Curious about the treasures hiding in a bamboo steamer?
Dim Sum’s a feast that’ll make your taste buds cheer! Bite-sized delights, each one a sensation, a mix of textures and flavors, pure temptation.
Don’t know where to start? No need to stress! These 10 must-try dishes will help you impress.
Crunchy, savory, sweet—oh, what a ride! So grab your chopsticks, it’s time to dive inside!
1. Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings)
Have you ever seen a dumpling so translucent it could double as a windowpane? That’s Har Gow for you! These shrimp-filled delights are the dim sum equivalent of a first date with a celebrity. Biting into one reveals a burst of shrimp goodness wrapped in a tender, delicate skin.
However, much like your favorite boy band, these dumplings are a crowd pleaser. Each bite is a gentle reminder of oceanic wonders, making it a must-grab when that dim sum cart rolls by.
2. Siu Mai (Pork and Shrimp Dumplings)
If dumplings had a popularity contest, Siu Mai would definitely be prom queen. These open-faced dumplings, with a mix of pork and shrimp, flaunt their flavors for all to see. How can something so small pack such a punch of umami?
Maybe it’s the hint of ginger or the savory juices that burst forth with each bite. Siu Mai is that reliable friend who never disappoints, always there to remind you why you love dim sum.
3. Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns)
Char Siu Bao is like the cuddly teddy bear of dim sum. Wondering what makes these buns irresistible? Inside their soft, pillowy exterior lies a heart of sweet and savory BBQ pork.
Though they may look innocent, each bite is a flavorful explosion, much like discovering your favorite plot twist in a mystery novel. These buns are the perfect companion for those new to dim sum, offering familiar flavors with a touch of adventure.
4. Cheong Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls)
Where else can rice noodles wear elegance like a red carpet dress? Enter Cheong Fun! These silky rice noodle rolls, often embracing shrimp or beef, glide effortlessly across your palate.
What if I told you that a drizzle of sweet soy sauce is like a magical potion? Each roll captivates, leaving you wanting just one more bite. Cheong Fun is the understated icon of dim sum, perfect for those who appreciate subtle sophistication.
5. Fung Zao (Chicken Feet)
Ever thought of chicken feet as a delicacy? In the dim sum world, these are the rock stars of texture and flavor. After a long braise, they become tender and packed with a savory magic.
However, they might seem daunting at first, but think of them as a crunchy adventure. With a flavor as unique as your favorite indie band, Fung Zao dares you to embrace the unexpected and enjoy the ride.
6. Lo Mai Gai (Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf)
What if I told you that unwrapping Lo Mai Gai feels like opening a treasure chest? Hidden within the lotus leaf lies sticky rice, chicken, and mushrooms, melding together like the members of a well-tuned jazz band.
The aroma wafting from the parcel is a melody of savory notes that dance in your senses. Lo Mai Gai is the ultimate edible gift, revealing layers of flavor with each bite.
7. Egg Tarts (Dan Tat)
Imagine if breakfast and dessert had a love child—it would be the Egg Tart. These golden treasures, with their flaky pastry and creamy custard filling, are the sunshine of dim sum.
Ever wonder why they disappear so quickly? Their delightful sweetness and buttery crust make them hard to resist. Egg Tarts are the delightful finale to your dim sum experience, leaving a sweet memory on your palate.
8. Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go)
Turnip Cake is the comfort food equivalent of a warm hug on a cold day. Though the name might puzzle you, these pan-fried delights are actually made from daikon radish, with bits of savory goodness inside.
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and a little salty like the sea—Turnip Cakes are like that quirky friend who’s always full of surprises. They bring a touch of nostalgia to the dim sum table.
9. Wu Gok (Taro Dumplings)
How about indulging in a crispy cloud? Wu Gok, or taro dumplings, offer a crunchy exterior hiding a savory filling. With each bite, you discover a delightful contrast, much like a plot twist in a gripping novel.
Their golden crust is a symphony of crunch, dance, and delight. Wu Gok is the surprising underdog of dim sum, proving that appearances can be deliciously deceiving.
10. Sesame Balls (Jin Dui)
Sesame Balls might just be the edible version of a surprise party. Ever bitten into one, expecting nothing, and then—bam!—red bean paste! Their chewy exterior covered in sesame seeds is both crunchy and nutty.
These little spheres are a testament to the joy of discovery, each bite hiding a sweet secret. They remind us that life is full of delightful surprises, waiting to be tasted.