It seems like lately we can’t open Instagram without a picture of dim sum popping into our feeds leaving us dreaming of those delicious bites of heaven. You don’t have to fly to China to quench your dim sum craving. In fact, we found quality dim sum in every state in the good ol’ USA.
Dim sum is a variety of small Chinese dishes, kind of like Spanish tapas, that are traditionally served as snacks accompanying tea.
Normally, dim sum is served on carts that servers push throughout the restaurant, but in many restaurants nowadays you can just order dim sum items (all kinds of dumplings and buns) a la carte.
Alabama – Mr. Chen’s Chinese Cooking
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
While Alabama may be more known for tailgate food than traditional Chinese food, we’ve found an exception. When you first glance at Mr. Chen’s menu, you may not find any dim sum classics. However, Birmingham natives know that the menu item “small steam bun” is actually a classic order of freshly made soup dumplings.
Alaska – Charlie’s Bakery & Chinese Cuisine
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
At this unique combo spot that is both a bakery and a Chinese Restaurant, you can find some of the best dim sum in Alaska. It’s no wonder Anchorage residents flock there daily, their dim sum is out of this world. The shrimp dumplings are a fan favorite due to their freshness, it is Alaska after all.
Arizona – Chou’s Kitchen
Photo courtesy of Lauren Saria
Chou’s Kitchen, which is located in Chandler, Phoenix, is basically dim sum paradise. They’ve got all the dim sum heavy hitters from dumplings to fried buns and they are known for their bold and unique flavors. Before digging into one of their unreal pork buns, read this helpful guide.
Arkansas – Lilly’s Dim Sum, Then Some
Photo courtesy of arktimes.com
Although their fusion of Japanese, Thai, and Chinese food means Lilly’s is not your typical dim sum spot, their dim sum options are widely considered the best in Little Rock. They also offer the traditional tea that was historically an essential aspect of the dim sum experience. Make sure that when you visit places that combine a lot of different Asian cuisines, you don’t fall into the trap of calling Asian food as a whole a “trend.”
California – Yank Sing
Photo courtesy of yanksing.com
If you’re feeling tired of these classic California foods head over to Yank Sing in San Francisco. This place is no hole in the wall joint – it’s a San Francisco institution with a James Beard award that proves how well they do dim sum. With over 100 varieties of sweet and savory dim sum, Yank Sing is sure to please.
Colorado – Star Kitchen
Photo courtesy of foodfinder on Pinterest
This Denver hot spot serves dim sum with the classic carts so all you have to do is point while your food whizzes by. Their dumplings are stuffed full of pork, chicken or soup and they even serve less common dim sum items like chicken feet. Not in Colorado? Make your own dumplings by following this recipe.
Connecticut – Great Wall
Photo courtesy of @hveorungr on Instagram
Great Wall is a New Haven staple that serves over 50 kinds of dim sum. The New York Times suggests trying their more unusual dishes like ox tongue in chile sauce or deep fried calamari. Whatever you choose, it’s hard to go wrong at this hole in the wall spot.
Delaware – Szechuan
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
This Wilmington spot serves up the best soup dumplings in the state. Their weekend dim sum brunch is a local favorite so get there early and be sure to order the soup dumplings as well as the bean curd. What exactly is a soup dumpling? Find out here.
Florida – Kon Chau
Photo courtesy of @elcolmelon305 on Instagram
Branch out from Cuban food and try this Miami restaurant that serves tons of different kinds of dim sum all day long. They are known for their pan-fried chive dumplings but they also have other unique options like green tea mushroom dumplings.
Georgia – Canton House
Photo courtesy of cantonhouse.com
Canton House is the king of the Atlanta dim sum scene. It consistently wins awards for its top notch dim sum and locals and tourists alike can attest to the quality dim sum that Canton House serves up. If you’re in Atlanta, their weekend dim sum service is a can’t miss. After dim sum, go eat the best slice of cake in Atlanta.
Hawaii – Mei Sum Dim Sum
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If you need a break from poke, head over to Mei Sum Dim Sum in Honolulu’s bustling Chinatown. Their seafood dumplings are their most loved dish along with a freshly made sponge cake for dessert.
Idaho – Yen Ching
Photo courtesy of yenchingboise.com
This Boise restaurant has been lauded as the best Chinese restaurant in the Boise area. Their dim sum is fresh and affordable and they are known for their world class steamed pork buns. Craving pork buns but can’t get to Boise? Check out this recipe.
