4/6/2026
Discover the delicious world of Chinese dim sum from har gow to char siu bao. Learn about classic dim sum dishes, dim sum culture, and how to enjoy authentic dim sum.
Chinese Dim Sum: Complete Guide
Introduction
Dim sum is a traditional Chinese dining style that originated in Cantonese cuisine. The term literally means "touch the heart" in Cantonese, referring to the small dishes that are meant to satisfy without overwhelming. Today, dim sum has become a beloved culinary tradition enjoyed worldwide, from elegant restaurants to casual brunch gatherings.
Classic Dim Sum Dishes
Dumplings
Har Gow (虾饺)
Crystal shrimp dumplings.
- Wrapper: Transparent rice flour
- Filling: Shrimp
- Texture: Chewy, silky
- Best: Fresh from steamer
- Essential: At any dim sum meal
Siu Mai (烧卖)
Pork and shrimp dumplings.
- Wrapper: Yellow wheat skin
- Filling: Pork, shrimp
- Topping: Fish roe
- Shape: Open-topped
- Popular: Everywhere
Hao Bao (蟹饺)
Crab dumplings.
- Wrapper: White wheat skin
- Filling: Crab meat
- Texture: Delicate
- Best: At premium restaurants
- Season: Fall/winter
Jianshui Zong (碱水粽)
Alkaline water dumplings.
- Filling: Usually none
- Wrapper: Glutinous rice
- Dip: Sugar or honey
- Tradition: Dragon Boat Festival
- Type: Savory or sweet
Buns
Char Siu Bao (叉烧包)
BBQ pork buns.
- Wrapper: Fluffy white dough
- Filling: Sweet BBQ pork
- Cooking: Steamed
- Texture: Soft, pillowy
- Popular: Iconic dim sum
Lo Mai Gai (糯米鸡)
Sticky rice in lotus leaf.
- Base: Glutinous rice
- Filling: Pork, chicken, mushroom
- Wrapper: Lotus leaf
- Cooking: Steamed
- Flavor: Fragrant
Lotus Seed Bun (莲蓉包)
Lotus paste bun.
- Filling: Sweet lotus paste
- Texture: Soft
- Best: For dessert course
- Popular: Traditional
Rice Rolls
Cheung Fun (肠粉)
Rice noodle rolls.
- Wrapper: Silky rice noodle
- Filling: Various options
- Sauce: Sweet soy sauce
- Texture: Smooth
- Popular: Breakfast staple
Rice Roll with Beef (牛肉肠粉)
Beef rice rolls.
- Filling: Marinated beef
- Sauce: Sweet soy sauce
- Best: At dim sum restaurants
- Popular: Morning dim sum
Fried Items
Spring Rolls (春卷)
Crispy vegetable rolls.
- Wrapper: Thin wheat skin
- Filling: Vegetables
- Cooking: Deep-fried
- Dip: Sweet sauce
- Crispy: Golden brown
Taro Puffs (芋角)
Taro turnovers.
- Wrapper: Taro
- Filling: Pork, shrimp
- Texture: Crispy exterior
- Best: Fresh fried
- Popular: Traditional
Fried Dumplings (锅贴)
Pan-fried dumplings.
- Wrapper: Wheat dough
- Filling: Pork
- Cooking: Pan-fried
- Texture: Crispy bottom
- Dip: Vinegar
Dessert Dim Sum
Egg Tarts (蛋挞)
Egg custard tarts.
- Filling: Egg custard
- Crust: Flaky pastry
- Best: Warm
- Popular: Worldwide
- Texture: Creamy
Mango Pudding (芒果布丁)
Mango pudding.
- Base: Mango, cream
- Texture: Silky
- Topping: Coconut milk
- Best: Cold
- Popular: Summer
Red Bean Paste Cake (红豆糕)
Red bean cake.
- Base: Red bean
- Texture: Soft, sticky
- Sweet: Not overly
- Popular: Traditional
- Type: Cold dessert
Dim Sum Culture
Yum Cha Tradition
The tea-drinking tradition.
- Yum: Drink
- Cha: Tea
- Meaning: Drinking tea
- Social: Family time
- Weekend: Traditional
Weekend Brunch
The classic experience.
- Time: Late morning
- Family: Gather together
- Tradition: Weekly ritual
- Atmosphere: Lively
- Experience: Cultural
Ordering Style
Cart Service
Traditional method.
- Servers: Push carts
- Point: At what you want
- Fresh: Steamed to order
- Experience: Authentic
- Declining: In modern restaurants
A La Carte
Modern approach.
