Dim Sum Restaurants usually consist of large banquet rooms packed with hungry customers. They are extremely popular and waiting lists are quickly form. These restaurants have largely been closed since March and a couple of them in Monterey Park recently opened. One such establishment is Elite Restaurant.
The experience now is completely different. The parking lot is mostly empty and the dining room is closed. At the entrance, you are requested to pick your selections by checking the boxes on their “to go” menu. Since the “to go” menu does not include pictures, it is helpful to either be familiar with dim sum or to perform some research before you arrive.
Pork shu mai is one of Elite Restaurants’ most popular dishes. They are larger than most shu mail and require at least two bites to consume them. They are juicy and delicious. It is definitely something you should order.
If you enjoy egg yolk, you are bound to like the Golden Cream Bun. The sweet-tasting bun is filled with a runny, sweet and creamy egg yolk and gently steamed. When you bite into the fluffy bun the creamy yolk mixture inside quickly greets you.
What makes the Macau Egg Custard is the super flakey pastry that surrounds it. The Portuguese egg tart is a must-eat for visitors to the city of Macau, located on China’s southern coast. The sweet, soft tart consists of a baked egg custard inside a flaky case, caramelized on top.
The Shrimp Rice Noodle was my favorite dish that day. It was simply made with shrimp stuffed inside of fresh rice noodles. After dipping that in Chinese mustard and soy sauce, the silky goodness took over my senses.
Elite Restaurant still serves some of the best dim sum in the area. Even better, their prices are quite reasonable. Each of the dishes I tried was approximately $6 each.
Elite Restaurant, 700 S Atlantic Blvd, Monterey Park, CA 91754; 626.282.9998
eliterestaurantchinese.com