What a fantastic dim sum experience on the East Side of Toronto. This ain't Chinatown but for it to be open on New Year's Day, I certainly won't complain.
I am not as well versed in Chinese food, generally because I often don't seek it. Coming to Ha Gow has influenced me to make Chinese a more sought after cuisine type and I look forward to finding some great dim sum in Chicago and in New York.
As far as the restaurant, it's kind of a divey spot and a little cramped. The waitress will bring you a menu and a card so you can write down which types of dim sum you plan on ordering. Specials can be found on either the placard above the counter where you pay or along the walls.
Tempted by the pan fried beef short ribs at a cheap price point of $4.95, I ordered a small order of that, followed by a sampler of dim sum which was well priced at $12.95 for four different varieties. Everything was absolutely delicious. The banana leaf-wrapped rice and shrimp was a nice contrast to the salty and fatty pork and beef focused dim sum.
If you're in the Danforth area, you will have plenty of options to seek (Greek, Yemeni, Italian, etc.) but this spot is great if you're looking to eat a lot for a little.