Dim sum is yummy Chinese food made of many small dishes like dumplings, buns, and rolls. It’s great for sharing with friends and family. Whether you like steamed, fried, or sweet treats, there is something tasty for everyone. Let’s look at some of the best dim sum dishes you should try!
Best Chinese Dim Sum You Need to Try
Dim sum is a fun and delicious way to enjoy Chinese food. It’s a tradition that started in southern China, where people gather to drink tea and share small plates of tasty snacks. These bite-sized dishes are perfect for sharing with family or friends.
If you’ve never tried dim sum before—or want to know which dishes are the best—here’s a list of popular favorites that you’ll love.
1.Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings) – A Dim Sum Favorite
Har Gow, also known as shrimp dumplings, is one of the most popular and loved dishes in any dim sum meal. If you’re new to dim sum, this is a great place to start.
What’s Inside?
Har Gow is filled with fresh, juicy shrimp. Sometimes, it also includes bits of bamboo shoots or water chestnuts for a little crunch. The shrimp is seasoned lightly so you can really enjoy its natural flavor. When you bite into it, the filling is soft, tasty, and full of that fresh seafood flavor.
The Wrapper
What makes Har Gow stand out is its thin, see-through wrapper. It’s made from a special mix of flours (not the usual dough), which gives it a smooth, slightly chewy texture. The wrapper is soft but strong enough to hold the shrimp without falling apart.
How It’s Served
Har Gow is served hot in a small bamboo steamer, usually with 3 or 4 dumplings inside. You can dip them in soy sauce, chili oil, or vinegar—but they taste great even without any sauce.
A True Test for Dim Sum Chefs
Making Har Gow takes skill. The wrapper needs to be just the right thickness—not too thick, not too thin. In fact, dim sum chefs often fold the wrapper with exactly 7 to 13 pleats as a sign of their experience and attention to detail.
Why You Should Try It
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It’s simple but packed with flavor.
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The shrimp is fresh and juicy.
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The wrapper is soft, smooth, and a little chewy.
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It’s one of the most loved dim sum dishes around the world.
2. Siu Mai (Pork and Shrimp Dumplings) – A Dim Sum Favorite
Siu Mai (also spelled Shumai) is one of the most popular dishes you’ll find at a dim sum restaurant. These dumplings are small, open on top, and filled with a tasty mix of pork and shrimp. They’re juicy, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser.
What’s Inside?
Siu Mai is filled with:
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Ground pork – rich and savory
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Shrimp – sweet and juicy
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Mushrooms – for an earthy, deep flavor
Some versions may also include small pieces of ginger or crunchy water chestnuts for extra texture.
What Do They Look Like?
Siu Mai looks a little different from regular dumplings:
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They are open at the top, so you can see the filling.
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The wrapper is usually thin and yellow, made from wheat or egg dough.
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On top, they’re often decorated with a tiny piece of orange carrot or a bit of fish roe for color.
They’re usually steamed and served in a bamboo basket while still hot.
How Do They Taste?
Siu Mai is soft, juicy, and packed with flavor. The pork gives it a rich taste, the shrimp adds sweetness, and the mushrooms bring a little earthiness. The mix is well-balanced and super satisfying.
You can enjoy Siu Mai as it is, or dip it in soy sauce, chili oil, or a bit of vinegar for even more flavor.
Why People Love It
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It’s simple but full of flavor
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It’s perfect for sharing with family or friends
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It’s one of the top must-try dishes in any dim sum meal
Siu Mai is often served along with Har Gow (shrimp dumplings) as a classic pair. If you’re trying dim sum for the first time, make sure Siu Mai is on your plate—you won’t regret it!
3 Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns) – A Dim Sum Favorite
Char Siu Bao is one of the most popular dim sum dishes. It’s a soft, fluffy bun filled with sweet and tasty Chinese BBQ pork. Whether steamed or baked, this bun is always a treat.
What’s Inside?
The bun is filled with char siu, which is a special kind of Chinese BBQ pork. The meat is:
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Tender and juicy
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Sweet and a little smoky
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Mixed with a thick, flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, and hoisin sauce
The pork is chopped into small pieces, and every bite is full of flavor.
Two Ways to Enjoy It
Char Siu Bao comes in two different styles:
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Steamed Char Siu Bao
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Soft, white, and very fluffy
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The bun is light and airy
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The top may crack open from steaming
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The inside is warm and saucy
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Baked Char Siu Bao
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Golden brown on the outside
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Slightly sweet and shiny
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A little firmer than the steamed version
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Has a nice, soft crust
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Both are delicious—it just depends on what kind of bun you like!
What Does It Taste Like?
