Behind the Success of STEAM Asian Kitchen on Greenwich Avenue

What’s to eat on Greenwich Avenue? How about some fluffy and flavorful dim sum at STEAM Asian Kitchen? Since Bill Xia took over the little spot near the corner of Grigg Street in 2023, the menu has evolved and the restaurant has become increasingly popular.

Mr. Xia is enthusiastic as ever about STEAM, noting sales had tripled since 2023.

Regular customers include Chinese people who appreciate the authenticity of the cuisine, but also Americans, especially high school students. In fact, high school student artwork is on display in the eatery and summertime staff include high school students.

There is a special menu for the Chinese community that is different every weekend.

Xia said despite the restaurant’s limited seating, business has expanded through corporate lunch business, which have soared to 200 orders a day on weekdays.

Also, STEAM created an in-house delivery team, and the service is available to customers within 3 miles.

“We have tripled our deliveries because have our own drivers. That makes people very comfortable,” he said. “And it’s much faster than some of the well known food delivery services.”

Currently, Xia said that for customers who order online, STEAM offers free delivery and $10 off for orders over $60.

With the authentic Chinese food and the in-house delivery service model, Xia said he planned to open a second STEAM restaurant in the area.

The bottom line is it’s all about fresh, authentic Chinese food with items that appeal to Americans, but also to Chinese people.

On Friday afternoon Holly Cao and Faye Cao – who said they were ‘sister-like’ as they happen to share the same last name – said they were regulars at STEAM where they appreciated the lunch specials.

“The food is authentic,” Holly said. “We really love it, especially the soup dumplings.”

Also, from the Small Dishes section of the menu, we honed in on the Dry-Fried Eggplant and the Bamboo Fish with Cumin and Sichuan Spices, which Mr. Xia said are both very popular.

And for good reason. The fish is fluffy and flavorful and the eggplant is thick cut like “steak” fries – but with a serious amount of eggplant and a spicy option that includes red chili peppers.

“Dry-fried” refers to a traditional style of Chinese cooking. The result is a meaty, savory texture on the inside and a subtle crispiness on the outside.

For a small restaurant, STEAM has an expansive menu.

The chef’s signature dish is Peking Duck – half or whole – served with cucumber, scallion, steamed pancakes and duck sauce.

Other classic cuisine from STEAM includes Garlic Sauce Style with red pepper, scallion, onion, mushroom & bamboo shoots, Kung Pao Style, Mongolian Style, Three Pepper Style, Mango Style, Mushu Style, or Black Pepper Style – any of these styles with choice from a variety of meats including, chicken, beef, shrimp.

Mr. Xia said the Dim Sum menu has become very popular, making up 25% of sales, with mouth-watering choices including Steamed Pork Buns, Cha Siu Bao (barbecue pork buns), Black & Gold Egg Custard Buns, Sichuan Dumplings  (pork and shrimp), Shrimp Shumai, Steamed Dumplings (pork/chicken/shrimp/vegetable), Pan-fried Dumplings (pork/chicken/shrimp/vegetable), Crispy Spring Roll, Vegetable Spring Rolls, Scallion Pancakes and Crab Rangoon.

Xia said many people start off sampling from the Dim Sum menu and returning to explore other menu options.

The Small Plate Menu includes Sweet & Sour Baby Back Ribs, Crispy Pork Belly, Grandma’s Noodles (with hot oil, Xi’an style) and Dan Dan Noodle (with beef & olive vegetables).

There are numerous noodle dishes with choices of meats, a variety of broth noodle options – and to wash it down there are soft drinks, tea varieties and an extensive list of bubble teas.

Check out STEAM menus here.

STEAM is located at 374 Greenwich Ave a, Greenwich, CT 06830

Tel: (203) 992-1500