Palette Tea Garden & Dim Sum

Nestled inside the bustling Hillsdale Mall in San Mateo, Palette Tea Garden & Dim Sum blends contemporary flair with classic Cantonese cuisine. Founded by the Ng family—renowned for Koi Palace and Dragon Beaux—the restaurant spans over 8,000 square feet, offering a bright dining room with polished wood accents, glass‑enclosed booths, and a relaxed outdoor patio perfect for sunny California afternoons. Signature dishes include Iberico Cha Siu pork imported from Spain, succulent roasted Peking duck carved tableside, and a rotating dim sum cart serving delicate shrimp har gow, pork siu mai, and lotus‑leaf‑wrapped sticky rice. Seafood lovers can enjoy fresh scallops in garlic butter and steamed whole fish with ginger scallion sauce. Chef Ng curates a menu that balances tradition and innovation, complemented by a full bar stocked with premium teas, sake, and craft cocktails. Opening hours run Mon‑Thu 11:30 am‑8:30 pm, Fri 11 am‑9 pm, Sat 10:30 am‑9 pm, Sun 10:30 am‑8:30 pm, with a modest 18 % service charge. Prices sit in the $$ range, offering generous portions for families and groups. Whether you’re joining a weekday lunch, a weekend brunch, or a private party in one of the private rooms, expect attentive service, elegant décor, and a lively atmosphere that celebrates the yum cha tradition.