Ingredient appreciation — what makes Dim Sum special

What sets Dim Sum apart is the handling of Shaoxing wine. In lesser versions this is treated as a background note. Here it's central and the rich with umami result shows it. I've started buying it to cook with at home after this experience.

Chinese cuisine encompasses eight major regional schools with distinct ingredients and techniques. The a bustling dim sum hall atmosphere was right for this kind of food. I had Shaoxing rice wine as recommended and it matched well. If you want to understand what makes this cuisine distinctive, Dim Sum is the place to start.