Golden Wok (Marbach)

Golden Wok is in a league of its own since it is the only restaurant in San Antonio serving dim sum. In China, these small samplings are typically served only in the mornings, or as late night snacks, but Golden Wok offers the dishes everyday, all day, though a larger variety - up to 55! - is available on weekends. That is when they roll out the carts stacked high with steaming bamboo baskets full of traditional treats like Har Gau (shrimp dumplings), Fung Jou (steamed chicken feet in black bean sauce), and Nor Mai Gai (lotus leaves stuffed with sweet rice and Chinese sausage). But don't let the beef tripe and pork-filled pastries scare you; Golden Wok offers less adventurous dim sum for the tamer American palate, including taro root cake and Hong Kong-style spring rolls. Additionally, there is a menu full of regular fare, including an excellent Peking duck and a build-it-yourself stir fry bar complete with Chinese vegetables. The service is courteous, quick, and knowledgeable. Watch as the cooks prepare your stir-fry in an open kitchen area. Despite its traditional menu, the restaurant itself could be mistaken for any average American eatery. - Xelena Gonzalez