Dim Sum and Then Some

404 S Atlantic Blvd, Monterey Park, CA 91754 (map)

This San Gabriel Valley favorite does justice to dim sum classics like shrimp har gow, pork shiu mai and fried turnip cake. Portions are generous and carts pull up quickly, leaving you full and satisfied before you finish your first cup of jasmine tea ... then a server passes by with a tray of shrimp rice noodles or flaky egg tarts and suddenly you're hungry all over again.

700 S Atlantic Blvd, Monterey Park, CA 91754 (map)

Signature dishes at this Monterey Park outpost include BBQ pork buns and shark's fin dumplings--order from the bilingual checklist menu for piping hot freshness every dish, every time. Waiters seem to watch tables like hawks, appearing frequently to refill tea cups and water glasses. In lieu of carts, servers walk around the room with trays of treats you didn't think to order earlier but suddenly find yourself craving.

3939 Rosemead Blvd, Rosemead, CA 91770 (map)

This popular dim sum spot updates the traditional experience with checklist menus and a few twists to the standards, such as shiu mai topped with fish eggs instead of the usual mushroom. Food arrives steaming hot, providing fresh flavors and the slight danger of burning overeager mouths. Chrysanthemum tea beats out the usual jasmine, and you can find shark's fin dumplings in addition to standard fare like shrimp har gow.

1220 S Golden West Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007 (map)

Don't sweat the language barrier: Servers here mostly speak Cantonese, which is challenging even for Mandarin speakers, but there's nothing wrong with pointing and nodding vigorously. (Not to mention the bilingual dim sum menus.) Dishes run the gamut from egg rolls to pork buns to beef tripe. Roast duck comes highly recommended and reasonably priced, whether for lunch or dinner.

1463 S Nogales St, Rowland Heights, CA 91748 (map)

Guests of this Westerner-friendly eatery are welcomed by an English-speaking hostess who offers a choice of hot tea and the ever-more-popular checklist menu and pencil. (Are we detecting a trend here?) The casual, bustling restaurant forgoes traditional dim sum carts but still delivers fresh seafood in bite-size and specialty entrees, including shrimp har gow and deep fried crab. Service is fast here--waiters whisk away empty dishes at breakneck speeds--but otherwise you're left alone to eat at your own pace.

19101 Colima Rd, Rowland Heights, CA 91748 (map)

At this swank yet swift favorite, traveling carts--now a significant draw for those seeking the traditional dim sum experience--offer specialties like shiu mai with Chinese sausage, chicken feet and duck tongue. Servers seem to zero in on newly-seated diners and cover the table with fresh, attractively-plated dishes within minutes. The dessert cart may try your patience, but waiters can hail it over for you if you ask.

17901 Pioneer Blvd, Artesia, CA 90701 (map)

The wait may be long at this Artesia powerhouse, especially for bigger parties who show up during peak hours, but any irritation will disappear as soon as you take in the fancy banquet-style dining area, complete with a glass chandelier and bamboo-lined wall. Smartly-dressed servers bring around carts and trays of hardcore favorites ranging from cow stomach to fried pork wrapped in seaweed. Unusual delicacies rival the standard fare in popularity and taste at this restaurant. If you're an adventurous diner, you will not be disappointed.