Probably the most photographed dish at the new dim sum sensation, Joy Luck Palace in Manhattan’s Chinatown, are the adorable pig-faced buns.

There are several such cutesy renditions such as carrot-shaped glutinous rice dough or turtle/ armadillo shaped buns. However there is more than just these eye-catching gimmicks that make Joy Luck Palace a dim sum destination.

The hargow (shrimp dumplings) are definitely worth a try with its fine skin and juicy filling. Other standouts were the shrimp and chive dumplings, the fried tofu cheong fun and the pan-fried noodles.

This spot has been open about a year and has already gained a reputation as one of the better dim sum spots in Manhattan. Chef Hui Qiang Liu and owner Johnny Yee manage to deliver baskets filled with flavor, which keeps the streams of customers coming back for more.

I was recently invited to attend a traditional Old-style Chinese Buffet, which was outstanding. I can’t remember when I had dishes that good in recent times which has defiantly elevated Joy Luck Palace to one of my favorite Chinese restaurants in NYC right now.

Here is some of what we ate: