Tantalising Tidbits at TungLok Teahouse: A Dim Sum Delight or Just Alright?

Dim sum, that delightful staple of Chinese cuisine, invites diners into a world of bite-sized treasures, each a potential burst of joy. TungLok Teahouse, a name revered among Singapore’s food connoisseurs, promises a traditional experience with its range of dim sum offerings. But does it deliver the culinary excellence it’s known for? Let’s dive into a detailed review of their varied dim sum items and find out.

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Silky Rolls and Seasoned Bites

Char Siew Chee Cheong Fun ($8.90) – The star here is undoubtedly the silky rice noodle roll. The char siew within, while unremarkable, does not detract from the overall enjoyment of this smooth, comforting dish.

Steamed Pork Rib with Black Bean Sauce ($6.90) – These small yet flavourful pork ribs, mingled with chunks of yam, offer a textural delight that enhances the simple joy of well-cooked meat.

Baked Chicken Char Siew Pastry ($6.90) – A miniature offering that combines chicken char siew and chicken floss in a pastry. Simple and tiny, this dish is straightforward with no frills.

Fried, Steamed, and Bland Surprises

Deep Fried Prawn Dumpling with Thousand Island Sauce ($6.90) – The crunchy prawns wrapped in a crispy shell make for a decent, albeit typical, fried treat. Not groundbreaking, but a reliable choice for those craving something crunchy.

Century Egg Chicken Porridge ($9.80) – This dish was a letdown with its lack of seasoning and tough chicken. While the portion is generous, the flavour certainly isn’t.

Steamed Pork Dumplings (Siew Mai, $7.90) – Here we find redemption! The fresh, crunchy filling of pork and prawn, nestled in a tender wrapper, creates a delightful taste profile that is both comforting and satisfying.

Moreish Morsels and Modest Buns

Pan Fried Turnip Cakes ($5.90) – These are a treat with their fluffy interiors and crispy exteriors. A touch greasy, yet undeniably tasty, they’re perfect for those who enjoy a bit of crunch.

Steamed Glutinous Rice with Lotus Leaf ($5.90) – Small but flavourful, these parcels pack a savoury punch that belies their modest appearance.

Steamed Char Siew Pork Buns ($5.90) – Tiny but tasty, these buns are slightly disappointing in size but make up for it with their flavourful filling.

The Underwhelming and the Simple

Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gao, $7.90) – The highlight is the fresh, crunchy prawn encased in silky smooth dumpling skin. A classic done right.

Baked Mini Egg Tarts ($5.90) – As tiny as advertised, these egg tarts are straightforward with a basic, but pleasing taste.

Xiao Long Bao ($6.90) – These could have been the crown jewels, but the tough meat and just-okay soup filling leave them trailing behind in the race for flavour.

The Verdict

TungLok Teahouse offers a varied dim sum menu that hits as often as it misses. The standout dishes like the siew mai and har gao remind us why we come to places like these, but overall, the small portions and the cramped seating arrangement detract from the experience. Service is competent, if not memorable, and the atmosphere could do with a bit more space. When compared with Taste Paradise, the verdict is clear: for superior taste, better service, and greater value, Taste Paradise wins hands down.

TungLok Teahouse Opening Hours and Location

Address: 10 Sinaran Dr, #01-73 Square 2, Singapore 307506