I hate being one of those people who says, “back in the day… things were better.” Let’s be real - sometimes it’s true, sometimes not. But as I take my first bite at Tak Fu Dim Sum Emperor, I can’t help but think: this tastes like my childhood. A time when dim sum felt handmade, not mass produced.

Tak Fu even prices things the old-school way (by dish, no specials) with categories ranging from $5.99 (S) to $9.99 (SP). Tea’s a humble $1.50 a person, softening the blow of slightly higher food prices.

So, what’s so special about Tak Fu?

Start with the siu mai or steamed pork dumpling ($7.99). Most places pulverize the pork into springy meatballs. Not here. The pork is hand-chopped, juicy, and tender, breaking apart easily with each bite. Finely diced mushrooms add a hit of umami, while a plump shrimp crowns the top instead of being hidden inside - simple, balanced, and traditional.

Then there’s the har gow or De fu steamed shrimp dumpling ($8.99). The shrimp are properly cleaned and not over-tenderized, keeping their natural flavour and crunch. They’re cooked just right, encased in a slightly thick but satisfyingly elastic wrapper.

The steamed bean curd roll with satay sauce ($7.99) is dense and hearty… half a roll will do. Its filling leans pork-and-cabbage heavy, more like a spring roll in taste, so it’s not as exciting flavour-wise but still comforting.

For a contrast, the steamed rice noodle roll with fried dough in special style ($7.99). The hot, crunchy fritter wrapped in silky rice noodle is spot-on texturally, though the hoisin and sesame sauces could be thicker. Maybe they’re thinned out for easier pouring?

The steamed rice noodle roll with BBQ pork ($7.99) is stuffed to the gills with big chunks of meat and nothing else.

Pair any rice roll with the congee with preserved egg and pork ($8.99) and you’ve got a hearty solo meal. The pork’s properly seasoned, the preserved egg plentiful, and the texture rich and smooth.

For something lighter, go for the dried scallop & seafood dumpling in soup ($8.99). It takes time, but arrives piping hot with a massive dumpling stuffed with shrimp, octopus, scallop, mushrooms, and BBQ pork - generous and satisfying.

The deep-fried squid ($9.99) might just be the best I’ve had: crisp, tender, and barely battered. There’s also plenty of it to go around. Say what you will, Tak Fu doesn’t skimp on portions.

Even their fried rice noodle with beef ($13.99) impresses. Sliced beef, bean sprouts, and onions get a good kiss of wok hay, and those caramelized onion bits add a hit of flavour. A solid, classic version.

If you can wait half an hour, end with the steamed milk ($7.99) for dessert. Lightly sweet, perfumed with ginger, it’s a silky, nostalgic treat you won’t find in many places anymore.

Tak Fu isn’t fancy it's cozy and part of its charm. It reminds me of the old Chinatown dim sum joints: small, crowded, and full of heart.