Char Siu Bao is a mix of sweet, salty, and savory.
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The bread is soft and warm
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The filling is rich and full of flavor
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It’s a little sticky and sweet, but not too much
It’s a comfort food that makes you feel full and happy.
Why You Should Try It
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It’s one of the best dim sum dishes for beginners
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Both kids and adults love it
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You can eat it with tea or as a snack
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It’s great for sharing—or enjoying all to yourself!
So next time you’re having dim sum, don’t miss Char Siu Bao. Whether you try the soft steamed version or the golden baked one, you’re in for a warm and tasty treat.
4. Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls) – A Soft and Delicious Dim Sum Dish
Cheung Fun is a popular dim sum snack made from thin, soft rice noodles rolled around tasty fillings. It’s smooth, soft, and easy to eat.
What’s Inside?
Cheung Fun usually has fillings like:
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Shrimp – fresh and juicy
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Beef – tender and flavorful
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Pork – savory and yummy
Sometimes you might find vegetables inside too, but shrimp, beef, and pork are the most common.
What Does It Feel Like?
The rice noodle sheets are:
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Thin and smooth
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Soft and a little slippery
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Rolled up like a soft wrap around the filling
When you bite in, the noodles are silky, and the filling is tasty and tender.
What Makes It So Tasty?
Cheung Fun is served with a sweet soy sauce poured over the top. This sauce is:
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Lightly sweet
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A bit salty
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Makes every bite soft and flavorful
Sometimes, it comes with sesame seeds or a little chili sauce on the side for extra flavor.
Why You’ll Like It
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It’s soft and easy to eat
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The filling adds yummy flavor
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The sauce makes it taste even better
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It’s a light and tasty dim sum choice
If you want to try something gentle but delicious at dim sum, Cheung Fun is a great pick. It’s simple but full of flavor.
5.Lo Mai Gai (Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf) – A Tasty Dim Sum Dish
Lo Mai Gai is a popular dim sum dish made of sticky rice wrapped inside a lotus leaf. It’s warm, filling, and packed with yummy flavors.
What’s Inside?
Inside the sticky rice, you’ll find:
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Chicken – soft and tasty
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Chinese sausage – sweet and savory
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Mushrooms – full of flavor
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Sometimes salted egg yolk – rich and creamy
All these ingredients mix well with the sticky rice.
What Does the Lotus Leaf Do?
The sticky rice and fillings are wrapped in a lotus leaf before cooking. The leaf:
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Gives the rice a fresh, earthy taste
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Keeps everything moist and warm
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Makes the dish look nice when you open it
You don’t eat the leaf, but it makes the rice taste special.
What Does It Taste Like?
Lo Mai Gai is soft and sticky, with rich flavors from the chicken, sausage, and mushrooms. The lotus leaf adds a nice smell and taste. It’s savory, a little sweet, and very filling.
Why You Should Try It
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It’s a hearty and tasty dim sum choice
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Full of different flavors in every bite
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Has a special taste from the lotus leaf
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Perfect if you want something warm and comforting
If you want to try a yummy dim sum dish that’s a bit different, Lo Mai Gai is a great pick. It’s loved by many dim sum fans!
6.Chicken Feet (Fung Zao) – A Special Dim Sum Dish
Chicken feet might sound unusual if you’ve never tried them before, but they are a popular dim sum favorite.
What Are Chicken Feet?
Chicken feet are just that — the feet of a chicken. They are cleaned and cooked until very soft and easy to eat.
How Are They Made?
The chicken feet are cooked slowly until tender. Then, they are covered in a tasty black bean sauce that is:
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Salty and a little sweet
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Full of rich flavor
This sauce makes the chicken feet delicious.
How Does It Feel to Eat?
The chicken feet are soft and a bit chewy. You don’t eat the bones—just the skin and soft parts around them. The sauce adds a lot of flavor.
Why Try Chicken Feet?
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It’s a traditional and popular dim sum dish
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Great if you like trying new foods
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The black bean sauce tastes really good
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Many people say it’s a must-try!
7.Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go) – A Tasty Dim Sum Dish
Don’t worry about the name — turnip cake is not sweet. It’s a yummy, savory dish many people love at dim sum.
What Is Turnip Cake?
Turnip cake is made from shredded white radish (sometimes called turnip) mixed with rice flour. This mix is steamed until firm, then cut into slices.
How Is It Cooked?
After steaming, the slices are fried until the outside is crispy but the inside stays soft and tender.
What’s Inside?
Inside, you might find bits of:
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Chinese sausage
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Dried shrimp
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Sometimes mushrooms or green onions
These add lots of flavor.
What Does It Taste Like?
