Rolling Carts & Dim Sum Dreams at Asian Jewel in Flushing, NY
If you’re ever in Flushing and craving an authentic dim sum experience, Asian Jewel is a must-visit. There’s something truly magical about traditional cart-style dim sum—the kind where the food comes to you, piping hot and ready to eat, pushed around the dining room on rolling carts while you sip tea and soak in the buzz of a packed weekend morning. I got to experience that old-school charm at Asian Jewel in Flushing, NY, and it was everything I hoped for and more. The atmosphere was lively, the service was quick (despite the busy crowd), and the food? Absolutely fantastic.
Dim Sum the Classic Way
What makes Asian Jewel stand out is that it still does dim sum the classic way. No ordering off a menu here—instead, servers push carts around the dining room stacked with steaming bamboo baskets, golden buns, and sizzling plates. It’s the kind of spot where your eyes eat first, and you end up saying “yes” way too many times because everything just looks too good to pass up.
There’s something really special about watching the carts come by and picking out what you want right then and there. It’s fast, it’s fresh, and it’s fun. You never know exactly what’s coming next, but that’s part of the charm. And trust me—everything tastes better when it rolls up to your table.
The vibe inside is lively and bright, packed with families, groups of friends, and locals who clearly know this is one of the best dim sum spots in town. From har gow (shrimp dumplings) and siu mai to sticky rice in lotus leaf, and the always satisfying egg tarts, every dish we tried was flavorful and well-made. You can tell they take pride in keeping the tradition alive.
Recommendations
We went all in and tried a variety of classic dishes:
- Garlic Sautéed Spinach – Light, garlicky, and a refreshing break from the heavier bites.
- Siu Mai – Juicy pork and shrimp dumplings topped with a pop of roe. Classic and always satisfying.
- Cheung Fun – Silky rice noodle rolls filled with tender minced beef, served with a light soy sauce. These melt in your mouth.
- Braised Chicken Feet – The texture is gelatinous and flavorful—surprisingly addictive.
- Duck Congee – Warm and comforting with bits of shredded duck that gave it a rich, savory flavor.
- Sticky Rice – Chicken, sausage, and mushrooms, wrapped and steamed in lotus leaf. This one’s always so satisfying—sticky, savory, and full of umami.
- Har Gow – Translucent dumplings stuffed with plump shrimp. Delicate but packed with flavor.
- Sweet Pineapple Buns – Featuring that golden, crackly top. The perfect balance of soft and crunchy.
- Dou Fu Fa – Silken tofu pudding served with sweet syrup. Light and smooth—such a nice way to end the meal.
One of the things I really appreciated about Asian Jewel is that the carts are constantly rotating, so you’re never waiting long for the dishes you want. Plus, the quality and freshness were on point across the board.
If you’re craving a nostalgic, authentic dim sum experience in NYC, Asian Jewel delivers—literally, right to your table. And don’t skimp out on the desserts! Their classic silken tofu pudding was divine, and hit all the right spots. I was so full but ordered another one because of how amazing it tasted. The sweet, slightly bitter syrup covering the soft, warm silken tofu was dreamy.
If you’re planning to go on a weekend, go early or expect a bit of a wait—this place fills up fast, and for good reason. But honestly? It’s worth it. The energy, the food, the whole experience is just something you don’t get everywhere anymore.
For anyone wanting that true old-school dim sum feel—Asian Jewel is the real deal.
Getting hungry? Check out my gallery for more food inspo!