My 13 Favourite Dishes to Order at Dim Sum

Ah, dim sum.

Long before eggs Benedict with Hollandaise sauce and classic mimosas, and long before the concept of brunch was even invented, dim sum was the original brunch.

Dim sum means “touch the heart” in Chinese.

Originally, dim sum’s small portions were meant to “touch the heart” rather than fill the stomach, initially enjoyed as snacks. But over time, yum cha evolved as the Cantonese tradition of brunch involving Chinese tea and dim sum, now a vital part of Chinese culture.

If it’s your first time trying out dim sum, it can be pretty overwhelming. With all the carts weaving between tables, the variety of names being shouted out, and the array of unfamiliar dishes passing by, it can leave you wondering where to start.

So here are some of my very favourite dim sum dishes for you to try during your next dim sum meal out!

1. Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns)

If you’re craving something nice and hearty like a Filipino siopao, look no further than char siu bao. These fluffy, steamed buns are filled with tender chunks of sweet and savoury barbecued pork, enveloped in a pillowy-soft, snow white dough.

Credits: Eat Little Bird

2. Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls)

These silky smooth rice noodle rolls are stuffed with shrimp, and then drenched in a savoury soy-based sauce. You’ll definitely need to have perfected your chopstick skills when it comes to this dish though, because the rice noodles that envelop the filling tend to be super slippery!

Credits: Epicurious

3. Feng Zhao (Black Bean Sauce Chicken Feet)

Now don’t judge a dish by its appearance, especially when it comes to chicken feet! Sure, they might seem pretty intimidating at first glance with their jiggly and rubbery texture, but chicken feet are an iconic dim sum offering that are rich in collagen and hit all the right notes: sweet, salty, and sometimes even a little spicy. The only tricky part about eating these is the small bones, so eat them slowly!

Credits: Vicky Pham

4. Gai Lan (Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce)

Now this broccoli is the type you’ll wanna finish off your plate! After indulging in all the rich pork and shrimp dishes, the Chinese broccoli will offer the perfect balance. Its tender stalks provide a refreshing contrast, while a hint of oyster sauce adds a burst of flavour. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself finishing every last bite – it’s that good!

Credits: Wok Your World

5. Har Gao (Shrimp Dumplings)

I call the har gow the cheung fun’s baby cousin, mainly because these translucent pockets are also filled with plump, juicy shrimp. Dip them in a bit of soy sauce with a splash of chili oil for an extra kick of flavour. Trust me, one bite of these little gems, and you’ll understand why they’re my ultimate favourite on any dim sum menu!

Credits: Chef Katie Chin

6. Sin Juk Gyun (Steamed Bean Curd Rolls)

For those who claim to dislike tofu, bean curd might just change your mind. With its thin and chewy texture, the bean curd is wrapped around a flavourful filling of shrimp, pork, mushrooms, and veggies, and then fried and steamed to perfection. I hear it’s a bit tricky to make at home, so I make sure to order them every time I go for dim sum!

Credits: Asian Inspirations

7. Siu Mai (Pork and Shrimp Dumplings)

If you’re looking to order something tender and meaty, siu mai never disappoints. These open-topped dumplings are filled with a tasty mixture of ground pork and shrimp, all nestled atop a thin layer of wonton skin. Drizzle (or dunk) your siu mai in a mixture of soy sauce and black vinegar for the perfect bite!

Credits: Healthy Nibbles

8. Won Ton (Fried Shrimp Dumplings)

If you like a good crunch, you’ll definitely like these. There’s something irresistible about biting into a golden, deep fried crispy shell, am I right? Though the outside is super crunchy, the inside is filled with a juicy, tasty shrimp filling that’s bursting with flavour. I especially love these with a generous dip of creamy mayonnaise sauce!

Credits: Punchfork

9. Wu Gok (Fried Taro Dumplings)

You’ve probably heard of taro milk tea before, but have you heard of a taro dumpling? Who knew that this starchy root vegetable can be used in both savoury dishes and desserts! Here, the taro is mashed and filled with mushrooms and a saucy ground pork mixture. I find it somewhat reminiscent of a Cuban potato ball, but with a much flakier and lighter exterior.

Credits: POPSUGAR

10. Xiao Long Bao (Steamed Soup Dumplings)

Be careful! Don’t make the same mistake I first made, and bite into the xiao long bao at once! These are hot and explode upon impact. Instead, pick one up with your chopsticks and put it in your spoon. Then bite in gently to the tip and slurp all the juice out! After the hot heavenly stock is out, you can bite in for the finishing move and savour the flavour!

Credits: Asian Inspirations

11. Yu Xiang Qie Zi (Stuffed Eggplant)

Slices of eggplant are stuffed with a savoury pork and shrimp filling, then fried until golden before being steamed to create a textural playground for your mouth. The not-so-secret ingredient that makes this dish so satisfying is 100% the oyster and soy sauce mixture!

Credits: Sybaritica

12. Dan Tat (Egg Tarts)

No dim sum meal is complete without a sweet egg tart for dessert! Egg tarts are famous all throughout Southern China, with bakeries all over the city. The outer pastry is soft and flaky, while the inner egg custard is sweet and smooth.

Credits: Epicurious

13. Jian Dui (Sesame Balls)

Another dessert you can’t go wrong with is jian dui. They’re balls of rice flour coated with sesame seeds, and filled with a sweet bean paste. You’ll love how airy and nearly hollow they are, and how they have the most satisfyingly chewy-crisp texture!