A Taste of Hong Kong in Rainy Nihonbashi
Hello, this is CityNomix from Photomo. My days are usually spent in the world of digital marketing, but I also wander through cities, both at home and abroad, uncovering local culture. Today, Wednesday, June 11th, under a rainy sky, I found myself in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, with an errand at Takashimaya department store. It was just past lunchtime. Having enjoyed a stylish Italian meal yesterday, I craved something different today – authentic Chinese, to be precise. And just like that, the renowned Hong Kong-based restaurant, Sweet Dynasty Nihonbashi, came to mind. It’s the perfect spot for genuine Hong Kong dim sum, exactly what I was in the mood for.
After quickly finishing my business at Takashimaya, I hurried to the restaurant, my anticipation growing. Perhaps it was the rain, or maybe it’s always like this, but there was already a queue. It’s a popular place, bustling with a liveliness unexpected for a weekday afternoon. For a moment, I almost checked my calendar, wondering if it was a weekend. However, this waiting time, I told myself, is just a spice that enhances the anticipation of delicious food.
A Labyrinth of Choices: The Excitement of the Lunch Menu
Finally, I was guided into the restaurant, welcomed by warm lighting and a calm, sophisticated interior. Before I could even catch my breath, a menu was in my hands. Each turn of the page revealed an array of tantalizing dishes. While pursuing intriguing à la carte items was tempting, my heart leaned towards the value-packed Sweet Dynasty lunch set. As the menu with the caption “Don’t overlook the a la carte menu! Hidden culinary gems await here” shows, the variety of individual dishes is truly extensive. From classic favorites to creative plates, the joy of choosing is endless.
Turning my attention back to the set menus, the gentle flavor of the assorted congee was hard to pass up, and the plump shrimp wontons were equally appealing. The fragrant crispy noodles with thick sauce also crossed my mind. However, on this humid day, I craved something sharp and stimulating. Yes, that distinct flavor profile – the kind of sourness and spiciness that awakens the appetite.
The Decisive Dish: An Encounter with the Hot and Sour Soup Hong Kong Noodles Set
“Alright, today it’s the Hot and Sour Soup Hong Kong Noodles set!” I mentally cheered. The set, beautifully arranged on a black tray, featured noodles in a red soup, two types of dim sum in a steamer, a white dessert, and a teapot of tea. The visual presentation alone whetted my appetite. And here’s a little CityNomix-style indulgence: I decided to upgrade the set dessert to their famous Sweet Dynasty Mango Pudding. Furthermore, my stomach seemed to be whispering, “More, please!” I also decided to try the “Assorted Fried Mochi Dumplings” from the à la carte menu that had caught my eye earlier. My initial desire for something “light and refreshing” seemed to have vanished while perusing the enticingly detailed Sweet Dynasty menu. The nature of a gourmand, perhaps.
A Hong Kong Flavor Expedition: From Hot and Sour Noodles to Dim Sum and Fried Mochi
After placing my order, I waited with bated breath. The first to arrive was the star of today’s meal, the Hot and Sour Soup Hong Kong Noodles. The vibrant red soup was thick and exuded an appetizing aroma. One sip, and the perfect balance of moderate sourness and a zesty kick of spice exploded in my mouth. This was delicious!
Hot and Sour Soup Noodles: A Symphony of Spice and Umami
The noodles were extra-fine, clinging perfectly to the thick soup. The ingredients were also incredibly generous: the crunchy texture of finely shredded wood ear mushrooms, the crispness of bamboo shoots, flavorful green onions, tender chicken, and fluffy whisked egg. The green of the bok choy added a beautiful touch of color and a pleasant accent. The spiciness was not overpowering, just enough to induce a gentle sweat, and I savored it warmly with the piping hot soup until the very last drop. This single bowl felt like a taste of Hong Kong’s vibrant food culture.
Dim Sum: A Duet of Steamed Shrimp Dumplings and Chicken Shumai
As I was engrossed in savoring the noodles, the steamed dim sum arrived. Neatly arranged on a white rectangular plate were three Steamed Shrimp Dumplings and three Chicken Shumai. The shrimp dumplings were beautiful, their translucent wrappers revealing the pink shrimp within. Upon tasting, the skin was chewy, and the shrimp inside had a delightfully springy, plump texture. A simple yet outstanding dish that highlighted the quality of its ingredients.
