ton kiang Archives - Sparkling and Sweet

7 x 7 Magazine has released their Big Eat 2013 list! They have added EIGHTY(!) new dishes this year and I can’t wait to dig in.

Last year, I didn’t get around to eating as much as I initially wanted to. The effort of lugging around a cumbersome DSLR camera and embarrassing my chosen dining companion by snapping tons of shots before they could sink their teeth into the deliciousness became a barrier to crossing more off the 2012 list. I am planning a more no holds barred approach this year with as little iphoneography as possible.

Some of my favourite dishes last year:

Meatloaf Sandwich | Fatted Calf

Carnitas | Nopalito

Dim Sum | Ton Kiang

Going through this year’s list, I have already had 13/100 items compared to last year’s 32/100 when I began. I welcome the challenge with an empty stomach and curious appetite! Some standouts I can’t wait to try:

- Spicy Miso Ramen at Ramen Underground… maybe it’s the winter season but nothing sounds better to me than a nice bowl of spicy noodles.

- Peking Duck at Hong Kong Lounge… it is rare that I find myself at the end of the city but I would definitely venture for some authentic peking duck.

- Caldo Tlalpeno at Nopalito… I was so impressed with the carnitas, can’t wait to try a new dish.

Want to see what else I have crossed off of the 7 x 7 2012 Big Eat list?

Bar Crudo’s seafood chowder

Kelvin made ice-cream at Smitten

Carnitas at Nopalito

Fried green beans at Coco500

Prime rib at House of Prime Rib

Argentine beef empanada at Venga Empanadas

Dim sum at Ton Kiang

Pizza margherita at Pizzeria Delfina

Meatloaf sandwich at Fatted Calf

Pickled eggs at Comstock Saloon and Deviled eggs at Park Tavern

It has been awhile since I’ve tackled the list! Ton Kiang’s dim sum has been a high priority for me to try. Growing up, my parents used to take us for Sunday brunch dim sum at least once a month. Unfortunately, my husband doesn’t love dim sum (apparently something about the texture of dumpling shells) so I don’t get my dim sum fix unless out of towners are visiting.

Dim sum is best in larger groups. I went to Ton Kiang with only one other person so we were a bit limited on the amount of dishes to order.

Standouts were the pork buns- regular and steamed. The BBQ pork marination is sweet and mixes well with the softness of the bread.

The dumplings were average. I guess there isn’t much one can do to switch up a traditional dumpling. I recommend getting the shrimp and scallop one if you are picking between choices.

Major Tip- Save room for dessert. Their doughnuts are unbelievable. A great combination of crusty, sugary outside and soft custard-like inside. I would come back for these alone.