Experiencing Yum Cha in Hong Kong: Navigating the Dim Sum Capital of the World

Dim sum holds a special place in the hearts of Hong Kongers, bringing families together over steaming baskets of bite-sized delights. Beyond the exquisite taste, it’s the camaraderie that makes a dim sum meal a cherished Hong Kong experience. While numerous fantastic teahouses dot the city, here’s a selection of some of the best places to savor these delectable treats.

Best Textbook Dim Sum: Forum For an exemplar of flawless dim sum, head to Forum, a three-Michelin-star restaurant founded by the legendary abalone master, Yeung Koon Yat. Known for its impeccable attention to detail, Forum serves classic Cantonese dim sum with perfection, from neatly pleated hargow to fluffy bao with charsiu. The steamed rice roll with dried shrimp and scallion is a must-try, showcasing Forum’s commitment to nostalgic local flavors.

Best Dim Sum for Night Owls: Sun Hing Situated in Kennedy Town, Sun Hing is a cozy yet bustling spot that attracts university night owls and Lan Kwai Fong revelers alike. Open in the middle of the night, Sun Hing offers freshly made dumplings, addictive salted egg yolk custard buns, and stir-fried crispy milk puffs. With no menu, diners choose dim sum directly from display towers, adding to the unique experience.

Best Pre-Hike Breakfast: Duen Kee Nestled at the foothill of Tai Mo Shan, Duen Kee serves a rustic dim sum menu ideal for early mornings. Diners serve themselves, enjoying dishes like quail egg siu mai, preserved Chinese sausage rolls, and blanched watercress. While the dumpling wrappings may not be the most refined, Duen Kee introduces hard-to-find flavors and a genuine dining experience.

Best Power Lunch: Lung King Heen Despite losing one of its three Michelin stars in 2023, Lung King Heen remains a top-notch dim sum destination. Combining impeccable service, stunning sea views, and daily Cantonese soup by Chef Chan Yan Tak, Lung King Heen offers an unbeatable experience. The restaurant’s siumai and harbor views make it a compelling choice for a power lunch.

Most Cinematic Setting: Spring Moon Situated inside The Peninsula Hotel, Spring Moon’s beautiful Art Deco interiors set the stage for a cinematic dining experience. Signature dishes like deep-fried Japanese turnip puffs and deluxe dumplings with fish maw and bamboo pith make it a sought-after destination. The balcony table upstairs offers breathtaking views, adding to the allure of Spring Moon.

Best Dim Sum for Spice Lovers: Golden Valley Golden Valley stands out by offering both Cantonese and Sichuanese dim sum on one menu. With well-made classics like country-style fried pancakes and fan gwo (Chiuchow style dumplings), Golden Valley caters to diverse tastes. The fan gwo, filled with shrimp, mushrooms, pork, and water chestnuts, is a delightful pocket of flavors. The restaurant’s warm service complements its distinct culinary offerings.

Best Vegetarian Dim Sum: Veggie Kingdom Veggie Kingdom impresses with its meatless dim sum experience that even non-vegetarians find satisfying. Helmed by a veteran dim sum chef, the restaurant uses traditional cooking techniques with specially-treated vegetable oil, replacing lard and butter. Rejecting the “five spices,” Veggie Kingdom offers a unique and flavorful vegetarian dim sum experience aligned with Buddhist philosophy.

Best Tycoon-Worthy Dim Sum: Seventh Son Founded by Chui Wai Kwan, a Cantonese culinary maestro, Seventh Son continues the tradition of exceptional dim sum. Offering classic dishes and featuring a crispy roast suckling pig, Seventh Son provides a tycoon-worthy dining experience. The restaurant’s a la carte menu showcases hard-to-find items and reflects Chui’s legacy in Cantonese cuisine.

Best Neighborhood Dim Sum: Tai Wai Dining Room Founded by four friends who felt the need for quality Cantonese restaurants in their neighborhood, Tai Wai Dining Room quickly became a sought-after venue. With experienced dim sum chefs creating traditional dishes, the restaurant stands out in the neighborhood. The oversized Canton style egg puff and chunky char siu are among the top dishes, making Tai Wai Dining Room a local favorite.

Best Champagne Dim Sum: Duddell’s Duddell’s draws artists and foodies to its lush terrace every weekend for a Champagne dim sum brunch. Combining free-flow Champagne, all-you-can-eat dim sum, and a chic ambiance, Duddell’s has been a pioneer in making Cantonese cuisine chic while preserving traditional flavors. Chef Chan Yau Leung’s culinary expertise adds to the restaurant’s charm.

Best Old-School Trolley Dim Sum: Luk On Kui Formerly known as Lin Heung Kui, Luk On Kui retains the charm of old-school dim sum with its use of trolley pushcarts. The restaurant, now named after its pitch-black dark tea, offers a yit naau (hot and loud) experience. Diners navigate the chaos with trolley ”