Went to Dumpling Home on Gough yesterday. I wouldn’t usually think of getting dim sum in Hayes Valley but we were going to The Taste of Things a few blocks away. Surprisingly easy parking around the corner on Fell (free on Sunday).
There were maybe a dozen parties still in line when we got there a little after opening time at 11:30 but it took only around ten minutes to get seated at one of the sidewalk tables. Inside would have been a longer wait. Kind of surprised that not one street person walked through during our meal.
Green onion pancake was excellent, one of the best I’ve had.
Pan-fried juicy pork bao (house specialty) were delicious but be careful while eating them, they can squirt a long way.
Steamed pork bao had a juicy meatball filling, way more to my taste than the usual sweet stuff (which I don’t eat). Still not a fan of the steamed bread.
Smashed cucumber was good and a nice foil to the rich dishes. Not spicy like I usually see.
Dan dan noodles, only miss of the meal. There was red oil on the bottom but after I stirred it up, despite being flagged as spicy on the menu, it was not. Instead it was bland and a bit sweet. The pork didn’t stick to the noodles, which were a bit mushy.
Boiled napa cabbage and pork dumplings: I think these are the same kind of dumplings Great China makes though with a different filling. Good though Great China’s are better. Ate three of them before I remembered to take a photo.
Pork XLB were very good: thin skins, held together, did not stick to the paper, lots of broth, good flavor.
Pan-fried dried shrimp, egg, & chive pockets: nice strong bitter chive flavor, didn’t taste dried shrimp but good anyway.
Excellent dim sum with Shanghai and northern twists. Given the location, I was surprised at the high quality.