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Orchid Tea Dim Sum Cafe 8 Ave
Master Critic Review
Orchid Tea Dim Sum Cafe 8 Ave
7.7
Orchid Tea Dim Sum Cafe 8 Ave is a small Hong Kong–style cafe where counter-service dim sum meets a long list of milk teas and cold drinks. It leans more toward snackable plates and casual hangouts than full banquet meals, making it useful for quick cravings and afternoon meetups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steamed shrimp dumplings, Baked BBQ pork buns, Egg tarts
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Casual tea cafe pairing dim sum snacks with a deep drink menu.
Who should go: Snackers and tea drinkers wanting light dim sum plates.
When to visit: Afternoons for an easy snack and relaxed seating.
What to order: Shrimp dumplings, BBQ pork buns, egg tarts.
Insider tip: Pair hot dim sum with iced milk tea for a quick break.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on 8th Ave is limited and competitive; easier to find on side streets a few blocks away, especially before 5pm.
Dress code: Very casual — everyday streetwear, sneakers, and work clothes all fit in easily.
Noise level: Moderate — steady chatter and drink blenders, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak snack hours, rarely longer since turnover is fast.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or just a few minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable dumplings, egg tarts, and several bun and pastry options without meat.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable dumplings and plain buns, but most items contain egg or dairy.
Gluten-free options: Very limited — rice-based rolls and a few steamed items may work, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a low-pressure, casual first meet, but not for a romantic or drawn-out dinner since seating and ambiance are simple.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — this is walk-in only and designed for quick turnover, so tables usually open up quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — kids do well here thanks to sweet buns, egg tarts, and milk teas, though seating is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Quick tea-and-dim-sum snack breaks, casual meetups, and satisfying sweet cravings without committing to a full banquet meal.
Skip if: You want cart service, a wide classic dim sum spread, or a formal sit-down family-style experience.