Dim sum (點心), meaning “touch the heart” in Cantonese, is more than just a meal—it’s a cultural tradition, a social experience, and an art form. Rooted in southern China’s Cantonese cuisine, dim sum is typically enjoyed during Yum Cha (飲茶), the traditional tea brunch, where families and friends gather to savor small, flavorful dishes served in bamboo steamers.

From steamed dumplings (har gow, siu mai) to crispy spring rolls and sweet custard buns, dim sum offers an endless variety of bite-sized delights that showcase China’s culinary diversity.

In this guide, we will explore:

• The history and cultural significance of dim sum.
• Popular dim sum dishes and their unique flavors.
• The Yum Cha experience and proper dim sum etiquette.
• How to make classic dim sum at home.
• Where to find the best dim sum around the world.

The History and Cultural Significance of Dim Sum

1. Origins in the Silk Road Era (Tea Houses & Travelers)
   Dim sum dates back to ancient China, where tea houses (茶樓, chá lóu) along the Silk Road trade routes served small snacks to travelers and merchants.
2. Cantonese Influence and the Rise of Yum Cha
   The tradition flourished in Guangzhou (Canton), Hong Kong, and Macau, where tea houses transformed into bustling dim sum restaurants, offering a variety of freshly prepared small plates.
3. Dim Sum as a Social Experience
   Today, dim sum is a family tradition and social gathering, where large groups share multiple dishes over a leisurely brunch.

📌 Fun Fact: Some dim sum restaurants still use pushcarts (茶車, chá chē) loaded with steaming baskets, allowing diners to pick dishes as they pass by.

Popular Dim Sum Dishes and Their Unique Flavors

🥟 Steamed Dim Sum Classics

Har Gow (蝦餃) – Shrimp Dumplings

• Thin, translucent wrapper filled with succulent shrimp.
• Delicate, chewy texture with a slight crunch from fresh shrimp.

Siu Mai (燒賣) – Open-Faced Pork Dumplings

• Made with ground pork, shrimp, mushrooms, and fish roe.
• Savory and umami-rich, often topped with bright orange fish roe.

Xiao Long Bao (小籠包) – Soup Dumplings

• Thin dough filled with seasoned pork and hot broth.
• Best enjoyed by biting a small hole and sipping the soup inside.

📌 How to Eat Har Gow & Siu Mai: Use chopsticks to dip them in soy sauce, chili oil, or black vinegar for extra flavor.

🥢 Crispy and Fried Delights

• Spring Rolls (春卷) – Crispy golden rolls stuffed with vegetables, pork, or shrimp.
• Turnip Cake (蘿蔔糕) – Savory pan-fried daikon radish cake made with Chinese sausage, dried shrimp, and rice flour.
• Sesame Balls (煎堆) – Glutinous rice balls coated in sesame seeds, filled with sweet red bean paste.

📌 Best Pairing: Crispy dim sum pairs well with Chinese black tea (Pu-erh) or jasmine tea.

🥚 Buns & Rice Rolls

Char Siu Bao (叉燒包) – BBQ Pork Buns

• Soft, fluffy bao filled with sweet-savory roasted pork (char siu).

Liu Sha Bao (流沙包) – Molten Salted Egg Custard Buns

• A heavenly combination of sweet and salty custard that oozes out when bitten.

Cheung Fun (腸粉) – Steamed Rice Rolls

• Silky rice noodle sheets wrapped around shrimp, beef, or crispy dough (youtiao), topped with sweet soy sauce.

📌 Pro Tip: For the best experience, eat Char Siu Bao fresh from the steamer while the filling is still hot and juicy!

The Yum Cha Experience: How to Enjoy Dim Sum Like a Local

1. Tea Selection is Key 🍵

✔ Choose a traditional Chinese tea to complement your meal:

• Pu-erh (普洱茶) – Earthy, fermented tea that aids digestion.
• Jasmine Tea (茉莉花茶) – Floral, refreshing, and pairs well with fried dishes.
• Oolong Tea (烏龍茶) – Balances both light and rich dim sum flavors.

📌 Etiquette Tip: When someone pours you tea, tap two fingers on the table as a gesture of thanks.

2. Sharing is the Tradition 🥢

Dim sum is meant to be shared family-style.
Avoid taking too many pieces at once—take one or two, then pass the dish.

📌 Pro Tip: Use the serving chopsticks (公筷, gōng kuài) instead of your personal ones to pick up food from communal plates.

3. How to Order Like a Pro 📋

At traditional dim sum houses, servers push carts loaded with fresh dishes.
Some modern restaurants use a checklist menu where you mark your choices.
Prices are often categorized into small, medium, and large dishes.

📌 Pro Tip: Start with lighter dishes like dumplings, then move on to fried or heavier items.

How to Make Classic Dim Sum at Home

Simple Har Gow Recipe (Shrimp Dumplings)

Ingredients (Makes 20 Dumplings):

Shrimp (200g), chopped
Bamboo shoots (2 tbsp), finely diced
Ginger (1 tsp), minced
Sesame oil (½ tsp)
Salt & white pepper (to taste)
Wheat starch (100g) + 1 tbsp cornstarch
Boiling water (½ cup) for dough

Steps:

1️⃣ Mix shrimp, bamboo shoots, ginger, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2️⃣ Combine wheat starch and cornstarch, then slowly add boiling water while stirring.
3️⃣ Knead into a smooth dough, then roll into thin wrappers.
4️⃣ Place 1 tsp filling into each wrapper, fold, and pleat edges.
5️⃣ Steam for 5–6 minutes until translucent. Serve hot!

📌 Pro Tip: Use potato starch instead of cornstarch for a smoother dough texture.

Where to Find the Best Dim Sum Around the World

Hong Kong 🇭🇰 – Tim Ho Wan (Michelin-starred dim sum at affordable prices).
Guangzhou, China 🇨🇳 – The birthplace of dim sum, with classic tea houses like Tao Tao Ju.
San Francisco 🇺🇸 – Koi Palace serves authentic Cantonese dim sum.
London 🇬🇧 – Yauatcha offers modern fusion dim sum with artistic presentation.
Sydney 🇦🇺 – Golden Century is a favorite for traditional Yum Cha.

📌 Bucket List: If you love dim sum, visit Lin Heung Tea House in Hong Kong, one of the oldest traditional dim sum restaurants!

Conclusion: The Joy of Dim Sum

Dim sum is not just food—it’s an experience that brings people together over steaming baskets of delicious small plates. Whether enjoyed at a traditional tea house or homemade, dim sum remains one of the most beloved culinary traditions in pulitoto Chinese cuisine.

💬 What’s your favorite dim sum dish? Have you tried making it at home? Share your thoughts below! 🥟🥢🍵