Everyone knows that weekend mornings are all about brunch in New York City. Well, change up the eggs-and-bacon-and-mimosa routine and go for a late-morning meal of dim sum instead.
Dim Sum Go Go: There's no grand ballroom or waiters pushing cards at this red-and-white toile-walled Chatham Square spot, but you won't miss them. Ordering is done by marking off a menu, but if you don't see something you want, the kitchen can make it (like Chinese broccoli in oyster sauce). The turnip cakes are chewy and flavorful and the roast pork buns are perfectly pillow-y. You'll be glad you went.5 East Broadway; 212-732-0796Vegetarian Dim Sum House: Any vegetarian or vegan knows that ordering dim sum can be a nightmare -- except at this made-for-them Chinatown restaurant. Standouts at this non-descript spot include the mashed taro "treasure boxes," Peking spare ribs (made from yams) and rice flour rolls with mock ham and coriander. For something fruity and sweet, go for a non-dairy kiwi shake.24 Pell St.; 212-577-7176Chinatown Brasserie: Unlike most dim sum spots, this elevated East Village palace is best in the evening. Fancy $13 cocktails like the Golden Tiger (Belvedere IX vodka, muddled black cherries, lemonade and brunt orange twist) complement the upscale and playful dim sum creations of Hong Kong-born chef Joe Ng; some menu standouts are the lobster cream cheese sticks and asparagus and shrimp in applewood bacon. Don't worry: more authentic favorites like roast pork buns and shrimp-and-snow pea leaf dumplings are also on the menu.380 Lafayette St.; 212-533-7000East Harbor Seafood Palace: Crystal chandeliers; red and gold dragons; aggressive waitresses in yellow shirts pushing carts: this expansive Sunset Park eatery has all the makings of a true dim sum experience. This also includes the food -- like silky, smooth homemade tofu with ginger sauce, chicken feet freshly prepared at your table, and congee porridge. While in the area, make sure to check out the nearby Chinese markets.714 65th St., Brooklyn; 718-765-0098Golden Unicorn: With its over-the-top gold dΓ©cor (think flashy floor-to-ceiling curtains and chair covers), this Chinatown staple lives up to its name. Located in an office building, it offers all the cart classics: steamed sticky rice with chicken in lotus leaf, shrimp dumplings and the sweet sesame balls are solid choices. Like many dim sum spots, the service isn't standout (you'll probably need to ask for water more than once), and it pays to show up on the early side, but it's still a nice change from bacon and eggs.18 E. Broadway; 212-941-0911