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| - Dim sum is such a rare choice for me - I don't like waiting in super long lineups, I can't stand super-noisy see-lai shouting nonstop, and I don't believe in waking up at ungodly hours. Hrrumph. Yes, I am dim-sum-prissy! Royale manages to avoid these pitfalls. There was no wait at 12:30pm for a table of 5 on a Saturday, with still a few tables left empty. Noise factor was at a regular level, and you're actually able to hear over the table without having to yell. Coming here past the early morning special means the prices are considerably steeper (starting at $2.80, going upwards to $6.80 for the more expensive dishes).
The important stuff: the food. Though I pretty much liked everything, it was the pyramid-shaped, durian puffs filled with warm, creamy durian and encased by a (fried?) flaky pastry dough that were the standout for me.
The not-so-great: the service, which was nearly nonexistent - save for the ladies who come around with food and check things off the list. Our tea was never refilled until we waved people down like we were hailing taxis. Attempts at upsells were major. Oh, we got something we didn't order? (The crystal purses filled with shrimp, shaped like stingrays) "Try it anyway, OK? We already made it, just try it once." Mind you, he didn't say "try for free" - he made us pay for it in the end, even when we insisted we didn't order it and didn't want it. The same person, also tried to sell a king crab congee special of the day to us, and wouldn't stop trying to push it onto us even when we already said no multiple times.
Based on the food alone, I'd give Royale 4 stars. Coupled with the service though in looking at our overall restaurant experience though, it rings in at a 3 stars for me. And now, back to sleep...zzz....
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