Dim Sum is Hong Kong’s glorious culinary gem, and if you need translation, it’s what tapas is to the Spanish. Traditional or contemporary, Dim Sum packs a punch of flavor in beautiful bite-sized servings in bamboo baskets. No other place in the world has better Dim Sum than Hong Kong, so have it every day that you’re in the city before you head home and dream about your next trip.
Brunches and lunches are the most popular times for Dim Sum, and locals flock to the restaurants anytime between 11 am to 2 pm. You’ll be able to find Dim Sum at almost any time of the day in some restaurants, so if you’re addicted after the first bite, that can only be good news.
Hungry? Bookmark these places and start making space in your stomach now.
Tim Ho Wan
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You can’t talk about Dim Sum in Hong Kong without mentioning Tim Ho Wan. Ever since it’s been bestowed the title of ‘Cheapest Michelin Start Restaurant In The World,’ the world has taken notice and queues are formidably long. With branches around Hong Kong and now even abroad, is it still worth the wait?
Apparently so. The signature BBQ Pork Bun will have you ordering seconds and thirds, and the Cheong Fun (rice rolls with shrimp) is also a consistent favourite. Don’t expect fancy service. Queue, fill up the order form, and try not to let the long queue outside get to your conscience as you enjoy every morsel of heavenly Dim Sum.
Address: G/F, 9-11 Fuk Wing St, Hong Kong
Lin Heung Teahouse
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Take a step back into the 1960s at Lin Heung Teahouse. It hasn’t been deliberately decorated with retro furniture; it truly is a place that’s stuck around for long. The Dim Sum here may not be the most mind-blowing you’ve ever had, but it’s still tasty and the atmosphere is difficult to beat. It’s not exactly tourist-friendly, so it’s best to go with a local friend, or simply be adventurous and grab whatever the trolley lady is pushing around. It’s noisy, chaotic, traditional, and great value for money.
Address: 160-164 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
Yan Toh Heen
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Quite the opposite of Lin heung, Yan Toh Heen is all about class and sophistication. This two-star Michelin restaurant in Intercontinental Hotel serves up both traditional and creative Dim Sum with great service. In addition to Dim Sum, its Peking duck is probably one of the best in Hong Kong.
Try the Superior Dumplings, a combo that consists of dumplings of steamed scallop, black truffles, and vegetables, and even bird’s nest dumplings. Trade up the usual BBQ Pork Bun for Wok-seared buns with Wagyu Beef and Cumin.
As you can imagine, prices are steep, but if you want a classy and unique Dim Sum experience with an 180-degree view of the harbour, this is the place to go.
Address: G/F, InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Sun Hing Restaurant
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Sun Hing is another local favourite that’s as no-frills as you can get. It’s also a popular place for late-night Dim Sum cravings, perfect for a post-party pigging out session.
Don’t miss the specialty of the house, which is the Molten Custard Bun that’s halfway between savoury and sweet. For the uninitiated, the custard bun is literally a soft white bun with a really hot filling of egg custard that flows the moment you sink your teeth into it. If you can handle a Xiao Long Bao, you’ll do great with the custard bun. Other Dim Sum items are also consistently good and fresh.
Address: 10 Hau Wo St., Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, China
Mott 32
So you want your Dim Sum in style to impress your date. Not too pretentious, not too stuffy, just cool interiors and of course, good fusion Dim Sum to match. How about Iberico Pork soup dumplings, or black truffles and quail eggs in your Siew Mai, washed down with tea or perhaps, signature cocktails by the names of Forbidden Rose and Hanami?
Address: Basement, Standard Chartered Bldg, 4-4a Des Voeux Rd, Central
Pure Veggie House
Vegetarians, Hong Kong has not betrayed you. There are vegetarian dim sum options, and Pure Veggie House is the best of them. In fact, come here even if you’re a meat lover and you’ll be surprised how a little creativity goes a long way. Inspired by traditional Chinese Buddhist cuisine, the ingenious use of tofu and wheat to create meat sub-substitutes will have you coming back. The mushroom dishes like the Enoki mushroom fries are delicious, so don’t pass them up.
Address: 3/F, Coda Plaza, 51 Garden Road, Mid-Levels