Dimsum break in Davao

“Dimsum Break in Davao”

Sun.Star Davao, Oct. 10, 2015

The festive sound of beating drums and the energetic moves of the lion dance welcomed Dimsum Break’s customers as it opened its doors at Gaisano Mall of Davao recently.

           

“Launched in 1996, the very first Dimsum Break branch introduced the interactive or fast food style of serving dimsum in Cebu breaking away from the customary wait service. This kind of service meant that all customers can simply order their food at the counter and personally get their dimsum favorites, pay at the cashier and be on their way to enjoy the food, be it in-store or out. The senses of sight and smell were teased by the colorful, appetizing and aromatic display of dimsum dishes”, shares Dimsum Break Davao franchisee Mark Kho.  

The combination of great food and simple, fast and interactive service proved to be a hit! Dimsum Break soon became the go-to place for a quick, hot, delicious and affordable meal.

Proudly Cebuano

“Dimsum Break is one of the restaurants under Harbour City Dimsum House Co., Inc. which traces its roots to its very first restaurant brand, Ding How. Opened in 1969, Ding How introduced the concept of an all-day dimsum dining concept in Cebu. The enthusiastic market acceptance and reception subsequently led to the development of the group's other brands, which include Ding Qua Qua (1987) and Harbour City (1993)”, relates Mark.

He explains that “Harbour City is the quintessential tea house concept, with dimsum dishes being wheeled straight to customers' tables in time-honored dimsum carts and trolleys.  Ding Qua Qua, on the other hand, offers the Great Dimsum Buffet, an all-you-can-eat lunch and dinner offering”.

Today, the Dimsum Break branch network has grown to 11 stores in Cebu, 1 store each in Bacolod, Tacloban, Butuan, and now Davao, for a total of 15 stores.  The Davao branch is the 20th store of the entire Harbour City Group.

Family comfort food

“When visitors to Cebu ask what local favorites they should try, the Original Steamed Fried Rice is usually one of the recommendations.  After eating the dish, many of them become fans, and a stop at any Ding How, Ding Qua Qua, Harbour City and Dimsum Break branch becomes part of the itinerary on their next visit”, Mark reveals.

He narrates that “the famous Original Steamed Fried Rice was created in the kitchen of Ding How. Its rather unique name came from the way the dish is prepared.  The rice on which the sauce toppings rest is actually cooked and seasoned by itself, similar to fried rice.  Back in the day, this fried rice was already portioned in the iconic rice pots and placed in steamed cabinets.  Only when customers placed an order was the sauce toppings ladled over the rice”.

“Since the Original Steamed Fried Rice was created during a time when restaurant dining was reserved only for special occasions, Cebuanos grew up eating it.  One could say that this simple but unique dish has become Cebuano comfort food, one that evokes many a happy memory of dining with family and friends”, Mark smiles.

Dimsum in a snap!   

“Although it presents dimsum dining in a more contemporary and modern setup, Dimsum Break pays homage to the traditional and authentic recipes.  The Original Steamed Fried Rice is the perfect anchor that ties together all other dimsum dishes”, proudly declares Mark who is a first-time owner/franchisee of a restaurant.

“The different varieties of Shaomai (Shrimp, Quail's Egg, Mushroom, and Bacon) are made the traditional way such that with each bite you can taste pieces of meat and shrimp.  Other steamed dimsum favorites include Chicken Feet, Empress Roll and Steamed Chicken.  These dishes are perfectly paired with Ginger Sauce and Chili Sauce, all of which are made in-house”, he points out.

“For fried dimsum, the favorites are Spring Rolls, Sweet and Sour Pork, Crab Pincers, Stuffed Shrimps, Stuffed Taro and Fried Wantons.  These dishes, on the other hand, are best enjoyed with Dimsum Break's signature Sweet and Sour Sauce”, Mark continues.

“I’ve been a fan of Dimsum Break's cuisine since I was young.  Whenever I visit Cebu, I never miss going there.  I believe Dimsum Break will be a welcome addition to Davao's dining scene, and I hope Dabawenyos and their families will learn to appreciate and love the good food that Dimsum Break is known for”, enthuses Mark.

Dimsum Break is located at the Upper Ground Floor, Gaisano Mall of Davao and is open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. For inquiries, you may contact (0917)5323275.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogsot.com.