Willow Tree Restaurant

On the menu today was "Dim Sum". Many people have heard the term "Dim Sum", but may not know exactly what it is. I only learned of it two years ago (thanks Barbara), but was immediately hooked. Dim Sum is similar to the Spanish "Tapas" or small plates. Small portions of food are served in Cantonese restaurants, accompanied by hot tea. Some restaurants have you order off of a printed copy of their menu, similar to ordering Sushi when you sit at the Sushi Bar. However, Willow Tree serves their Dim Sum using the rolling "Trolleys". These metal push carts hold many different types of steamed dumplings including, meat, vegetables, and seafood.

In this picture we have the Shui Mai, Steamed Pork Bun, and Shrimp/Chive Dumpling

Here is a closeup of the Scallop Dumpling

Tricia "DISH", really liked the Shrimp/Chive Dumplings

I am enjoying the Shui Mai

In total we ordered:

Shui Mai- Pork and Shrimp steamed dumplings. These were smaller than at most places, flavor was good but not great. Shui Mai could be considered a "beginner" Dim Sum, think of it as the "California Roll" of Dim Sum if you will.

Steamed Pork Bun- Steamed dough filled with a BBQ Pork mixture, usually sweet. Hard to mess these up, I didn't try this one, but no complaints from "Dish" so I'm sure it was fine.

Shark Fin Dumpling- They are called Shark Fin because of the ridge along the top where the dumpling is formed together. Oh and because they include a mixture of softened shark's fin and ground pork. Neither terrible nor fantastic, take 'em or leave 'em here at the Willow Tree.

Scallop Dumpling- These are simply a small pork meatball with a big scallop on top wrapped with a rice noodle. These are pretty good here, their scallops were fresh and had a great texture.

Shrimp/Chive Dumpling- Probably one of the best dumplings they have to offer. The fresh herbs offer a "refreshing" flavor to this dish. They steam these dumplings, then pan sear the top and bottom, this offers some crispy goodness and great texture.

Rice Noodle with BBQ Pork- This they do extremely well!! I've sampled the Dim Sum from Walnut Creek to Berkeley and San Leandro and nobody can touch these Rice Noodles with BBQ Pork. This dish is not for the squeamish however. Most people can't handle the texture of the rice noodles, they can tend to be very mushy in the mouth. The payoff however is the sweetness of the BBQ pork and the firmness of the meat vs. the soft noodle. Mushy and Blissful.

Shanghai Dumpling- One of our previous lunch "Special Guests" Gary M., turned me on to the "Shanghai Dumpling". It is quite a novelty actually, this is a dumpling that has a small pork meatball swimming in a soup base inside the dumpling. I'm curious to see how they make these, must be some sort of an injection process. Delicious, and highly recommended, just wait for them to cool down first.

If your in the mood for some relaxing hot tea, and love a variety of different flavors and textures you should visit the Willow Tree for lunch. This type of dining format can be a little dangerous, with each dish varying in price from $3 to $5, you have to insure your appetite and wallet are in agreement with your personal budget.

6513 Regional St.
Dublin, CA 94568