Chinese Name
点心
Category
Snack
Region
Guangdong
Spice Level
🌿 Not Spicy
Price Range
¥¥ Moderate
A Cantonese culinary tradition of small bite-sized dishes served in bamboo steamer baskets, typically enjoyed with tea during brunch. Dim sum encompasses hundreds of varieties including dumplings, buns, rolls, and pastries. The social ritual of yum cha, or drinking tea with dim sum, is a cornerstone of southern Chinese food culture.
Dim Sum is a cornerstone of Guangdong cuisine and one of the most beloved dishes in China. Whether served at a humble street stall or an upscale restaurant, this dish showcases the depth and balance that Chinese cooking is famous for. Travellers often cite Dim Sum as a highlight of their culinary journey through China.
Chinese snacks and street food carry centuries of culinary tradition, many originating from market vendors and festival celebrations during the Tang and Song dynasties. These small bites were designed for communal sharing and on-the-go enjoyment, and remain the beating heart of China's vibrant food culture today.
The story of Dim Sum is intertwined with the culinary traditions of the Guangdong region, where generations of cooks have refined the recipe to its current form. Today it is enjoyed not only in its region of origin but across all of China and in Chinese restaurants worldwide.
Many Chinese snacks involve intricate handwork, from pleating dumpling skins to layering flaky pastry dough. Street vendors spend years perfecting a single preparation, whether it is shaping baozi buns or achieving the ideal crispy exterior on a scallion pancake. The simplicity of ingredients belies the skill required.
When ordering Dim Sum in China, watch for restaurants where the dish is prepared fresh to order rather than pre-made. The aroma, texture, and presentation of a freshly prepared Dim Sum are unmistakable. Do not hesitate to ask the staff about their preparation method -- it is a great conversation starter and shows genuine interest in the food.
For the most authentic Dim Sum, head to the cities where this dish has its roots. Local restaurants and street vendors in these cities have perfected the recipe over generations. Look for busy, no-frills eateries -- a crowd of locals is the best quality indicator. Many travellers find that tasting Dim Sum in its region of origin is an entirely different experience from ordering it elsewhere.
South ChinaThe capital of Guangdong Province and the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine, Guangzhou is a sprawling southern metropolis with over 2,200 years of history. Famous for its dim sum culture, the Canton Tower, and bustling trade fairs, it serves as the gateway to southern China and Hong Kong.
South ChinaOnce a small fishing village, Shenzhen has transformed into one of China's most dynamic and innovative cities in just four decades. As China's first Special Economic Zone, it is now a global technology hub, home to companies like Huawei and Tencent, and borders Hong Kong to the south.
Choosing the right drink elevates the experience of Dim Sum. In China, meals are traditionally accompanied by tea, beer, or spirits depending on the occasion and the weight of the dish. Here are our recommended pairings to complement Dim Sum.
teahotThe most widely consumed tea in China, green tea is prized for its fresh, grassy flavor and numerous health benefits. Famous varieties include Longjing (Dragon Well) from Hangzhou, Biluochun from Suzhou, and Huangshan Maofeng from Anhui. Green tea undergoes minimal oxidation, preserving its delicate flavor and bright green color. It has been a cornerstone of Chinese culture for over 3,000 years.
teahotA partially oxidized tea that falls between green and black tea, oolong offers a complex spectrum of flavors from floral and creamy to roasted and woody. Tieguanyin from Fujian and Da Hong Pao from the Wuyi Mountains are among the most celebrated oolongs. The traditional gongfu tea ceremony, especially popular in Fujian and Guangdong, is built around the careful preparation of oolong tea.
teahotA unique fermented tea from Yunnan Province that improves with age, much like fine wine. Pu-erh undergoes a microbial fermentation process that gives it a deep, earthy, and smooth flavor. Aged pu-erh cakes can command thousands of dollars and are prized by collectors. It is traditionally valued for its digestive benefits and is often served after heavy meals.
snackmoderateShanghai's signature soup dumplings are delicate steamed parcels with thin, pleated wrappers that contain a savory pork filling and a burst of rich, flavorful broth. The secret is a gelatinized broth mixed into the filling that liquefies when steamed. Eaten by carefully biting a small hole, sipping the soup, then dipping in black vinegar with ginger.
snackbudgetChina's most beloved comfort food, jiaozi are crescent-shaped dumplings filled with seasoned minced pork and vegetables, then boiled, steamed, or pan-fried. Making dumplings together is a cherished family tradition, especially during Chinese New Year when they symbolize wealth due to their resemblance to ancient gold ingots. Served with a dipping sauce of vinegar, soy sauce, and chili oil.
snackbudgetCrispy golden cylinders filled with a mixture of julienned vegetables, sometimes with pork or shrimp, wrapped in a thin wheat or rice flour wrapper and deep-fried until perfectly crunchy. Traditionally eaten during the Spring Festival to celebrate the arrival of spring, these popular appetizers come in countless regional variations across China.
snackbudgetFluffy, cloud-like steamed buns filled with savory or sweet fillings, baozi are an everyday staple enjoyed across China for breakfast and as snacks. Popular fillings include seasoned pork, vegetables, red bean paste, and custard. The pillowy white dough, made with yeast, contrasts beautifully with the rich, flavorful filling inside.
snackbudgetPyramid-shaped parcels of glutinous sticky rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves and steamed or boiled, traditionally eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival. Northern zongzi tend to be sweet, filled with dates or red bean paste, while southern versions are savory with pork belly, salted egg yolk, and mushrooms. The annual north-vs-south zongzi debate is a beloved cultural tradition.
snackbudgetFlaky, crispy flatbreads made by rolling and folding dough with rendered lard or oil and chopped scallions to create dozens of thin, shatteringly crisp layers. Pan-fried on a griddle until golden and fragrant, scallion pancakes are one of China's most popular street breakfast items. The mesmerizing spiral layers and savory aroma make them irresistible at any time of day.