Illinois – Triple Crown
Photo courtesy of @laurenuchima on Instagram
Chicago’s Chinatown is no stranger to great dim sum places, but Triple Crown takes the cake. It’s open til 2 am so it’s a great late night spot and it features tons of traditional dim sum options that won’t break the bank like most other Chicago dim sum restaurants. After you gorge yourself on dim sum, check out these places for dessert.
Indiana – Szechwan Garden
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
This Indianapolis gem offers over 70 daily dim sum options from braised pork belly to chicken feet. With incredible prices of $2.80 to $4.85 per dish it’s no wonder this place is packed on the weekends during their 11 am to 4 pm dim sum hours.
Iowa – Kwong Tung
Photo courtesy of kwongtungrestaurant.webs.com
Every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm, this Des Moines restaurant serves up traditional dim sum and tea. They are proud to be the oldest family-owned Chinese restaurant in Des Moines and visitors say that the family atmosphere is definitely palpable. So instead of getting boring eggs and toast for brunch next Sunday, why not try some dim sum? If you’re still hungry, check out some more incredible Des Moines dishes.
Kansas – ABC Cafe
Photo courtesy of April Fleming on Instagram
ABC Cafe is one of the most authentic dim sum spots in Kansas City. The family-style tables are almost always full on the weekends as people devour everything from turnip cake to chicken dumplings. ABC Cafe is a must for anyone in the KC area. Make a day trip out of it and stop by this spectacular coffee shop.
Kentucky – Jade Palace
Photo courtesy of @louisevillelocallove on Instagram
It’s no secret that Louisville is an up and coming foodie paradise. Jade Palace definitely contributes to the blossoming food scene in Louisville. Their daily dim sum is fresh and varied and super popular. Be sure to make a reservation before heading over to this hot spot.
Louisiana – Bao and Noodle
Photo courtesy of baoandnoodle.com
New Orleans is certainly known for having great food, but it isn’t necessarily known for great Chinese food. That is exactly why chef Doug Crowell opened Bao and Noodle, a restaurant that serves up traditional Cantonese dishes, including some dim sum classics. A fresh, modern take on traditional dim sum, Bao and Noodle is a must if you’re in New Orleans.
Maine – Empire Chinese Kitchen
Photo courtesy of portlandempire.com
When in Maine, the dim sum has lobster, of course. That’s not the only creative twist this Portland restaurant is adding to traditional dim sum, they also offer a ton of gluten-free and vegan dumpling options. For more Maine delicacies check this out.
Maryland – Asian Court
Photo courtesy of asian-court.com
This Ellicot City spot is known for its authenticity. On Sundays, as many as 300 people show up for its delectable dim sum. Try their steamed meatballs, sticky rice and even fried dough. If you’re in the Baltimore area, making a pit stop at Asian Court should be a no-brainer.
Massachusetts – Bubor Cha Cha
Photo courtesy of sampan.com
This Chinatown spot was named one of the most authentic Chinese restaurants in Boston by Chinese international students. It’s a great place to go to for weekend brunch and it’s only a 20-minute T ride from BU, Harvard and Northeastern. They are also known for their huge tea selection.
Michigan – Shangri – La
Photo courtesy of midtownshangri-la.com
If you’re craving authentic dim sum in West Bloomingfield, Shangri-La has got to be your choice. They also have another, smaller location in Detroit for if you don’t feel like traveling. They pride themselves on the variety of dim sum that they serve up all day long.
Minnesota – Mandarin Kitchen
Photo courtesy of @bestfoodtwincities on Instagram
This restaurant is huge. With room for over 300 people and lines out the door on their weekend dim sum days, this Minneapolis spot is a dim sum lover’s dream come true. From Cilantro dumplings to rich pork buns, you name it and they’ve got it. After dim sum, head to happy our at one of our favorite Minneapolis spots.
Mississippi – Ding How
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Ding How was the first Asian restaurant in Jackson, and it has long been a local favorite for both dim sum and other menu items. They have a variety of dumplings and they are best known for their signature sauces. If you’re in Jackson for a while, try out these other spots that locals love.
Missouri – Wonton King
Photo courtesy of wontonkingsl.com
This St. Louis favorite serves dim sum 7 days a week but if you want the authentic experience with the carts, you’ll have to wait til Saturday or Sunday. Their shrimp dumplings are their specialties but customers also rave about their pork buns. Don’t let the party end when you finish your dim sum, follow this guide for where to get drunk in St. Louis.
