A celebrity chef opening an all-you-can-eat dim sum spot about twenty minutes from home? Say less. I finally sat down for the full experience at Peter Chang Annapolis, and you guys, I have a lot of feelings (…most of them involve dumplings).
Quick heads up before we dig in: the NOM Digital team (hi, that is us) handles social media for this spot, so I have been lucky enough to eat here more than once. But I would be sending you regardless, because the AYCE dim sum deal is one of the best food values I have found in Annapolis right now.
What Peter Chang Is Known For
If the name rings a bell, it should. Peter Chang is a celebrated chef known for bold, fragrant Sichuan cooking, and the Annapolis spot is the newest addition to a lineup that already has DMV fans driving across county lines. The Baltimore Banner covered the Annapolis opening as well, so I promise the hype’s not just coming from me.
The headline here is the daily all-you-can-eat dim sum and Chinese tapas. It is $30 per person for access to more than 50 dishes, which is kind of wild for the quality coming out of that kitchen. Kids ages 6 to 12 are $15, so it is a great pick for families too. If you have done the AYCE brunch at Q by Peter Chang in Bethesda, this is your Annapolis answer.
And if you’re building a full Annapolis day with the family, the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum is a free African American history museum in the historic district that is absolutely worth a stop before or after your meal.
What to Order at Peter Chang Annapolis
Since it is all-you-can-eat, the move is to order a little of everything and pace yourself. These are the dishes I keep coming back for.
Spicy Dry Fried Bamboo Fish
This one is my personal kryptonite. Crispy little bites with that signature Sichuan tingle, salty and craveable in the best way. I could make a whole meal out of these alone, and some days I basically do, ha.
Sichuan Spicy Popcorn Chicken
Golden, crunchy, and tossed with chilies and aromatics so every piece has a little kick. It is the kind of dish that disappears off the table before you remember to grab seconds, so order early.
Grandma Hand Pulled Chili Sauce Noodle
Chewy hand pulled noodles coated in a glossy chili sauce. Comfortingand a nice carby anchor between all the spicier bites… even though this is kind of spicy as well, lol. If you are a noodle person like me, this is a must. (See also: my soft spot for Red Pepper in Towson for more Sichuan heat.)
Mapo Tofu
Silky tofu in that classic numbing, spicy sauce. Spoon it over a little rice and you have got the coziest bite on the table. It’s rich without being heavy, which is exactly what you want when you are pacing for round four.
Crystal Shrimp and Chive Shrimp Pork Dumplings
The dumplings are reason enough to come. The crystal shrimp dumplings are delicious, and the chive shrimp pork ones are nice and plump. They rank right up there with some of the best dumplings in Maryland, and you KNOW I don’t say that lightly.
Black Sesame Egg Yolk Bao
Save room, Nomsters, because dessert dim sum is real here. These bao ooze a sweet salted egg yolk filling that’s warm, gooey, and oh sosatisfying. The pumpkin red bean paste mochi is another sweet winner if you want to end on something chewy.
A Few More to Grab
And that’s barely scratching the surface, Nomsters. Other rounds worth your stomach space: the fish filet with black bean sauce (OMG so good), the dry fried spicy eggplant (even eggplant skeptics will love this), a soothing hot and sour soup to reset your palate between spicy bites, fluffy egg and scallion fried rice, and the scallion bubble pancake that is basically made for dunking. With SO many options on the menu, half the fun is seeing how far you can get before the 90 minutes are up. My advice? Skip the rice early and go big on the dumplings and the chef specials, because those are where this kitchen really flexes.
The Vibe
The format makes the whole meal feel like an event. You order in rounds, the little plates keep coming, and the table fills up *fast*. It’s extra fun with a group so bring friends and get your nom on. Just know there is a 90 minute table window, so come hungry and ready to commit.
Good to Know
- Pricing: All-you-can-eat dim sum and Chinese tapas is $30 per person, and $15 for kids ages 6 to 12.
- Dine-in only: The AYCE deal is dine-in, with a 90 minute table limit.
- Reservations: Accepted, and you can book a table right on their website. I would reserve for weekends.
- Hours: Monday to Thursday 11am to 3pm and 4:30pm to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 10pm, Sunday 11am to 9pm.
- Dietary: There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options across the menu.
Annapolis has been eating really well lately. Between this and Carlson’s for Thai, my Bay Ridge Road rotation is getting crowded (no complaints).
So, Is Peter Chang Annapolis Worth It?
This is an easy yes from me. It’s a fun and affordable way to eat some seriously good Sichuan food, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite spots to bring people in the area. Have you guys made it to Peter Chang Annapolis yet? Drop your must-order dish in the comments, Nomsters!
