I was very excited to learn that Cha Lau (originally Cha Liu) was reopening after closing last summer in the Yonge and Eglinton area. I was a huge fan despite the smaller portions and relatively expensive price. The food was definitely worth it. I couldn't wait to order my old favourites and check out what's new.
The new restaurant is spacious and beautifully decorated. It's definitely nice enough to bring a date, but still great for those casual outings. Overall, the meal was great and the service was excellent as usual. I was happy to be reunited with some of my favourite dishes - baby bok choy in garlic sauce (in oyster sauce is yummy too), sesame balls, egg tarts, pork siu mai, and pan fried beef dumplings. I was sad to learn that they changed the filling for the duck in puff pastry. I didn't find the new filling to be appetizing at all. There was also another beef dumpling (for the life of me I can't really remember which one exactly) that was heavily seasoned with black pepper and onion. It was definitely another miss, but despite these missteps I had a great meal.
Yes the portions are much smaller than expected from most dim sum places and therefore pricier, but each little portion is packed with flavour and worth every penny. If you're looking for quantity and a cheap price you won't find it here and as soon as you accept this the more enjoyable you will find the food.