Chef Loong Dim Sum & Soup Dumplings Opens in Charleston

Interior of Chef Loong Dim Sum restaurant with dim sum dishes

News Summary

On November 7, 2024, Charleston welcomed Chef Loong Dim Sum & Soup Dumplings, a new culinary spot in West Ashley. Owned by Emely Yan, the restaurant offers authentic Cantonese dim sum and soup dumplings, including their highlight dish, xiaolongbao, with approximately 600 dumplings served daily. With a diverse menu featuring 13 dim sum options and traditional Chinese dishes, Chef Loong aims to create a unique dining experience enhanced by modern innovations.

Charleston, South Carolina, welcomed a new culinary destination with the opening of Chef Loong Dim Sum & Soup Dumplings on November 7, 2024. Located at 1662 Savannah Highway in West Ashley, the restaurant took over the space formerly occupied by Old Li’s, which has now moved to North Charleston.

Owner Emely Yan, who relocated from Philadelphia to Charleston, brings a family legacy of restaurant expertise originating from Xi’an, China, known for its hand-pulled noodles. With a goal to provide authentic Cantonese dim sum and soup dumplings, Chef Loong is poised to become a favored spot for local food enthusiasts.

One of the standout offerings at Chef Loong is the xiaolongbao, or soup dumplings, a specialty dish that the restaurant sells in significant quantities, with approximately 600 dumplings served daily. Emely Yan dedicated considerable time to training with various chefs to perfect the art of creating these handmade dumplings and a variety of other traditional dim sum dishes.

Diverse Dim Sum Menu

The menu at Chef Loong boasts 13 different dim sum options, featuring beloved classic dishes such as shumai and char siu bao. Beyond dim sum, the restaurant also offers a selection of traditional Chinese entrees including Braised Beef Noodle Soup and Mongolian Beef. This diverse menu caters to various tastes, making it accessible for both dim sum aficionados and newcomers.

Innovative Dining Experience

Enhancing the dining experience, Chef Loong employs a robotic cart named Bella to assist in food delivery, providing a glimpse into a modern dining approach. The restaurant operates from Thursday to Monday, focusing on creating a complete dining experience rather than merely serving takeout.

Guests are greeted with a tranquil atmosphere, complemented by calming spa music, which fosters a relaxed space for diners. Emely Yan strives to combine traditional Asian flavors with modern twists, creating unique dishes such as tomato soup dumplings, a rare find in the U.S. culinary scene.

Cultural Significance of Dim Sum

Dim sum has deep-rooted cultural significance within Chinese cuisine, traditionally enjoyed as a communal dining experience served alongside tea, encouraging sharing among friends and family. This aspect of dining reflects the social nature of food in many Chinese traditions.

The emergence of Chef Loong adds to the growing trend of dim sum in Charleston, which has seen increasing interest in diverse culinary experiences. Notably, Chef David Schuttenberg’s Beautiful South restaurant also offers dim sum on Sundays, marking a shift towards permanent dim sum offerings in the area.

Conclusion

As food lovers in Charleston continue to seek authentic and varied dining options, Chef Loong Dim Sum & Soup Dumplings is quickly establishing itself as a staple for those craving genuine Cantonese cuisine. With its commitment to quality, traditional techniques, and innovative dining approaches, Chef Loong is helping to pave the way for a more expansive Chinese culinary landscape in Charleston.