Bakul Dim Sum at The Five
WHERE TRADITION MEETS INNOVATION IN EVERY STEAM AND SIZZLE
Tucked into the contemporary culinary hub of The Five, Bakul Dim Sum stands as a refined yet playful reinterpretation of the beloved dim sum experience. It’s where the warmth of classic Cantonese comfort food meets the imagination of modern gastronomy. More than just a restaurant, Bakul is a journey into the heart of dim sum, where each bite is steeped in memory yet crafted with a modern twist. Whether you’re a dim sum traditionalist or a curious diner with a taste for adventure, Bakul invites you to experience familiar flavors presented in bold new ways.
From the moment you’re seated, there’s a sense that this isn’t your ordinary dim sum spot. The interiors strike a balance between minimalist sophistication and cozy charm, with muted tones, elegant tableware, and just the right touch of nostalgia. The menu is concise but meticulously curated, each item chosen to reflect heritage and originality.
The Taro Puff is a perfect example of Bakul’s philosophy. On the surface, it looks like the classic dim sum staple, but with one bite reveals a carefully balanced filling of creamy taro with subtle sweetness, enclosed in a golden, crisp shell that shatters delicately in your mouth. It’s comfort food elevated to an art form. From there, the Szechuan Dumpling boldly turns up the volume. Wrapped in silky skins and served in a pool of crimson chili oil, these dumplings are filled with juicy meat and awaken the palate with tingling heat, thanks to the numbing Szechuan peppercorns. Aromatic and intense, this dish offers a fiery kick that lingers in the most delicious way.
For something rich and earthy, the Black Garlic Dumpling brings a luxurious twist to the table. Infused with the deep umami of fermented garlic, each dumpling is silky and savory, offering a mellow complexity that contracts beautifully with the brighter dishes on the menu. It’s rich without being overpowering, a perfect example of Bakul’s ability to create balance.
Then comes the Avocado Kataifi, perhaps the most modern dish on the menu. Delicate threads of kataifi pastry are wrapped around slices of creamy avocado, flash- fried to a golden crunch. The textures are unexpected but harmonious, the soft interior giving way to a satisfying crackle, while a drizzle of citrus dressing adds a zesty lift. This dish redefines what dim sum can be, drawing from Mediterranean techniques without losing its Asian soul.
Visually arresting and equally delicious, the Beetroot Bliss Buns bring a burst of color to the table. These vibrant magenta-hued buns are soft, warm, and filled with a lightly sweetened beetroot paste that is earthy and refined. The buns are steamed to perfection, offering pillowy softness that contrasts nicely with the vivid filling. It’s a dish that delights the eyes and the taste buds, inviting diners to slow down and savor every bite.
No visit to Bakul is complete without the Ying Yong Prawn Noodle, a dish that offers a heartier option and ties the entire meal together. “Ying yong”, meaning duality or pairing, is beautifully expressed here as dry and soup noodles come together in one bowl. Juicy prawns float in a delicate yet flavorful broth, enhanced with pickled vegetables, scallions, and fresh herbs. The broth is light but layered, bringing warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful. It’s a dish that comforts and surprises at once, a grounding finale to an otherwise whimsical dim sum journey.
Beyond the food, Bakul Dim Sum captures something rare: a sense of thoughtful creativity without losing the soul of its culinary roots. Every detail, from plating to pacing, reflects a respect for tradition and an excitement for what’s possible when you allow it to evolve. The result is a dining experience that feels fresh and inviting, luxurious yet accessible.
In a city buzzing with gastronomic diversity, Bakul Dim Sum has managed to carve a niche that feels familiar and brand new. Whether you’re catching up with friends over lunch or exploring a weekend brunch with family, it’s a destination that offers more than just food; it offers a feast of textures, colors, memories, and discoveries. At Bakul, the bamboo steamer becomes a vessel not just for food, but for storytelling, reimagined.