Discover Authentic Cantonese Cuisine and Unique Bubble Tea Creations at Lion Dance
Discover Lion Dance in Staten Island, where authentic Cantonese dishes meet creative bubble tea. Enjoy handmade dim sum, steamed rice wrapped in lotus leaves, and unique drinks like iced coffee boba. Visit for fresh flavors and a warm, welcoming experience!
When you step into Lion Dance, a cozy spot in Staten Island, you’re immediately greeted by the intoxicating aromas of authentic Cantonese dishes and the vibrant colors of artisanal bubble tea. For Nina, the owner, Lion Dance represents more than just a restaurant—it’s a celebration of her Cantonese heritage and her love for bringing people together through food.
Sudden Leap into the Restaurant Industry
Nina’s journey into the restaurant business wasn’t meticulously planned; it was sparked by a mix of curiosity and ambition. While working for a vendor company with an open kitchen, she found herself experimenting with recipes during her breaks. “At that moment, I just felt that everything about food was interesting,” she shared. But the true turning point came when she decided she was ready to venture out on her own, tired of working for others and inspired by her passion for Cantonese cuisine.
Nina wanted to introduce her community to traditional Cantonese flavors often overshadowed by Americanized Chinese food. “Dim sum is popular in Manhattan, but many people in Staten Island don’t even know about it. I wanted to change that,” she explained.
What’s on the Menu? Tradition with a Twist
Lion Dance offers a unique blend of Cantonese staples and inventive bubble tea creations. From handmade dim sum to flavorful noodle soups, the menu brims with authentic options. Each dish reflects Nina’s dedication to tradition, with recipes crafted by experienced Cantonese chefs boasting over 20 years of expertise. “Our chefs handmake dim sum like shumai and pork dumplings, which are juicy and packed with flavor,” Nina said proudly.
For those seeking something more contemporary, the restaurant’s bubble tea selection is a must-try. One standout item is the iced coffee boba, featuring popping coffee boba pearls that deliver a burst of rich flavor with every sip. Other customer favorites include the rose latte and the ever-popular brown sugar milk tea, topped with their signature creamy foam.
A recent addition to the menu is lotus leaf-wrapped steamed rice, infused with the essence of the lotus leaf during the steaming process. Nina describes it as “a dish that brings back childhood memories.” This traditional delicacy is filled with savory meats and vegetables, offering a comforting, aromatic experience.
Rooted in Community
Though Lion Dance is Nina’s first restaurant, it’s already making waves in Staten Island. Nina chose the location out of convenience, but she’s grown to cherish the neighborhood’s sense of community. “We have everyone from little kids enjoying bubble tea to elderly neighbors savoring our soup noodles,” she said. One customer’s heartfelt words during a chilly winter night—“You warmed my heart”—left a lasting impression on her.
Nina’s focus remains on serving her local community. “I just want to keep the food and drink quality high and focus on customer service,” she explained. To her, every customer is family, and every dish is made with care.
What’s Next for Lion Dance?
Nina is taking things one step at a time, prioritizing quality over expansion. “This is our first location, and we’re focusing on perfecting everything,” she shared. With over 40 drink options and a full menu of authentic Cantonese dishes, Lion Dance is poised to become a cornerstone of Staten Island’s culinary scene.