Montana – Bamboo Garden Asian Grille
Photo courtesy of bamboogardenbozemann.com
This Chinese buffet features tons of dim sum options like crab wontons and a variety of other dumplings. Their wide selection and fresh ingredients make this place a can’t-miss for anyone in the Bozeman area.
Nebraska – Canton House
Photo courtesy of tripadvisor.com
This Omaha gem is run by two Guangdong Province natives who set their sites on bringing authentic Cantonese cuisine to Nebraska. The restaurant is best known for its egg yolk buns and its variety of steamed pork buns and dumplings, but you can’t go wrong with any of their fresh and tasty dim sum options. Confused about the differences between dumpling types? Read this.
Nevada – Ping Pang Pong
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
This Vegas hot spot was named one of the best Chinese restaurants in the US by Travel and Leisure for a good reason. Their daily dim sum lunch draws crowds of hungry patrons looking to satisfy their cravings for all kinds of dumplings and steamed buns. Also, the prices are low compared to other Las Vegas restaurants of the same quality.
New Hampshire – North Garden
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North Garden is the perfect spot to escape the cold New Hampshire winter. They’ve got a variety of dim sum, including some divine fried sesame balls and they’ve got a joke box. What more could you ask for? If you desperately want sesame balls right now, check out this recipe.
New Jersey – Royal Seafood
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
New Jersey has no shortage of great Chinese restaurants, so choosing a winner was tricky. However, Royal Seafood in Avenel is one dim sum spot that never fails to leave customers satisfied. Try their fried taro balls and their sticky rice in a lotus leaf. This dim sum is just one of many things Jersey natives miss when they leave.
New Mexico – Ming Dynasty
Photo courtesy of mingdynastyabq.com
This Albuquerque spot serves up all the dim sum staples from pork buns to chicken feet. They pride themselves on their authentic cuisine and their friendly service. Dim sum is available every day but the traditional cart service is only on the weekends.
New York – Asian Jewels Seafood
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
The best dim sum in New York isn’t in Manhattan, it’s in a place known for it’s incredible Asian food scene: Flushing, Queens. The food is cheap and delicious and the shrimp dumplings are shaped like bunnies. In other words, this spot is perfect. If you don’t feel like trekking to Queens (although you truly should), here are some other great dim sum options in NYC.
North Carolina – Hong Kong
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This Durham restaurant is a local favorite and their weekend cart service is especially popular. Their best items are their stuffed crab claws and their chive dumplings. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, be sure to try their egg tarts as well. Check out some other Durham favorites here.
North Dakota – Lucy’s North China Cuisine
Photo courtesy of roadtrippers.com
Lucy’s is a charming Fargo spot that is proud of their food for being so fresh. They have many dim sum classics and they are most known for their pork dumplings. Owner Lucy Penney moved to Fargo in 2000 with the goal of bringing a taste of her home to North Dakota. We can definitely say that she succeeded.
Ohio – Li Wah
Photo courtesy of Edsel Little
Li Wah’s website proudly declares “the best dim sum in Cleveland” and we have to agree. Their friendly service, comfortable atmosphere and great food come together to make dim sum at Li Wah an experience you won’t forget. Head over to Cleveland’s Asia Town and get eating.
Oklahoma – Grand House China Bistro
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
With over 50 dim sum options to choose from, this is one of the most varied and authentic dim sum spots in Oklahoma City. Their salt and pepper tofu is one of their best dishes as are their potstickers. New to tofu? Read up on it here before you order.
Oregon – Ocean City Seafood Restaurant
Photo courtesy of oceancityportland.com
Portland has a lot of great dim sum spots, but this is the one that famous chefs are most likely to recommend. They are best known for their sticky rice wrapped in a lotus leaf and their fish balls, both delicious in their simple elegance. It’s no secret how good their dim sum is so be sure to arrive nice and early.
Pennsylvania – Bing Bing Dim Sum
Photo courtesy of bingbingdimsum.com
Philly is known for good food and a thriving dim sum scene and this spot definitely goes above and beyond our expectations. Bing Bing Dim Sum is nothing like any of the other places on this list. They serve up twists on old classics, such as with their “Everything Paco Man Buns” which include cream cheese and lox. They don’t act like they are authentic, they just want their food to taste good. Spoiler alert: it does.
