Enlighten Bistro 168

CHINA 🇨🇳
(GUANGDONG)

EDITOR'S NOTE: An updated version of this article (25 June 2025) is available as part of the Historical section of our Substack page. Check that out here:

https://eattheworldla.substack.com/p/enlighten-bistro-168-dim-sum-arcadia

📍 820 S. Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, San Gabriel Valley

The San Gabriel Valley is certainly not lacking in places to bring a newspaper or a group of friends to gossip and practice the beloved Cantonese idea of yum cha (飲茶, a tradition of brunch with tea and dim sum). But often the dim sum at these places is just so-so and if you are not walking around the corner or from the area, does not warrant a drive. This makes sense, because it is the tea and company (and very affordable prices) that are more important in these cases.

The new Enlighten Bistro 168 in Arcadia has gained some attention by providing excellent dim sum and quite a few unique items that all seem to be executed very well. Like often happens in the beginning of a restaurant's life, there were days and weeks that were hit and miss, but almost a full three months after opening the kitchen seems to be firing on all cylinders.

瑤柱燒賣 pork siu-mai ($6.88) and 鮮蝦餃 shrimp har-gow ($6.88)

鮮蝦腸粉 Shrimp noodle ($6.88)

Instead of carts running between tables, Enlighten Bistro 168 uses the old checklist menu system, sat on the table along with a non-dim sum a la carte (mostly dinner) menu when you are seated. On weekends the place seems popular among families, with the US-born adult children and their parents meeting here for meals. Since Enlighten Bistro 168 has the ability to please both of these audiences, it can get busy around peak dim sum times, so especially on weekends prepare for a bit of a wait.

And how about being a place for yum cha? Absolutely not, unfortunately, as tables are usually at a premium and a soft pressure starts to be put on you just as you shift back in your chair and adjust your belt after the big meal. Make room for at least one of their sweet buns at the end of the meal though (see end).

娘惹香辣鹹水角 Spicy minced pork dumpling ($4.88)

帶子海鮮南瓜餃 Scallop seafood dumpling ($6.88)

街邊排骨腸粉 Steamed rice noodle roll/spare ribs ($6.88)

豬軟骨湯鮮竹卷 Bean curd skin roll in soup ($6.88)

金瓜芋絲 Sliced taro cake ($6.88)

紫菜邮拼 Seaweed and shrimp paste cake ($6.88)

Hong Kong style roasted duck ($13)

黑金剛流沙包 Creamy egg yolk bao ($6.88)

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