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Taste of Fusion
Master Critic Review
Taste of Fusion
7.7
Compact Balboa Street restaurant where a Cantonese menu meets a focused dim sum roster (including Teochew items). It’s a pragmatic pick for neighborhood dine-in when you want staples without the wait.
Must-Try Dishes:
Teochew Steamed Dumplings, Shrimp Rice Noodle Roll, Sesame Balls
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 6.9
What makes it special: Teochew-leaning selections alongside Cantonese dim sum standards.
Who should go: Locals wanting no-frills dim sum
When to visit: Early dinner before 6:30pm
What to order: Teochew dumplings; rice rolls; sesame balls
Insider tip: If sharing, stagger orders to keep dishes hot and crisp.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Balboa and nearby residential blocks is generally available before 6pm but fills quickly afterward—no dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; neighborhood-appropriate attire like jeans and sweaters is perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly on weekdays, slightly louder on weekend evenings when tables are full.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes typical without reservation; faster for smaller parties.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except during peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several vegetarian dim sum items such as vegetable dumplings and rice rolls are available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items like vegetable dumplings may qualify but verify fillings.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free menu; soy sauce and wrappers contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s more functional than romantic—better for casual shared meals than a special-occasion setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, reservations aren’t typically required; arriving before 6:30pm nearly always secures a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple dishes, quick service, and booth seating make it easy for families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and more relaxed pacing than larger dim sum houses nearby; great for locals avoiding long waits.
Skip if: You’re seeking high-end or banquet-style dim sum—Dragon Beaux or Hong Kong Lounge are stronger choices for that.