ABC Seafood's dim sum menu and what makes it different

ABC Seafood is a Cantonese restaurant in Los Angeles's Chinatown that serves dim sum from a cart system during lunch hours. Instead of ordering from a menu, servers push carts through the dining room and you point to the dishes you want. The restaurant is known for seafood-forward items — shrimp dumplings, scallop dishes, and fish preparations — rather than the pork and chicken varieties you'll find at other dim sum houses. Prices vary by dish complexity, and the bill is calculated by counting the plates on your table at the end of the meal.

The cart system means you eat what's available when you arrive, not what you planned to order. Peak hours (11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekends) have the widest selection. If you arrive late in the lunch service, some items may have sold out. The restaurant does not take reservations for dim sum service, so expect a wait during busy times.

Key Takeaways

  • ABC Seafood uses a cart system where servers bring dishes to your table and you select what you want, rather than ordering from a written menu.
  • The menu emphasizes seafood items like shrimp dumplings, scallop dishes, and fish preparations more heavily than pork or chicken options.
  • You pay by the plate at the end of the meal, with prices varying based on dish type and complexity.
  • The widest selection appears during peak lunch hours on weekends; arriving late in service means some items may be unavailable.
  • The restaurant does not take reservations for dim sum, so weekend visits often involve waiting during busy times.

How the cart system works and what to expect

When you sit down, servers begin circulating with carts stacked with bamboo steamers and small plates. You examine each cart as it passes and point to the dishes you want. The server places a plate on your table and marks your bill. You can order from multiple carts throughout your meal — there is no limit to how many plates you accumulate. Some carts specialize in specific items (one might carry only dumplings, another only desserts), so the same server may return with different offerings.

If you see something you want but the cart has moved past, you can flag down a server and ask if they have it on another cart or if it's coming around again. Not all items return regularly — some are made in limited batches and disappear once sold out. The pace of service means you eat continuously rather than waiting for a single order to arrive, which is part of the appeal for many diners.

Seafood dishes ABC Seafood is known for

Har gow (shrimp dumplings) are the signature item — the shrimp is visible through the translucent wrapper, and the filling is chunky rather than paste-like. Scallop dumplings appear regularly, usually steamed in the shell with the scallop meat visible. Shrimp cheung fun (shrimp wrapped in rice noodle sheets) is another frequent cart item. Fish cake dishes, sometimes served with black bean sauce or in soup, rotate through service.

Squid preparations vary — you may see whole squid tentacles, squid with ginger, or squid in black bean sauce depending on the day. Crab and shrimp paste items appear less frequently but are worth ordering if you see them. Steamed fish head with black bean sauce is a traditional dish that shows up on some carts. The restaurant also serves non-seafood items like pork siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), chicken feet, and char siu bao (barbecue pork buns), so there are options if you don't eat seafood or want variety.

Pricing and how your bill is calculated

ABC Seafood does not display prices on a menu because the cart system makes fixed pricing impractical. Instead, each plate is marked with a color or symbol that corresponds to a price tier. Simpler items like basic dumplings cost less; dishes with premium ingredients like whole scallops or fish cost more. The exact price structure varies and is usually posted near the entrance or on a small card at your table, though the categories may be unclear if you're unfamiliar with the system.

At the end of your meal, a server counts the plates on your table and calculates the total. You pay at the table or at a register near the exit. Because you can't see prices in advance, ask a server about the price tier of an unfamiliar dish before ordering if cost is a concern. Dim sum at ABC Seafood is generally less expensive than ordering from a full menu at the same restaurant, but the total can add up quickly if you order many plates.

Best times to visit and what to bring

Dim sum service runs during lunch hours, typically 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Weekday visits are less crowded and carts move more slowly, giving you time to examine options. Weekend mornings (10 to 11 a.m.) have shorter waits than mid-day but fewer carts in rotation. By 2 p.m. on weekends, many items have sold out and carts are sparse.

The restaurant accepts cash and card. Parking in Chinatown is street parking only — there is no lot. The dining room is loud and crowded during peak hours, which is normal for dim sum service. If you have dietary restrictions or strong preferences, mention them to your server; they may be able to direct you to specific carts or let you know what's coming next.

Dishes that rotate and items you might not see every visit

ABC Seafood makes some items daily and others in limited batches. Har gow and siu mai appear on nearly every cart. Seasonal or less common items — like certain fish preparations, specialty dumplings, or offal dishes — may appear only a few times a week or depend on ingredient availability. Desserts like egg custard tarts and sesame balls usually come out later in service.

If you have a favorite dish from a previous visit and don't see it on your current visit, ask a server if it's being made that day. Some items are made to order if you ask, though this is not may provide and may take longer. The unpredictability is part of the dim sum experience — you discover new items and revisit favorites, but you can't count on the same menu every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to order a minimum amount or can I just get a few plates?

There is no minimum. You can order as few or as many plates as you want. Some diners come in for just two or three items and tea, while others order a dozen plates. You pay only for what you eat.

What if I don't see something I want on the carts?

Ask your server if a specific item is available that day or if it's coming around later. Some dishes are made in batches and may appear later in service. If it's not available, the server can suggest similar items that are on the carts now.

Can I make a reservation for dim sum?

ABC Seafood does not take reservations for dim sum service. You arrive and wait for a table if needed. Weekday visits and early weekend mornings have shorter waits than mid-day on Saturdays and Sundays.

Is there a tea service, and do I have to order it?

Yes, tea service is available. A server will ask what type of tea you want when you sit down. You pay a small per-person charge for tea. It's customary to order it, but not required.

What should I do if I'm not sure what something is on the cart?

Ask the server to describe it or point to a picture if one is available. Servers are used to explaining dishes. If you're unsure about an ingredient or preparation, say so — the server can help you decide whether to order it.