Next were the Chicken Shumai. These offered a more complex flavor profile than their appearance suggested. The filling, I learned, contained not only the umami of chicken but also celery, green onions, and surprisingly, dried scallop and chicken cartilage. The refreshing aroma of celery acted as an accent, providing a clean aftertaste. The crunchy texture of the cartilage was also enjoyable, conveying the care with which each piece was made. The high quality of this dim sum hinted at why it’s a Nihonbashi Chinese おすすめ (recommended) spot.
A Surprise Delight: Discovering the Assorted Fried Mochi Dumplings
Arriving a little later was the à la carte addition, the Assorted Fried Mochi Dumplings. Their golden-brown, deep-fried appearance was somewhat reminiscent of Russian piroshki. When I broke one in half, a colorful mix of ingredients peeked out: the fragrance of dried shrimp, the umami of chicken, the earthiness of shiitake mushrooms, and the sweetness of green onions. These fillings were encased in a skin made with shiratamako (glutinous rice flour). The textural contrast of crispy-on-the-outside and chewy-on-the-inside was irresistible. Being served freshly fried and piping hot was another plus. Delicious on its own, a dip in the accompanying mustard soy sauce offered a different, addictive flavor. This unexpected delight brought a smile to my face.
A Blissful Finale: Sweet Moments with Rich Mango Pudding
And now, for the much-anticipated dessert time. The upgraded Sweet Dynasty Mango Pudding made its entrance. It was an adorable heart shape! The vibrant yellow was dazzling to the eyes, topped with pieces of fresh mango, red goji berries, and a mint leaf for a touch of color. When I dipped my spoon in, the texture was much firmer than I had imagined – not a wobbly type, but with a pleasant elasticity.
One bite, and the rich mango flavor filled my mouth. It wasn’t overly sweet; rather, it was a concentration of mango’s natural aromatic fragrance and sweet-tartness. And, to my delight, there were hidden pieces of mango within the pudding itself! As a mango lover, this surprise completely won me over. This is an absolute must-try item when visiting Sweet Dynasty. I recommend it with confidence.
The Joy of a Full Stomach and the Temptation of Takeout
Well, perhaps I ordered a little too much. My stomach was bursting at the seams. But there were no regrets, only an overwhelming sense of happiness. There were still customers waiting outside, so lingering too long was not an option. With this delicious aftertaste lingering, I decided to take a short walk through Nihonbashi to aid digestion.
As I approached the register to pay, I was greeted by an attractive Sweet Dynasty takeout corner. In the display case, the dim sum I had just enjoyed seemed to sparkle, as if asking, “How about some for home?” A display of various takeout menu items. I heard that some takeout-exclusive items not usually shown on the in-store display were also available. Packages filled with shumai and gyoza, under a sign saying “Authentic Dim Sum To Go!”, looked perfect for souvenirs. There were even desserts in cute illustrated paper bags. “A souvenir? For whom? …For me?” Such thoughts crossed my mind. My stomach was full, yet my heart was swayed by this allure. However, the staff’s polite inquiry, “How would you like to pay?” brought me back to reality. “Card, please.” With a tinge of regret, I resisted the temptation of takeout and left Sweet Dynasty.
Tips for Visiting Sweet Dynasty Nihonbashi: Avoiding the Crowds
Sweet Dynasty, with its red sign glowing in the building, offers an authentic taste of Hong Kong that is well worth experiencing. The weekday lunchtime I visited was quite crowded, but according to the staff, while it’s busy until around 2 PM, the wait times tend to decrease after 2:30 PM. If your schedule allows, aiming for a slightly later lunch might be a wise choice. If you want to fully enjoy authentic dim sum or Chinese cuisine in Nihonbashi, I highly recommend visiting Sweet Dynasty Nihonbashi. You’re sure to have an experience that satisfies both your stomach and soul, just as I did. Next time, I want to try the congee I skipped, other dim sum varieties, and perhaps even their takeout. With this vow to return, CityNomix left Nihonbashi as the rain began to clear.
For those seeking authentic Hong Kong flavors, Sweet Dynasty Nihonbashi will undoubtedly meet your expectations. It’s a renowned restaurant perfect for lunch, special occasion dining, and for enjoying a feast at home with their takeout options. And please, the Sweet Dynasty Mango Pudding is a must-eat!
Official site : https://t.rt-c.co.jp/nihonbashi/