Cha Lau Dim Sum is a new restaurant near Yonge and College serving up, you guessed it, loads of dim sum. We stopped in a few days ago shortly after opening, and were pleasantly surprised by a more classy take on our favourite of Sunday brunch choices.
Cha Lau is the new Cha Liu Dim Sum Shop. The latter was a midtown hotspot that closed about a year ago over issues with landlord…or so the rumour goes. We aren’t complaining though, because a more central locale means easier access to some tasty Chinese fare. The restaurant is adorned in dark woods and traditional accents, with Chinese garb obviously playing a large part in the space’s appeal. However, unlike some of its competition, Cha Lau doesn’t overdo the allusions to the Eastern Sun.
The dishes on offer are fairly standard, with some twists in the mix. We loved the shu mai, and the assorted dumplings of any filling you can think of were tasty as could be. The duck-filled little pastries were small in size, but again a delicious menu choice. And to top off our meal, the tastiest little “pumpkins” you’ve ever tried. (And order up the sesame paste balls…they’re fantastic.)
Cha Lau is a great place for Sunday brunch, weekday lunch, or Friday dinner. Check it out the next time you want some dim sum greatness.