Lunasia Dim Sum House

Lunasia Dim Sum House, located at 239 E Colorado Blvd in Pasadena, California, is a Chinese restaurant specializing in dim sum and other main dishes. Situated in a prominent area of Pasadena, Lunasia Dim Sum House aims to offer a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine. However, recent customer reviews suggest a period of transition and mixed experiences for diners, making it crucial for local users to be aware of these evolving perspectives.

One significant aspect highlighted in the reviews is a perceived change in the restaurant, possibly due to new ownership. A long-time patron notes that Lunasia Dim Sum House "used to be The Bomb!!!" and even recalls seeing renowned chef Roy Choi frequent the establishment. However, this reviewer expresses disappointment with the current state, stating that "the food has gone down" and "the menu has changed" since the apparent change in ownership. This suggests that the restaurant may be in a phase of redefining its offerings and quality standards.

Specific concerns are raised about the quality of some of the dim sum items. The Xia Long Bao (soup dumplings) are mentioned as breaking apart easily, leading the reviewer to speculate that they might be frozen and sourced from another branch (Alhambra) rather than being freshly made on the premises. Additionally, a notable change is the omission of traditional accompaniments like ginger with the XLB, which now needs to be specifically requested. The BBQ pork buns are also criticized for feeling "microwave or streamed frozen" and being "soggy" and prone to falling apart. Another dim sum item, the Rice Noodle Roll with Shrimp, is described as having a rice wrapper that is "too thick," affecting its overall texture and appeal.

Despite these criticisms of specific dim sum items, the same reviewer notes that the string beans, although no longer prepared with ground pork, are still "good" and "fresh." This indicates that there might be inconsistencies in the quality and preparation across different dishes, with some maintaining their standards while others have seen a decline. The reviewer also expresses nostalgia for menu items that are no longer available, such as salted fish and chicken fried rice, further emphasizing the changes that have occurred.

In contrast to the concerns raised in the first review, another customer offers a more positive, albeit less detailed, perspective, describing the restaurant as "pretty decent!!" This reviewer praises the "fast servicing" and notes that the food is "authentic." They also mention that the wait time was not excessive. The primary disappointment for this customer was that "most dimsums weren’t served in the baskets," which is a traditional presentation for dim sum and its absence might affect the overall dining experience for some.

Interestingly, this second reviewer also comments on the portion sizes of the main dishes, stating that they are "huge." This could be a significant draw for customers looking for value and generous servings beyond the dim sum offerings. It suggests that Lunasia Dim Sum House might be focusing more on its main dishes or that the portion sizes are a consistent feature that customers appreciate.

Considering these contrasting reviews, the environment of Lunasia Dim Sum House is not explicitly detailed. However, the mention of fast servicing suggests a potentially efficient and perhaps bustling atmosphere, typical of many dim sum restaurants, especially during peak hours. The fact that dim sum is not always served in traditional baskets might also indicate a more streamlined or less traditional approach to presentation.

The service seems to be a point of variability. One reviewer experienced issues with food quality and changes in offerings, while the other praised the fast service. This discrepancy could depend on various factors, such as the time of visit, the specific staff on duty, or individual customer expectations. It is important for potential diners to be aware that service experiences might differ.

In terms of features, Lunasia Dim Sum House offers a menu that includes both dim sum and main dishes. The authenticity of the food is a point of contention, with one reviewer suggesting a decline in quality and freshness of some dim sum items, while another found the food to be authentic. The large portion sizes of the main dishes could be considered a distinctive feature that appeals to value-conscious customers.

Currently, there is no promotional information available in the provided reviews. Therefore, local users would need to rely on other sources or inquire directly with the restaurant to learn about any ongoing specials or promotions.

In conclusion, Lunasia Dim Sum House in Pasadena appears to be an establishment undergoing changes that have led to mixed customer experiences. While some appreciate the fast service and large portions of the main dishes, there are concerns regarding the quality and freshness of certain dim sum items, as well as changes in the menu and presentation. Local users considering dining at Lunasia Dim Sum House should be aware of these recent trends in customer feedback and might want to inquire about the preparation methods and current menu offerings to make an informed decision.