Note: Dim sum dishes can vary in appearance from one restaurant to another, as each chef adds their unique touch. So, your order might look different than expected—sometimes even like a piece of food art! If you're unsure about a dish, just ask your server for recommendations or clarifications.

Steamed Pork Buns - Char Siu Bao

Steamed buns filled with BBQ pork

Steamed Pork Ribs - Pai Gwut

Steamed pork rib tips with black beans and oil

Soup Dumplings - Xiao long bao

Steamed dumplings made of ground pork and pork broth

Chicken Feet - Feng Zhao

Whole chicken feet that are fried, marinated and steamed

Shrimp Dumplings - Har Gow

ground shrimp in a translucent wrapper

Siu Mai

Open-topped dumplings filled with ground pork and shrimp

Chinese Dim Sum

Dim sum is like a magical treasure chest of bite-sized delights, each little dumpling or bun hiding a world of flavor. From the fluffy, steamy buns that seem to have their own personality to the crispy spring rolls that crunch like a satisfying "pop" every dish is a delightful surprise. You never know if your next bite will be filled with savory pork, juicy shrimp, or a mysterious vegetable filling that might just turn out to be something you didn't know you loved. It's the ultimate food party, where every little dumpling is a VIP, and you're the guest of honor, trying to decide which one to devour first!

Fun Facts about Dim Sum:

1. Dim Sum = "Touch the Heart": In Cantonese, "dim sum" literally means "touch the heart," which is pretty fitting since these little delights will definitely touch your heart—and your stomach.
2. It's Basically a Food Party: Dim sum isn't just food; it's a whole event! It's usually enjoyed with tea, friends, and family, making it the perfect excuse to sit around a table and enjoy endless bites of happiness.
3. The Steaming Stealth: Some dim sum arrives straight from a magical cloud of steam, making you feel like you've just unearthed a hot treasure chest full of flavor.
4. The Chopstick Olympics: Trying to pick up that slippery shrimp dumpling with chopsticks? You'll need precision, focus, and maybe a little luck, but when you succeed—victory is sweet.
5. Dumplings Have Superpowers: Dim sum dumplings can look innocent, but many of them are packed with secret fillings that surprise and delight with every bite. Will it be sweet, spicy, or savory? Only one way to find out!
6. Tiny Dishes, Big Flavors: You might think small dishes mean small flavor, but nope! These little bites pack enough punch to make you question everything you thought you knew about food.
7. More Than Just Dumplings: While dumplings are the star, dim sum also includes buns, rolls, and even desserts like egg tarts, making it the most versatile food group.
8. Dim Sum Carts Are Like Food Uber: In some dim sum restaurants, waiters push carts filled with freshly cooked dim sum to your table. It's like having a personal waiter delivering food to your door, but cooler.
9. It's Like a Test of Patience: Some dim sum dishes are so delicate that making them is like crafting edible art. But the wait is so worth it when you finally bite into that perfectly steamed bun.
10. It's Never Just One Dish: Dim sum is all about variety, so don't even think about ordering just one dish. It's a mini buffet of joy, where sampling everything on the menu is a must.