SOUTH CHINA DIM SUM BAR

I have said it before: there are restaurants you won’t go back to, restaurants you would like to go back to and those you have to go back to.

South China Dim Sum Bar is the latter.  The fans just pack in.  Don’t even think of not booking. What an utterly sublime experience of delicious food, fabulous service and the perfect wine match.

We were greeted by Olive, who ,with Bianca, served the entire restaurant the evening we were there. We were there over a period of about two and a half hours and they must have served 50 people.

Ed, the owner, just beavered away in the kitchen with his one assistant, Pam, producing little plate after little place of deliciousness.

There were six of us and we virtually went through the menu of steamed buns, dim sum, braised beef with jasmine rice, hawkers noodles with tofu right up to the ending which was hot little steamed buns stuffed with sweet red bean paste.

The wine we chose, which was the perfect accompaniment to all this Asian deliciousness, was the Newton Johnson Felicité Pinot Noir 2012.  On the blackboard at an even-handed price of R110.00.  It came chilled, which was perfect, and was served in chunky French bistro glasses, which was enchanting.  There is a short eclectic wine list, ideal for a small busy place like this.

OF NOTE
Where  289 Long Street, Cape Town (just below the Long Street Baths)
Trading hours Lunch is served Tuesday to Friday 12:30–3 pm, Saturdays 11:30 am – 3 pm. Dinner is Tuesday to Saturday 6:30–10 pm
Contact +27 78 846 3656

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Photography Michael Olivier