Tian Tian Golden Palace Seafood & Dim Sum Austin

Welcome to Tian Tian Golden Palace Seafood & Dim Sum Austin, a newly established Chinese restaurant located at 10901 N Lamar Blvd BLDG A1, Austin, TX 78753, USA. Situated in the space previously occupied by Fortune Restaurant (which has now relocated), Tian Tian Golden Palace aims to offer a refined dining experience specializing in fresh seafood and a wide variety of dim sum. You can contact them at (512) 806-7777 or their mobile number +1 512-806-7777 for reservations or inquiries.

Based on recent customer reviews, Tian Tian Golden Palace has undergone a significant transformation, particularly in its ambiance. The interior has been redone with new tables and chairs, which are perceived as projecting a "classier interior," albeit noted as "somewhat bulky." The restaurant is also described as being "very well lit," contributing to a bright and welcoming atmosphere.

In terms of service, Tian Tian Golden Palace appears to prioritize efficiency and attentiveness. Customers have reported that the service was "prompt," with a "sufficient staff" readily available to take orders, refill drinks, deliver food, and cater to diners' needs. A notable feature of their service is the use of tablets carried by staff on slings for order taking, suggesting a modern and streamlined approach to customer interaction.

The food offerings at Tian Tian Golden Palace encompass both main menu dishes and a significant focus on dim sum and fresh seafood. Their lunch specials are noted to be slightly more expensive than typical, priced $2-3 higher, but are also described as having "huge" servings, potentially suitable for 1.5 to 2 people, offering good value for larger appetites or those looking to share.

For dim sum enthusiasts, Tian Tian Golden Palace offers different ordering experiences depending on the day of the week. On weekdays, dim sum can be ordered directly from the kitchen and prepared fresh upon request. On weekends, the traditional dim sum experience is offered with push carts circulating throughout the dining area, allowing diners to select from a variety of freshly prepared small dishes as they pass by. Dim sum prices range from $5 to $10 per serving.

A unique and prominent feature of Tian Tian Golden Palace is the addition of new aquariums housing live seafood. This assures customers of a fresh supply of seafood, particularly for those interested in ordering lobsters, crabs, eels, and other live aquatic delicacies. This commitment to freshness is a significant highlight for seafood lovers.

One reviewer mentioned attempting to order dishes from the main menu but found some desired items to be unavailable. This could potentially be attributed to the restaurant being in a soft opening phase or still refining its menu offerings. The same reviewer had limited exposure to the dim sum selection but was able to try some staples that were available on the rotation of the carts.

Among the dim sum items sampled, the Har Gow (shrimp dumplings) were praised for their "succulent shrimp" and being "perfectly steamed." The Siu Mai (pork and shrimp dumplings) were described as "bouncy" and "savory." The Chicken Feet were noted to be "tender but overly sweet," indicating a potential variation in flavor preference. The Chinese Broccoli was appreciated for its "crisp vegetables with a light soy/oyster sauce," which was preferred over thicker, sweeter versions. Finally, the Pork Ribs were described as "chewy in a good way," with a favorable "meat to cartilage ratio."

The prices for dim sum were noted as being "a bit high," with most medium and large dishes priced at $6 and $7. However, the reviewer also acknowledged that the dishes they sampled were of "high quality." The limited variety of dim sum encountered was attributed to a possible soft opening period, with an expectation of more options becoming available in the future. The availability of dim sum from the carts was also noted to vary depending on the time of dining, and there were instances where customers had to wait for specific items, suggesting that dishes might be cooked in larger batches and brought out in waves.

A specific policy regarding tea service was also mentioned: if tea is ordered at a table, a charge of $2 per person seated will be applied, regardless of whether all individuals at the table partake in drinking the tea. This is an important point for potential diners to be aware of.

In summary, Tian Tian Golden Palace Seafood & Dim Sum Austin offers a revamped dining experience with a classier interior and a focus on fresh seafood and dim sum. Key features include:

• Modern Ambiance: A redone interior with new furnishings and bright lighting.
• Prompt and Efficient Service: Attentive staff using tablets for order taking.
• Fresh Live Seafood: Aquariums ensure a fresh supply for seafood dishes.
• Weekday Made-to-Order Dim Sum: Freshly prepared dim sum available throughout the week.
• Weekend Dim Sum Carts: A traditional selection of dim sum offered via circulating carts.
• Generous Lunch Specials: Larger portions suitable for sharing, priced slightly above average.
• High-Quality Dim Sum Staples: Positive reviews for Har Gow, Siu Mai, and Pork Ribs.

Potential local users in Austin should consider Tian Tian Golden Palace for a dim sum or seafood experience, keeping in mind the slightly higher price point for dim sum and the tea service policy. The commitment to fresh seafood, particularly live options, is a significant draw for seafood enthusiasts. The evolving dim sum offerings, especially on weekends with the cart service, provide a traditional and engaging way to sample a variety of small dishes.

The ongoing development of the menu, as suggested by the soft opening observation, indicates that the variety of dishes, both from the main menu and the dim sum selection, may expand over time. Diners interested in specific dim sum items might need to be patient as the carts circulate or inquire about ordering directly from the kitchen on weekdays.

Overall, Tian Tian Golden Palace aims to provide a higher-end Chinese dining experience with a focus on quality ingredients, particularly fresh seafood, and a diverse selection of dim sum served in a modern and well-lit environment with attentive service. Local residents looking for a new and potentially refined option for Chinese cuisine, especially seafood and dim sum, should consider visiting Tian Tian Golden Palace.