Craig LaBan visits Dim Sum Garden in Chinatown in search of a worthy replacement to Lakeside Chinese Deli and finds perhaps the best scallion pancakes in city and more importantly to adventure seeking diners, “soup dumplings.”

Nip a hole and slurp the juice, for which our charming waitress finally confided the secret: pork “Jell-O” that becomes molten in the steam. Eyes snap open as the liquid rushes across our tongue, intensely savory, with a twinge of soy sweetness followed by the resonance of garlic. A dip in gingery black vinegar washes the tender meat stuffing and dumpling skin down with a bracingly tart smack. Want another? You bet!

Two Bells – Very Good

Dumpling heaven in Chinatown [Philadelphia Inquirer]

Drew Lazor of the City Paper is reporting that Chinatown’s Lakeside Chinese Deli, beloved by dim sum enthusiasts, has closed its doors for good. A sign on the door indicates the owners are retiring.

It’s always odd to hear about a restaurant that shuts down of its own volition, rather than being forced to close by spiraling rents, poor management or misguided concepts in inappropriate locations.

Other options for dim sum in the hood include Imperial Inn (recommended by the Lakeside owners), Ocean Harbor and Joy Tsin Lau.

As usual, the folks over at egullet have loads to say on the subject, plus more recommendations for acceptable dim sum spots.

Lakeside Chinese Deli Closed [The Clog]

Dim Sum Suggestions from phillychinatown.com [Official Site]