The Purple Gold Egg Yolk Bun isn’t a dim sum classic … yet. But in Northern Virginia, at least, it’s about to be. It’s just one of the unique offerings that will be on the menu when Han Palace opens its doors in Tysons Corner on Thursday, Sept. 17.
The bun is a deep purple, with a gold design. Like other egg-yolk buns, when the diner bites in, soft egg custard oozes forth. This kind of creation is the reason that owner Chris Zhu says she enlisted a team of experienced dim sum chefs from New York City. But diners can still expect the usual suspects, including cha siu bao (pork buns), siu mai (shrimp dumplings) and braised pork ribs.
Zhu is also owner of China Garden, a Cantonese restaurant previously in Arlington that is now located in Rockville, Maryland. Why Tysons Corner? According to Zhu, there is no other dim sum in the area and demand for it is great. “A lot of Chinese restaurants do dim sum on the side,” she explains. “We take the dim sum as the main focus.”
Dim sum will not be served on pushcarts as it is at many specialists. That’s because it is made to order. And while dim sum is the focal point, Zhu says other dishes, including Peking duck and roasted pork will also be available. She’s particularly excited about a roasted duck that’s deboned, then stuffed with sticky rice, salted egg yolk, chestnut, dry scallop and sausage, which will be available for preorder.
Han Palace is intended as both a place to visit every day for dim sum and Chinese barbecue and a destination for special occasions. The chef is already conceiving special buns that will only be available for banquets held in the VIP room, including the durian bun pictured above.
Best of all, for those who aren’t yet ready to dine inside, this is going to be a dim sum experience with patio seating available. // 7900 Westpark Drive, McLean
For more restaurant news, subscribe to our Food newsletter.
