Pallet Dim Sum — Review by RainaisCrazy
Tustin, United States — Dim Sum / Chinese
Pallet Dim Sum is an elevated dim sum restaurant in Tustin featuring innovative dishes served on artistic palettes with creative sauce options. The reviewer loved the signature rainbow dumplings, melt-in-your-mouth Wagyu beef, and luxurious touches like truffle on Peking duck. This is a must-try spot for dumpling enthusiasts looking for creative, elevated dim sum.
What was great: Pallet dumplings with rainbow flavors, Australian Wagyu beef, garlic pea sprouts, lobster shumai with butter, Peking duck with truffle, egg tarts, creative cocktails like sticky situation, unique plate concept with multiple sauces
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The menu at Pallet Dim Sum showcases creative elevations of classic dim sum favorites. The signature pallet dumplings are a rainbow assortment where each dumpling features a different flavor, allowing diners to identify what they are eating before tasting. The Australian Wagyu beef is a standout item that literally melts in your mouth with a nice sweetness that had the reviewer completely addicted. The garlic pea sprouts offer an excellent textural contrast with crispy elements and delicious flavor that pairs wonderfully with the meats.
The lobster shumai are among the best crystal dumplings the reviewer has ever had, featuring a perfect outer wrapper texture and coming with a pipe to squeeze in luxurious lobster butter flavoring. The Peking duck receives an upscale treatment with truffle additions and is served with matcha sugar that adds an unexpected layer of flavor when assembled into tacos. The massive beef rib is prepared in house with a peppercorn style that adds a pleasant spice. The meal concludes with delicious egg tarts, a classic dim sum ending. Creative cocktails like the sticky situation transform mango sticky rice into drink form, offering an interesting beverage option.
The Experience
The restaurant features a unique concept where dishes are served on artistic palettes, which perfectly matches the restaurant name. The theme extends to offering numerous sauce options that diners can apply to their plate, creating an interactive and personalized dining experience. The menu is described as simple yet really cool, making it easy to navigate while still feeling innovative and fresh.
Value and Pricing
While specific prices are not mentioned in the transcript, the use of premium ingredients like Australian Wagyu, lobster, truffle, and the elevated preparation style suggest this is a higher-end dim sum establishment that justifies premium pricing for quality and creativity.
Notable Moments
I love the theme of this place because like the name suggests, the serving dish that you use is literally a palette. And they have so many different sauces that you can put on your plate.
These were my two favorite dishes. The garlic pea sprouts and the Wagyu beef was so addicting. I could eat this all day.
The Verdict
Pallet Dim Sum is highly recommended for anyone who loves dumplings and wants to experience dim sum elevated to new heights. The combination of creative flavor combinations, premium ingredients, and thoughtful presentation makes this a must-visit restaurant in Tustin. This spot is perfect for diners seeking traditional dim sum classics reimagined with modern culinary techniques and luxurious touches.