I️ firmly believe dim sum is the answer to everything. Having a hard day? Get dim sum. Just aced a test or an interview? A couple of pork buns wouldn’t hurt. Just gotten broken up with? You guessed it, dumplings are the only acceptable answer (so is ice cream, but this is for my savory girlies). However, dim sum isn’t meant to be enjoyed alone (though it’s very acceptable to do so!). It’s best when with a group. I️ cannot go to my dim sum spot — Shanghai You Garden in Bayside, N.Y. — without my friends, and I’m not alone in thinking it’s a group activity.
“Dim sum is meant to be enjoyed with a big group, sitting around a big round table with everyone reaching for their favorite thing and being excited about what’s to come next,” said Sara Kay, freelance food and beverage writer. “My favorite part of going to dim sum with my friend is when that steamer basket gets placed in the middle of the table, the top gets taken off, and we all “oooh” and “ahhhh” as we find out what delectable treat was hiding under the hood.”
In her article listing the best restaurants for dumplings in New York City, Kay describes traditional Chinese dim sum “like brunch but better.” However, ordering dim sum could be daunting because of the variety of options that are offered. Here’s a guide that will hopefully make your next trip easier, or help you try some new dishes!
What is dim sum?
There’s a variety of dim sum to choose from, including fried, baked, steamed, and even noodles. It is believed to have originated in southern China’s Guangdong region before eventually making its way to Hong Kong. Dim sum culture began in tearooms in the latter half of the 19th century, Silk Road travelers and traders would take breaks in tea houses for a dim sum meal. This tradition then spread throughout the region. This is why tea is an important aspect of dim sum culture.
When ordering tea, take two fingers (your pointer and middle) and tap the table while the server is pouring your tea as it’s “a sign of respect,” said @insta.noodles in a TikTok outlining some important rules for dim sum.
Dim sum is normally served in steamer carts, each dish has around three to five pieces, making this a sharable experience. It also allows customers to see and choose the foods they’d like. However, some restaurants offer you a menu to choose the desired dishes. This is when the fear and the overwhelmingness might come in.
All this dim sum, what do I️ do?
“Don’t be afraid to ask “hey what is that?” Some people may tell you that you shouldn’t ask, just point and smile and hope for the best, and that’s all well and good for someone with an adventurous palate, but if you’re unsure about this whole dining process and just want to know what you’re getting, just ask,” said Kay.
If you’re starting out in your dim sum journey, I️ suggest starting off with xiao long bao (soup dumplings), these are steamed dumplings with a light broth inside. The best way to eat these is by poking a hole into the dumpling and letting some of the steam out. After it’s a bit cool, drink a bit of the broth so it’s not as messy when you take a bite of it. Then either eat the dumpling whole or take a bite of it (beware of any broth splashing!).
Kay suggests going simple with pork and chive fried (or steamed) dumplings, shrimp har gow, and some steamed rice rolls with shrimp or pork.
“A steamed egg cake is also a great dim sum 101 choice, it’s light and fluffy and can be a nice palate cleanser in between bites of pork and shrimp,” she said.
At the beginning of my dim sum-loving journey, like any normal person, I️ went to TikTok. Creators like @lilyxlei are the reason cha siu bao aka pork buns are a must when I️ order. These pork buns are a great option for a first-time dim sum experience. The buns are savory and so shiny (!!!), but there are some buns out there that have a hint of sweetness to the pork filling that’s delectable.
“From there, be daring! Get sticky rice in a lotus leaf, a pan-fried turnip cake, and yes, even a plate of chicken feet,” Kay said. “Eating shouldn’t just be for sustenance, it should be a fun and enjoyable experience.”