightly higher-priced delicacy at $7.50; tender piles of tofu skin, thoughtfully halved for us; and perfectly made shrimp har gow, considered by many to be the pinnacle of dim sum. We also enjoyed the unique texture of rice noodle rolls stuffed with youtiao, a Chinese fried dough stick.
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Leaving thoroughly satisfied and full by 10:30 a.m., our entire and very generous meal totaled a mere $49.25, making Royal Seafood not only delicious but also incredibly affordable.
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What to Drink and Dining Tips for Royal Seafood
While you can opt for a Coke or even a beer with your dim sum, even in the early hours, the traditional and more common choice is green or chrysanthemum tea. Once complimentary, tea is now $1 per pot. To request a refill, simply flip the lid of your teapot.
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Dining Tips for an Optimal Royal Seafood Experience:
- Dim sum is best enjoyed hot, so take only one or two plates at a time to ensure freshness and warmth.
- Present your ticket to the cart attendant each time you select a dish; they will stamp it accordingly.
- There’s no need to rush. Dim sum is meant to be savored and enjoyed at a leisurely pace, allowing for conversation and connection with your dining companions.
- When you are ready to conclude your meal, signal a server to tally your ticket.
- Leave a tip and proceed to the register to pay.
Royal Seafood Restaurant at 103 Mott Street offers a genuine taste of Chinatown’s enduring dim sum culture. For an authentic, delicious, and affordable dim sum experience, Royal Seafood is a must-visit destination.
Royal Seafood
103 Mott Street, Manhattan, NY 10013
(212) 219-2338
Royal Seafood Website
