Call this the ”Swee Choon” effect, but there are quite a number of dim sum restaurants that can be found along Jalan Besar Road – Dim Sum Haus, Johore Bahru Ye Zhi Mei Handmade Bao, and Sum Dim Sum. (Plus The Dim Sum Place at North Bridge Road is not too far away.)
Sum Dim Sim 心点心 is located right opposite Berseh Food Centre, of short walking distance from ‘competitor’ Swee Choon.
It is opened every day of the week till 1:30am, which is good news for those who want to find a dim sum alternative (especially on Tuesday when Swee Choon is closed.)
The restaurant takes on a more modern and pretty approach, with tiffany-blue accents with double-floors which can entertain quite a number of diners.
Its menu is extensive with steamed, pan-fried, deep-fried, baked items, noodles, porridge, rice and desserts.,
Most baskets and plates are priced ranging in the $4 – $6 region.
Slightly pricier than those in the vicinity, but the dining environment is more comfortable and cosy with friendly service (ie no fierce aunties).
The recommended items include Fresh Prawn Dumpling with Asparagus, Wolfberry with Mushroom Dumpling, Bamboo Roll with Oyster Sauce, Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce, Golden Custard Bun, Pan-Fried Carrot Cake, Signature Hot & Spicy Dumpling, and Deep Fried Yam Dumpling.
The very one item to get would be the Baked Crispy Pork Bun ($6) – that item which is probably Tim Ho Wan’s most iconic.
You would notice the slight green hue on Sum Dim Sum’s version, the reason being there is pandan added. Therefore, you may even smell that delicate sweet fragrance as you take small bites.
The crust was beautifully crisp and not overly flaky, with moist fillings. Probably one of the best versions I had in Singapore, but I did wish there were more meat fillings.
Another interesting feature would be the Hong Kong style noodles, such as Wanton Noodles ($6.50), Beef Noodles ($7.80), and Fresh Prawn Dumpling Noodles ($7.00).
I was surprised to receive soup versions of those, as I was half expected a dry-tossed plate (perhaps they could have indicated in the menu as it was not stated.)
Nevertheless, the Beef Brisket Noodles ($7.80) momentarily brought me back to Hong Kong with those tender and flavourful slices, springy noodles (though mildly alkaline tasting), and clear but tasty soup.
While I didn’t think that the dim sum in general were hotel quality yet (the likes of Wah Lok and Hai Tien Lo), they were certainly better than the average.
A place I do not mind returning again and again.
Expenditure per pax was about $20, more than what you may pay down the road, but in good comfort and faster waiting time – at least for now (before word gets around).
Sum Dim Sum 心点心
161 Jalan Besar Singapore 208876
Tel: +65 9005 9381
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 1:30am (Mon – Sun)
Other Related Entries
Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant (Jalan Besar)
The Dim Sum Place (North Bridge Road)
Tim Ho Wan (Great World City)
Paradise Dynasty (Suntec City)
East Bistro 東小馆 (myVillage)
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