- Order: From menu
- Fresh: Always hot
- Variety: More options
- Popular: In cities
- Efficient: Faster
Tea Service
Tea Types
- Jasmine: Most common
- Pu-erh: For heavy foods
- Oolong: Versatile
- Green tea: Light option
- Order: Ask server
Tea Etiquette
- Pour: For others first
- Tap: Two fingers on table
- Refill: Keep cups full
- Respect: Elders first
- Enjoy: Slowly
Regional Variations
Cantonese Dim Sum
The original style.
- Focus: Fresh, light
- Variety: Hundreds of items
- Quality: High
- Service: Cart or menu
- Origin: Guangzhou
Hong Kong Dim Sum
Modern evolution.
- Style: Refined
- Variety: Extensive
- Quality: Premium
- Innovation: New dishes
- Popular: Worldwide
Shanghai Dim Sum
Northern influence.
- Style: Soup dumplings
- Famous: Xiaolongbao
- Filling: Rich broth
- Technique: Delicate
- Different: From Cantonese
Sichuan Dim Sum
Spicy variation.
- Flavor: Spicy
- Style: Bold
- Unique: Regional dishes
- Less common: Outside Sichuan
- Interesting: For adventurous
Making Dim Sum at Home
Basic Recipes
Har Gow (Crystal Dumplings)
- Make wrapper dough
- Prepare shrimp filling
- Shape dumplings
- Steam 5 minutes
- Serve immediately
Siu Mai (Pork Dumplings)
- Make filling
- Prepare wrapper
- Shape dumplings
- Steam 8 minutes
- Top with roe
Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns)
- Make dough
- Prepare BBQ pork
- Shape buns
- Steam 15 minutes
- Serve warm
Tips for Success
Dough
- Rice flour: For har gow
- Wheat flour: For buns
- Rest: Let dough rest
- Thin: Roll wrapper thin
Filling
- Fresh: Use fresh ingredients
- Season: Properly
- Texture: Not overmixed
- Chill: Before filling
Steaming
- Water: Boiling
- Space: Do not overcrowd
- Time: Watch carefully
- Ventilation: Let steam escape
Dim Sum Etiquette
At the Table
Ordering
- Starters: Begin with light items
- Main: Then heavier dishes
- Dessert: End sweet
- Quantity: Order as you go
- Share: Family style
Eating
- Use: Chopsticks
- Dip: In sauce provided
- Buns: Tear apart
- Dumplings: Whole
- Enjoy: Take your time
Tea Service
Pouring
- Others: Pour for companions
- Yourself: Last
- Gesture: Two fingers tap
- Refill: Keep tea flowing
- Thanks: Tap to show gratitude
Dim Sum Around the World
In Asia
Hong Kong
The dim sum capital.
- Culture: Daily tradition
- Variety: Incredible
- Quality: World-class
- Experience: Must-try
- Restaurants: Famous
Guangzhou
The birthplace.
- Origin: Where dim sum began
- Traditional: Authentic
- Variety: Extensive
- Culture: Deep roots
- Must visit: For enthusiasts
In America
Chinatowns
- San Francisco: Classic
- New York: Various
- Los Angeles: Diverse
- Local: Find authentic
- Experience: Cultural
In Europe
Major Cities
- London: Strong tradition
- Paris: Growing scene
- Berlin: Emerging
- Find: In Chinese areas
- Enjoy: Authentic
Modern Dim Sum
Fusion Creations
New Styles
- Vegetarian: Plant-based
- Fusion: Global flavors
- Modern: New techniques
- Artisan: Premium
- Creative: Exciting
Delivery Culture
Modern Convenience
- Apps: Order easily
- Fresh: Quality maintained
- Popular: Especially in Asia
- Convenient: At home
- Enjoy: With family
Health Considerations
Nutritional Balance
Light Options
- Vegetables: Choose vegetable dumplings
- Steamed: Over fried
- Portion: Control quantity
- Tea: Helps digestion
Dietary Restrictions
Options
- Vegetarian: Available
- Gluten-free: Limited
- Halal: Some restaurants
- Allergies: Ask about
Conclusion
Dim sum is more than just food—it is a social experience that brings people together. Whether you are enjoying a traditional dim sum brunch in Hong Kong or making dumplings at home, the art of dim sum offers a unique way to connect with Chinese culinary culture.
Explore our dim sum recipes and bring the dim sum experience to your home.