Date: February 22, 2025
Restaurant: Cai Lan Hong Kong Dim Sum
Location: 7th Floor, Sege International Shopping Center, Xiao Zhai Station, Xi’an Metro Line 3, Room 7203.
Hey guys! Yesterday, I took my family on a little culinary adventure to the Cai Lan Hong Kong Dim Sum in Sege International Shopping Center, located on the 7th floor in Xi’an. It’s the only Cai Lan branch in the city, and you know how legendary the man himself is! Let’s skip the small talk and jump right into the dishes!
Hawthorn Juice: The Ultimate Appetite Opener, Generously Free!
Rating: ★★★☆☆
As soon as we walked in, the waitress brought over some homemade hawthorn juice from Cai Lan. The appearance was stunning! The soft orange-pink liquid sparkled in the glass, with hawthorn fruit floating delicately inside. One sip, and the sweet and sour flavors intertwined, with the fragrant cinnamon, dried tangerine peel, and refreshing bergamot all dancing on my taste buds. It immediately opened up my appetite!
Fresh Shrimp Red Rice Roll: The Perfect Combo of Fried Shrimp and Red Rice Skin!
Rating: ★★★☆☆
The fresh shrimp red rice roll is a classic in Hong Kong dim sum. Cai Lan’s version features translucent red rice skin wrapped around golden, crispy fried shrimp. The first bite was a delightful crunch on the outside, tender shrimp on the inside, with soy sauce adding just the right touch. I couldn’t stop! Though, I must say, perhaps I expected a little more excitement from the fried food, but still, it was satisfying.
Black Pepper Money Guts: Rich Oyster Flavor, Black Pepper Kick!
Rating: ★★★★☆
When this dish arrived, I was immediately struck by its beauty! The golden, glossy sauce enveloping the “money guts” (beef tripe) was so inviting. The first bite hit me with a strong oyster aroma, followed by a slow burn of black pepper. The flavors blended perfectly! The white radish underneath was the finishing touch—it cut through the richness and added fragrance!
Handmade Turtle Pineapple Bun: Too Cute to Eat, But with a Rich Butter Flavor!
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Oh, I’m a huge fan of pineapple buns, especially the ones at Tai Xing Restaurant, but the handmade turtle-shaped pineapple bun here was almost too cute to eat! I couldn’t bear to take a bite. But when I did, the crispy exterior and rich butter filling made my inner pineapple bun fan shout with joy!
Crystal Clear Shrimp Dumplings: A Subtle Balance of Tradition and Innovation
Rating: ★★★☆☆
The shrimp dumpling is a classic Hong Kong dim sum dish. Cai Lan’s version has a slightly white color with black sesame sprinkled on top, giving it a fresh look. The filling features big shrimp and fresh bamboo shoots, creating a delicate flavor—nothing too extraordinary, but it was a nice balance between tradition and modern twists. It kept the classic taste while adding something new.
Salted Egg Yolk Shrimp Siu Mai: Juicy Explosion with Intense Mushroom Flavor!
Rating: ★★★★☆
This dish was a big surprise! The skin, in a salted egg yolk color, enveloped a filling of mushrooms and fresh shrimp. As soon as I took a bite, the juices burst out, and I almost had to gasp for air! The mushroom flavor was incredibly intense and delicious—definitely one of the highlights.
Purple Perilla and Sand Ginger Steamed Ribs: Fresh and Unconventional, Warm and Flavorful!
Rating: ★★★★★
When this dish arrived, the refreshing scent of perilla immediately caught my attention. The ribs were placed on a bed of Li Pu taro, making it even more enticing. The fragrance of perilla and sand ginger greeted me first, followed by tender and juicy ribs that left me wanting more. Simply irresistible!
Basil and Black Bean Sauce Chicken Feet: A Spark of Innovation and Tradition!
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Cai Lan’s chicken feet are fried, so they have a bit more texture than the usual soft ones. The peanuts underneath were infused with the unique flavors of basil and black bean sauce. Honestly, I thought the peanuts tasted better than the chicken feet!
That’s all for today’s Cai Lan Hong Kong Dim Sum review! Overall, the flavors are quite authentic, and we tried a few classic dishes. I highly recommend the Purple Perilla and Sand Ginger Steamed Ribs and the Black Pepper Money Guts! I’ll definitely be back next time to try more new dishes. If you’re short on time in China but want to sample various delicious foods, you should definitely check out Cai Lan Dim Sum in Xi’an! If you have any questions or dish recommendations, drop a comment below. Love you all!
