Comments on: Some Food Shorts

By: psu

psu — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:58:48 +0000

My understanding is that the people who run Rose Tea, New Dumpling House and Sun Penang are all from the same family … and New Dumpling House was there first. It’s always been puzzling to me because Dumpling House is not great.

In particular the long time managers of Rose Tea and Sun Penang are sisters.

The thing at Sun Penang is their deep fried fresh tofu. Or at least it used to be.

By: Matt M.

Matt M. — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:42:52 +0000

I hear you on the cleanliness aspect. I try not to think about it, and make sure to chase my meal with a shot of whiskey which I tell myself has prophylactic qualities.

By: todd kaufmann

todd kaufmann — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 05:12:42 +0000

I ate at Sun Penang for the first time last night. I got the eggplant beef; the beef was awfully chewy, though the people were nice.

I overheard one of the women talking to customers say that “they” also owned Rose Tea. And also something like New Dumpling House was “their” first. But I’m not sure exactly how these familial relations work behind the scenes. It’s the food that counts anyway.

By: psu

psu — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 02:40:48 +0000

Zaw’s has a special place in the heart of anyone who has been eating Asian food in Pittsburgh since the 90s. Back in the day they were the only place in town where you could get anything non-generic.

Now they still have the special role of being the only place in town where I will order General Tso Chicken, because they just do it so well. Their roast pork stuff is also great. The place has questionable cleanliness… but a little bit of risk is part of life.

By: Matt M.

Matt M. — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 19:21:57 +0000

How do you rate Zaw’s, down on lower Murray? Not genuine regional Chinese good, perhaps, since I believe the owners are Burmese, but the Burmese fish soup (hnin gar/mohinga) at least is killer, in my opinion.

As someone who likes to be an adventurous eater but who isn’t really closely acquainted with the varieties of Chinese food, my trouble is knowing how to order at these places so as to avoid the generic dishes. I appreciate reviews like this!