Turnip cake is:
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Savory and full of flavor
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A little salty, with a bit of sweetness from the sausage
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Crispy on the outside and soft inside
It’s great to eat on its own or dipped in soy sauce or chili sauce.
Why Try Turnip Cake?
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It’s a classic dim sum favorite
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You get a nice mix of crispy and soft textures
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Packed with tasty flavors
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Perfect as a snack or part of your dim sum meal
If you want to try a dish that’s crispy, soft, and really tasty, turnip cake is a great choice!
8.Egg Tarts (Dan Tat) – A Sweet Dim Sum Treat
Egg tarts are small, round pastries filled with creamy, smooth egg custard. They’re a popular dessert at dim sum.
What Are Egg Tarts?
Egg tarts have two parts:
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A flaky, buttery crust that is light and crispy
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A soft, sweet egg custard filling that’s creamy and smooth
How Are They Served?
Egg tarts are usually served warm, fresh from the oven. The warm custard inside melts in your mouth.
What Do They Taste Like?
Egg tarts are:
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Sweet but not too sweet
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Creamy and soft inside
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Light and flaky on the outside
They are a perfect little treat to finish your meal.
Why You’ll Like Egg Tarts
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They are a classic dim sum dessert
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Great if you like sweet, creamy flavors
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Easy to eat in just a few bites
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A nice way to end your dim sum meal
If you want a sweet and tasty ending to your dim sum, egg tarts are a great choice!
9.taro Dumplings (Wu Gok) – A Crunchy and Yummy Dim Sum Snack
Taro dumplings are a popular dim sum snack with a crispy outside and a tasty filling inside.
What Are Taro Dumplings?
The outside is made from mashed taro, a starchy root. When fried, it becomes light and crunchy.
What’s Inside?
Inside, there is seasoned pork that is juicy and full of flavor.
What Do They Taste Like?
Taro dumplings are:
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Crunchy on the outside
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Soft and savory inside
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A nice mix of sweet and salty
Why You’ll Like Taro Dumplings
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They are crunchy and tasty
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The filling is flavorful
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A great mix of sweet and savory
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Perfect if you like fried dim sum snacks
10.Spring Rolls – A Crunchy and Tasty Snack
Spring rolls are a popular dim sum treat that lots of people enjoy.
What Are Spring Rolls?
They are thin rolls filled with vegetables like cabbage and carrots. Sometimes they also have shrimp or pork inside.
How Are They Made?
Spring rolls are fried until they’re golden and crispy on the outside.
What Do They Taste Like?
Spring rolls are:
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Crunchy and crispy outside
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Fresh and tasty inside
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Usually served with a dipping sauce that makes them even better
Why You’ll Like Spring Rolls
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They are crunchy and yummy
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The filling is fresh and flavorful
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Great as a snack or part of your dim sum meal
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The dipping sauce adds extra taste
Tips for Eating Dim Sum
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Go in the morning – Dim sum is usually served during brunch.
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Share with others – The more people, the more dishes you can try!
Be open-minded – Try something new. You might be surprised.
FAQs
Q1: What is dim sum?
A: Dim sum is a type of Chinese food made of many small dishes like dumplings, buns, and rolls. People usually eat it with tea and share with family or friends.
Q2: What are some popular dim sum dishes?
A: Some favorites are shrimp dumplings (Har Gow), pork and shrimp dumplings (Siu Mai), BBQ pork buns (Char Siu Bao), sticky rice in lotus leaf (Lo Mai Gai), and egg tarts.
Q3: When do people eat dim sum?
A: Most people eat dim sum in the morning or early afternoon, but some places serve it all day.
Q4: Is dim sum healthy?
A: Dim sum has both healthy steamed dishes and fried dishes. Steamed ones like shrimp dumplings are lighter, while fried ones like spring rolls are richer.
Q5: How do you eat chicken feet?
A: Chicken feet are cooked soft. You eat the skin and soft parts, but not the bones.
Q6: Can I get vegetarian dim sum?
A: Yes! Many dim sum places have vegetarian options like vegetable dumplings, spring rolls, and steamed buns.
Q7: What drinks go well with dim sum?
A: Tea is the best drink with dim sum, especially jasmine or pu-erh tea. It helps with digestion and tastes good with the food.
Q8: How many dishes should I order?
A: It depends on how many people you have. Usually, order a few dishes to share so everyone can try different kinds.
Final Thoughts
Dim sum is all about sharing good food with good company. It’s fun, tasty, and full of variety. Whether you’re new to it or already a fan, these dishes are a great way to enjoy the flavors of Chinese cuisine.
So next time you’re at a dim sum restaurant, grab a pot of tea, pick a few of these dishes, and enjoy the experience
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