All repeats by now, but I want to add my favorites anyway. And I'll start with a funny story. I was at Phoenix in Chicago and the lady came by with the cart and offered me "Fried Calamari". Since Calamari is an Italian word, I was not expecting it from FOB Chinese lady with a think accent and I was SURE she offered me "Five Dollar Monkey". I asked her to repeat 3 times. So far my favorite restaurants (since I have never been on the Asian continent) are Joe's Shanghai in Chinatown NY and Din Tai Fung in Pasadena. So... OBVIOUSLY.. Xiao Loong Bao (soup dumplings) are tops also Scallion Pancakes No Ma Jai (sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaf) Braised short ribs in black bean sauce Pork Shu Mai Char-su Bao Fried Taro Cakes Sesame balls with sweet red bean paste Coconut Custard resembling Hawaiian Haupia
