The Pandemic Takeout Chronicles: A Year of Delicious Surprises

As we look back on the challenges of 2020, it's easy to forget the small joys that kept us going. For many of us, one such joy was discovering new favorite takeout spots and savoring the comfort food they brought to our doors. In this article, we'll revisit some of the most memorable takeout meals of the year, including a frozen dim sum king that stole the show.

Takeout, by its nature, is often an intimate experience. You order in, wait for it to arrive, and then enjoy your meal solo or with loved ones. But in 2020, takeout became so much more than just a convenient meal option – it was a lifeline. When social distancing measures went into effect, many of us turned to takeout as our primary means of sustenance. And while some restaurants struggled to adapt, others rose to the challenge.

For Joanna Della Penna, a writer at Nosh, one such restaurant stood out: June's Pizza. After trying their gomtang tteokguk and haemulpajeon for the first time, she was hooked. The combination of flavors and textures in each dish was unlike anything she'd experienced before – it was like a little piece of culinary heaven in her takeout box.

Sarah Han, another Nosh writer, echoed this sentiment when it came to Ming's Tasty in Oakland Chinatown. Their dim sum feast was the stuff of dreams: crispy rice noodle rolls stuffed with savory Chinese donuts, all perfectly steamed and served up in a takeout box. It was magic, she said, and we can't argue with that.

But June's Pizza wasn't the only game-changing takeout option Joanna encountered. She also raved about Michoz, a pop-up restaurant from former Commis cooks now based out of the Hidden Cafe in Berkeley. Their Peruvian chicken meal, complete with perfectly cooked paella and crispy fried potatoes, was a revelation – who knew that such flavors could be packed into a takeout box?

For Lance Knobel, Nosh's editor-in-chief, it was Cheese Board pizza that saved the day (or at least, his dinner). With their generous portions and variety of toppings, he found himself looking forward to their weekly delivery every bit as much as he would a night out at a restaurant.

Of course, not all takeout meals were created equal. Natalie Orenstein, another Nosh writer, recounted her experiences with Seoul Gomtang in Oakland, where the line often stretched down the block – but the reward was well worth it. A Cheese Board pizza to take home and enjoy with a decent podcast? That was the perfect pandemic life.

As we close out this year of uncertainty, one thing is clear: despite the challenges, our local restaurants have risen to the occasion. And for many of us, takeout has become more than just a meal – it's a symbol of community, resilience, and the power of food to bring us together. So here's to the Frozen Dim Sum King, and all the other culinary heroes who kept us going in 2020.

What were your most memorable takeout meals of the year? Share with us on social media using #NoshTakeoutChronicles!

Frozen dim sum king