02/20/2025
Dim Sum at Lin Asian Bar & Dim Sum – Austin, TX
My sister and I were in the Austin area and decided to check out Lin Asian Bar & Dim Sum—without a reservation. Even though they were busy, we lucked out with seats at the kitchen bar, where we got a front-row view of the action. Fair warning: the six-person bar is cozy—you’ll get to know your neighbors! But if you don’t mind, it’s a fun experience.
Now, onto the food!
🥟 Lin Soup Dumplings – A must-try! These arrived first, giving us time to settle in. If you’re new to soup dumplings, take a small bite on the side and let them cool before diving in—otherwise, you will burn your mouth.
🌿 Basil Chicken Dumplings – Unfortunately, these lacked flavor on their own. The chili oil, soy sauce, and other dipping sauces helped, but they weren’t our favorite.
🦞 Lobster Cheese Puffs – These little black balls confused our neighbors (they thought it was chocolate!). Inside? A rich, cheesy lobster filling with a slightly sweet and chewy dough. Slight fishy smell, but surprisingly delicious—even for a non-seafood fan like me.
✨ Crispy Siu Mai – Deep-fried dumplings that our waitress swore by—and she was right. Easily one of our favorites!
🥩 Pan-Fried Beef Bao – Traditional beef-filled buns. They were okay, but a bit too doughy for my taste and lacked strong flavor.
🦐 Seafood Dumpling – This thing was huge—about the size of a hand! Inside: scallops, lobster, and shrimp in a lemony broth. If you love seafood, you’ll enjoy it. For me? Not my thing, but that’s just personal preference.
Final Thoughts
We had a great time and would definitely return to try more dishes. The spot is small, so reservations are a good idea. Parking can be tricky, and watch your step—there are some big cracks in the lot (not saying I tripped… but I might have lol).
Would you try this dim sum spot? Let me know! ⬇️