Walk into the Jusgo supermarket plaza in Plano on a Saturday morning, and you’ll see it immediately. There is a specific kind of chaos that defines a truly great Cantonese spot. It’s the sound of heavy ceramic tea lids clanking, the frantic dance of cart ladies navigating tight corners, and that heavy, sweet scent of honey-glazed pork hanging in the humid air.
Honestly, JS Chen Dim Sum & Barbeque isn’t trying to win any interior design awards. It’s a massive, no-frills hall that looks like it hasn't changed its carpet since the early 2000s. And that’s exactly why people love it.
You’ve probably heard the rumors. Some say the service is "dismissive." Others swear it’s the only place in North Texas where the Har Gao doesn’t fall apart the second your chopsticks touch it. Basically, it’s a polarizing staple in a city that is rapidly becoming the dim sum capital of the South. But if you're going there expecting a quiet, curated brunch with avocado toast, you are in the wrong place.
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The Weekend Cart Ritual vs. Weekday Reality
Here is the thing about JS Chen Dim Sum & Barbeque: the experience changes depending on when you show up.
Most people go for the weekend carts. There is something primal and fun about pointing at a steaming bamboo basket and having it land on your table three seconds later. It’s fast. It’s loud. It’s great for groups.
But if you want the "real" experience, try a Tuesday lunch.
On weekdays, the carts are tucked away. You order off a paper menu. Sorta less theatrical? Sure. But the food actually comes out hotter. When you order the Baked BBQ Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao) on a weekday, they haven't been doing laps around the dining room for twenty minutes. They come out with that crumbly, sugary crust still warm enough to burn your tongue.
What to actually order (and what to skip)
Everyone orders the dumplings. You have to. It's the law. The Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gao) are generally reliable—translucent skin, snappy shrimp, not too much filler.
But the BBQ side of the menu is where the "Barbeque" in the name earns its keep.
- Roast Duck: This is non-negotiable. Look for the ducks hanging in the window near the kitchen. The skin is rendered well, though occasionally it can be a bit fatty depending on the bird.
- Crispy Pork Belly (Siue Yoke): When they get the crackling right, it sounds like a glass pane breaking. It’s salty, fatty, and perfectly balanced.
- Beef Fun Roll: These are the wide, slippery rice noodles wrapped around tender beef. They are "aptly named" for a reason—the texture is the star here.
Don't ignore the Chicken Feet in Black Bean Sauce. Look, I know it's a "fear factor" food for some, but the collagen-rich sauce at JS Chen is deep, savory, and rich. It’s a benchmark dish. If a place can’t do phoenix claws right, you can’t trust their dumplings.
Why the Service Gets a Bad Rap
Let’s be real. If you read Yelp reviews for JS Chen Dim Sum & Barbeque, you’ll see people complaining that the servers didn't check on them every five minutes.
That’s not how authentic dim sum works.
In a traditional Cantonese environment, the staff is there to move food. Fast. Efficiency is the goal. If you need more tea, you flip the lid of your teapot upside down or leave it slightly ajar. That’s the universal signal. If you wait for someone to come by and ask "How is everything tasting?", you’ll be waiting until they close at 9:00 PM.
It's a "wave them down" kind of place. Once you accept that, the stress disappears.
The Logistics: 240 Legacy Dr #118
Locating it is easy, but parking is a nightmare. It’s tucked into the corner of the shopping center at 240 Legacy Dr, Plano, TX.
On a Sunday at noon? Forget about it. You’ll be circling for ten minutes. Pro tip: park further down by the smaller shops and just walk. It’s better for your blood pressure.
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Quick Stats for the Hungry:
- Hours: Usually 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM (open earlier at 10:30 AM on weekends).
- Price Point: Expect to spend $25–$40 per person if you’re ordering like a king.
- Reservations: They generally don't take them for small groups. It’s first-come, first-served.
Is it actually "The Best" in Plano?
This is a heated debate. With places like Wu Wei Din and Kirin Court nearby, the competition is stiff.
JS Chen Dim Sum & Barbeque holds its own because of its consistency in the BBQ department. While other spots might have slightly more delicate dumpling skins, JS Chen’s Peking Duck and roast meats are often more flavorful. It’s "old school" Cantonese. It doesn't have the polish of the newer fusion spots, but it has the soul.
There are limitations, obviously. The environment isn't "spotless." It’s a high-traffic restaurant. It’s messy. You might see a stray noodle on the floor. If that bothers you, maybe stick to the fancy spots in Legacy West. But if you want the taste of a Hong Kong morning in the middle of North Texas, this is it.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip to JS Chen Dim Sum & Barbeque, do these three things to ensure you don't end up frustrated:
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- Go early or go late. Arrive by 10:45 AM on a Saturday to beat the first massive wave of families. Or, hit the "dim sum for dinner" vibe around 7:30 PM when the crowd thins out.
- Bring a group of four. Dim sum is a math problem. Two people can only try 4-5 dishes before they're stuffed. Four people can hit 10-12 dishes.
- Check the specials board. Sometimes they have seasonal greens like pea Shoots with garlic that aren't on the standard cart rotation.
The next time you're craving something more substantial than a sandwich, head over to Legacy Drive. Grab a seat, flip your teapot lid, and wait for the cart with the fried sesame balls to roll your way.