ixlb DimSum Eats: Reinventing Dim Sum in Los Angeles with Modern Convenience
Discover how Gloria Shi and ixlb DimSum Eats are redefining dim sum in Los Angeles with fresh, made-to-order dishes, a modern quick-service experience, and unbeatable accessibility. From soup dumplings to spicy chili wontons, ixlb delivers traditional flavors in a simple, approachable way.
iXLB DimSum Eats, led by owner Gloria Shi, has reimagined traditional dim sum by making it accessible and convenient for all. Inspired by her father’s retirement and a desire to bring authentic, reasonably priced dim sum to areas beyond Chinatown and San Gabriel, Gloria envisioned a modern, quick-service restaurant where patrons could enjoy freshly made-to-order dishes without the formalities of traditional dim sum dining.
The Inspiration: Family Roots Meet Modern Innovation
For Gloria Shi, opening ixlb DimSum Eats was about more than food—it was about honoring her family’s legacy while creating something new.
“When my dad retired, I saw him slowing down, and I didn’t think it was time for that,” Gloria shares. “We talked about starting something fresh, where people could enjoy dim sum without all the hassle.”
Combining her father’s years of experience in traditional banquet-style restaurants with her vision of a streamlined, modern concept, Gloria created ixlb: a space where anyone can savor authentic dim sum with ease.
A Modern Twist on Traditional Dim Sum
Traditional dim sum restaurants, while beloved, can come with their challenges: long drives, crowded dining halls, confusing menus, and steep prices. Gloria wanted to remove those barriers.
“In LA, if you wanted good dim sum, you had to drive to Chinatown or San Gabriel Valley, deal with traffic, and wait for a table. I wanted to create something that felt modern and easy—like grabbing a coffee at Starbucks,” she explains.
At ixlb DimSum Eats, the experience is completely reimagined:
Digital kiosks with photos of each dish make ordering intuitive, even for dim sum newcomers.
Fresh, made-to-order dishes ensure quality and flavor.
A quick-service format makes dim sum perfect for a grab-and-go meal or casual takeout.
The Menu: Simple, Approachable, and Delicious
Gloria and her team curated a streamlined menu that appeals to everyone—from dim sum enthusiasts to those trying it for the first time. “Growing up as one of the only Asian kids in my school, my friends would always ask what I was eating. They loved it when they tried it, but they never knew what to order. I wanted to make it easy.”
By focusing on approachable items that are familiar yet authentic, ixlb ensures everyone can find a favorite.
Must-Try Dishes
Pork and Shrimp Shumai – A timeless classic that hits the spot every time.
Spicy Shrimp Chili Wontons – Steamed or fried, with just the right kick of heat.
Ha Gow (Shrimp Steamed Dumplings) – Delicate, tender, and filled with fresh shrimp.
Pan-Fried Chicken Dumplings – Crispy, juicy, and endlessly satisfying.
Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings) – A signature dish that’s become synonymous with ixlb.
Freshness and Quality, Every Time
Unlike traditional dim sum spots where dishes are pre-made and sit out for hours, ixlb DimSum Eats takes a different approach.
“All of our dishes are made fresh to order, so you get them piping hot,” Gloria explains. “It’s not something that’s been sitting out all day—it’s quality you can taste.”
This commitment to freshness, combined with affordable pricing, has made ixlb a go-to spot for lunch, dinner, and takeout.
A Neighborhood Favorite with Family at Its Heart
At its core, ixlb DimSum Eats is a family-driven business. Gloria’s father, once retired, now thrives in his new role, mentoring younger team members and interacting with customers.
“Seeing my dad light up again—teaching, being part of something—is the most rewarding part for me,” Gloria says. “We run this restaurant like a family. That’s why our team sticks with us, and it’s what makes us feel connected to the community.”
Measured Growth: Looking to the Future
While many successful restaurants rush to expand, Gloria takes a more thoughtful approach.
“We’ve had franchising offers since 2017, but we’re cautious,” she says. “It has to be the right fit. We don’t want to lose what makes ixlb special: the quality, the experience, and the connection to the neighborhood.”
For now, ixlb DimSum Eats continues to serve as a shining example of what happens when tradition meets innovation. With locations in Hollywood and Westwood, Gloria’s vision of making dim sum modern, fresh, and accessible has truly come to life.