Growing up with yum cha, I learned that there are several tricks to finding a good restaurant that serves it.
Yum cha is typically a "lunch only" thing. It is basically a Southern Chinese lunch ritual. In my family "Let's go out for some lunch" translates directly into "Let's go for yum cha". Therefore, trust the restaurants that are absolutely brimming with people.
~ You WANT it to be crowded.
~ You WANT to hear loud Cantonese conversations.
~ You WANT to see Chinese adults fighting over the bill even though neither of them really actually wants to pay it.
My friends and I came here several times despite my protests. "It's just NOT that good!" - I exclaim. But nope, they never listen...
Come here if you're interested in:
~ Low quality Cha Siu Bao. As someone who knows how to make Cha Siu Bao, these are not fresh. They have been reheated because the buns have lost all of their fluffiness and the sauce has bled through.
~ Bland Ngou Cherng. They skimp on the soy sauce and any other flavourings. This is one of my favourite yum cha dishes and if I take one piece and don't want any more, there is something wrong.
~ Mediocre Xiao Long Bao. Umm... hey excuse me! Isn't the whole point of Xiao Long Bao to have delicious soup inside? It is a Shanghai soup dumpling, after all. I am actually offended by the shriveled nature of my poor dumplings.
I'm trying to think of other dishes that I've tried from this place, but for some reason my memory fails me. But maybe that's just because I have "staple dishes" that I order from every yum cha place. Tao Tao House is more of a "would you like some chicken pie?" than "would you like some chicken feet?" if you know what I mean. It's more catered to Westerners - although the place is run by Chinese, it just isn't authentic.
Plus, they only bring out one trolley at a time and MAYBE 2 if you're lucky. After you're finished with one dish, expect a 10-15 minute stomach gurgling wait for the next trolley.
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