Dimsum is my comfort food. I grew up enjoying it on Sunday mornings at Maxim’s Tea House in Ongpin (it used to be so much better than it is today). Now, wvery weekend, I feast on dimsum dishes at my parents’ house that my mom buys for us, and it never fails to make me feel good.

Fortunately for dimsum lovers here in the east area, Causeway Seafood Restaurant along C5 avenue in Acropolis serves authentic fare. A while back, we went there to have a very filling Cantonese dinner.

Crab Roe Siomai (P50) — reasonably priced in my opinion. The size is not as enormous as that of Wai Ying, but it’ll do for a few bites (or just one if you’re a big eater like me)

Chicken Asado Roll (P50) — chicken, roast pork (asado), and mushrooms steamed in light broth. Very tasty.

A personal favorite — Bean Curd Roll (P50) — ground pork and shrimp (like siomai filling) formed into a dumpling in bean curd skin wrapper. Love the brothiness of every bite.

Steamed Spareribs with Tausi (P50) — a childhood staple of mine; perfect with white rice!

Causeway’s Four Seasons Shake is one of the best I’ve had thus far. I can taste the freshness of the sweet ripe mango, refreshing watermelon, and mildly tart pineapple in each sip.

The Hakao (P85) — shrimp dumplings — is perhaps one of Causeway’s weaker points. The filling had flour extenders and the shrimp meat easily disintegrates when the dumpling wrapper got stuck to the steamer. Quite a letdown.

On a brighter note, the Beef Hofan (P190 for a small plate) was delectable and fragrant. The thin beef strips were tender and flavorful, and the flat noodles were not soggy. This dish is a winner.

I have always preferred salted fish fried rice over Yang Chow, as the former packs more flavor. Causeway’s Salted Fish with Chicken Fried Rice (P285 for a medium plate) does not disappoint.

In most Chinese cuisines, soup is part of a bevy of main courses (as in a lauriat) because of the meaty content. Our Szechuan Hot & Sour Soup (P250 for a small order, good for 6) shows just that — with bamboo shoots, mushroom strips, tofu, and scraps of pork. A small bowl will fill you up as much as it tingles your taste buds.

What’s a Chinese feast without such staples as Fried Squid with Salt & Pepper (P250 for a small order)..

..and Fried Chicken with Lemon Sauce (P240 for a small order)? Always a pleasure to have them!

The Fried Minced Shrimp Balls (P360 for 8 pcs) were just alright, and pales in comparison to my mom’s recipe because this one was lighter in shrimp meat content due to the use of extenders.

One bite of the Steamed Fish Fillet with Garlic (P260 for a small order) and you’ll understand why a lot of people have this dish as their favorite. Other than being a healthy dish, it also gives your palate a distinct dose of umami that blends perfectly with a heaping spoonful of Jasmine rice.

For dessert, I ordered another favorite: Almond with Lychee (P55). Sweet and fruity, as I like it.

Service. Don’t expect to receive deluxe service from the staff, as this place is not like your favorite upscale establishment. That said, the staff was very fast and efficient, ensuring we got all that we needed in no time. Price range: ~P500 per person.

Overall verdict. As I said above, Causeway Seafood Restaurant is a godsend to all dimsum-lovers this side of town. The a la carte items aren’t so bad either. If you live near the area and are in for some good dimsum or Cantonese fare, Causeway will certainly not disappoint.

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