Rhode Island – King’s Garden
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King’s Garden is Rhode Islanders’s go-to spot when they want authentic dim sum. Customers rave about their chicken feet and their quality tripe dishes. This place proves that you don’t have to head to Boston for dim sum, you can stay in good ol’ Rhode Island. After dim sum, pop over to Providence for some more great eats.
South Carolina – Dragon Palace
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
This Charleston gem serves dim sum brunch on Saturdays. They offer over 30 kinds of delicious dim sum ranging from custard buns to sesame balls. They also have a variety of vegetarian options such as curry tofu or tofu skin wraps. After dim sum check out these places for the best dessert in Charleston..
South Dakota – Imperial Garden
Photo courtesy of @ianausti on Instagram
This Siouz Falls restaurant has a bunch of dim sum options. They offer bamboo shoots and pot stickers that customers love. Their atmosphere is spacious, warm and perfect for families. Still confused about how to approach the dim sum experience? Check out our guide.
Tennessee – Lucky Bamboo
Photo courtesy of nashvillescene.com
Nashville residents rejoiced when Lucky Bamboo opened and they have not been disappointed. Their dim sum options are seemingly endless and each one is better than the one that came before. Their fish balls get special praise for their plumpness and juiciness. Perhaps you should Insta your meal and add it to the list of these most instagrammed Nashville foods.
Texas – Fung’s Kitchen
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Like most things in Texas, Fung’s Kitchen is not small. Although their huge dining hall does fill up on the weekends for their dim sum service, which is a testament to the freshness of their ingredients and the quality of their cooking. Think scallops straight from the tank and piping hot dumplings. Need more reasons to be thankful for Texas’s great food? Read this.
Utah – Dim Sum House
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
This Salt Lake City spot is absolutely packed for dim sum brunch on the weekends. And for good reason – they do dim sum right. Their minced shrimp rolls and barbecued spare ribs are always a big hit. Also, be sure to sample their scallion pancakes. Make your own scallion pancakes with this recipe.
Vermont – May’s Dim Sum Truck
Photo by Danielle Allendorf
Vermont comes in clutch with the only food truck on this list. May’s is the ultimate spot for UVM students to get a quick and above average lunch. Some students even describe it as “life changing.” Try their meat or veggie buns and their scallion pancakes.
Virginia – Mark’s Duck House
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
Mark’s does dim sum right, they have consistently been named some of the best cheap eats in the DC area by the Washingtonian. They use quality ingredients to serve up the freshest dim sum imaginable. Their best dishes are their steamed shrimp dumplings and their pork shumai. Also, since duck is in their name, be sure to try their divine peking duck.
Washington – Jade Garden
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
This local favorite consistently has lines out the door for its delectable dim sum. Their most impressive dishes are their bean curd, savory carrot cake and sticky rice. Next time you are in Seattle’s International District, look no further than Jade Garden. Seattle doesn’t just have great dim sum, they are home to other incredible foods too.
Washington D.C. – Ping Pong Dim Sum
Photo courtesy of @pingpongdc on Instagram
Ping Pong is a favorite spot for college kids in D.C. and for good reason. They have both modern and traditional options with items like pork & chive pretzel potstickers or crispy prawn balls. For $39, you can get a brunch of one entree and unlimited dim sum. Definitely worth the splurge.
West Virginia – China Wok
Photo courtesy of chinawokmorgantown.com
This Morgantown spot doesn’t serve traditional dim sum with the carts, but they do have a bunch of great dim sum classics on their menu. Their steamed dumplings are one of their most popular items and their shrimp rolls are also crowd-pleasers. If you don’t feel like leaving the house, make your own dumplings at home with this recipe.
Wisconsin – Nani
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
With over 70 dim sum options, this Madison spot is a dim sum lover’s dream come true. Their savory fish balls and delicate pork dumplings are particularly worth noting. Make sure you also order some of their delicious oolong tea for the full dim sum experience. Madison has more than just great dim sum – check out these other awesome finds.
Wyoming – Good Friends Chinese Restaurant
Photo by Maliz Ong
This Cheyenne gem has a bunch of dim sum classics on the menu such as pot stickers and shrimp. Heralded as one of the best Chinese Restaurants in Wyoming, this spot is a definite must for people in the Cheyenne area. Before you go to Good Friends, read up on these myths and misconceptions that many Americans have about Chinese food.