"If you're looking for solid dim sum in the DC area, Hong Kong Pearl Seafood Restaurant is a standout, particularly thanks to their fantastic and friendly service. After conducting some research, it’s clear that this spot consistently ranks high on dim sum lists, and their numerous positive Yelp reviews validate that they’re doing something right.
We arrived at 11:30 a.m. on a Saturday and had no trouble finding parking in their large lot, which is part of an Asian-focused strip mall with a nearby ShareTea. As expected from a popular dim sum restaurant, there were plenty of customers waiting, and the parking lot was full. Surprisingly, we only had to wait 15 minutes for our party of three, and the turnover was quite quick! The spacious interior definitely helped as well.
Once seated, we realized we needed a high chair for our small child, and the hostess was very accommodating, asking whether a high chair or booster would work better. She couldn't have been friendlier.
There's nothing quite like the authentic atmosphere of a dim sum restaurant, where older ladies circulate with carts full of delicious treats, and Hong Kong Pearl didn't stray from this experience. The menu featured a variety of daily dim sum options, including roasted pork and shrimp rolls, pork dumplings, chicken feet, sticky rice, and more. We ordered a selection, and everything was quite tasty. While it may not be the best dim sum we've ever had, it was certainly solid.
The only downside was the limited dessert options; we didn’t see any of our favorites, like coconut jelly or steamed sponge cake, which are especially delightful when served warm. We speculated that they might not have them that day.
Despite the hustle and bustle, the service was exceptional. Even though the hostess was busy seating guests, she took the time to offer to take our photo while we were trying to snap a selfie. She went out of her way to be helpful, and her kindness extended to our child as well. The other staff members were also very friendly toward us and our little one, which is often surprising in a busy restaurant setting.
Overall, the dim sum variety was decent and the quality was good. The spaciousness of the restaurant contributed to a high turnover and quick seating. The outstanding service certainly earned them extra points. This is definitely a convenient place to stop for dim sum, even on a busy day."
