Top 10 Best Dishes to Order at Dim Sum!

If you’re reading this you’re probably sat staring blankly at a menu full of two syllables thinking ‘what do I order at dim sum!?’

But never fear! As a professional dim sum eater from the age of 2, I have compiled a list of the best things to order at dim sum so that you can enjoy eating it just as much as I do!

Firstly, what is Dim Sum? It is essentially ‘brunch’ – Chinese style! Little bite sized portions steamed in bamboo baskets which are shared amongst a group of people and served with tea. It is also known as ‘yum cha’ which basically means to drink hot tea in the early afternoon and is the perfect way to try a little bit of everything!

So, without further or do…here is my list of best things to order at dim sum!

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1. Siu Mai (Sue-My)

These are a lightly wrapped pork and prawn concoction that taste just like it says on the tin! They sometimes contain mushroom too (so avoid if you’re a mushroom-phobe like my brother) and go down perfectly dipped in chilli oil.

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2. Har Gow

These little shells of heaven have been my all time favourite since I was a little girl. Light rice noodle paper filled with perfectly steamed prawn in the middle. They are so easy to eat and are so light and fluffy! I would definitely recommend them for any seafood and prawn lovers out there.

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3. Wor Tip (War-Tip)

These are probably the most common dumplings that you will see! They have a resemblance of gyoza for all you Wagamama people out there! Usually filled with Pork, Spring Onion, Ginger and served with a vinegar dip – they are delicious fried or steamed…I prefer fried though!

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4. Char Sui Bao (Char-Sue-Bowe)

If you’re a carb lover like me, then I would highly recommend the Char Sui Bao. Perfectly steamed buns filled with saucy barbecued pork are a staple!

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5. Cheung Fung

These are steamed rice noodle rolls which can be filled with variety of fillings. The main ones we order and would highly recommend are the Char Sui Cheung Fung and the Donut Cheung Fung – the Donut Cheung Fung is the perfect combination of sweet and savoury and it’s vegetarian!

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6. Ming Ha Gog

Love prawns? Love nuggets? Imagine this as a giant prawn nugget but 10x nicer! Usually served with salad cream, these are extremely delicious and what we all fight over when they land on the table. 

Tip: Order at least two portions!

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7. Steamed Glutinous Rice

Small rice filled lotus parcels which are full of meat, egg and glutinous goodness! The taste is definitely not one of special fried rice – it almost tastes more rich and earthy, but also really delicious. These are quite filling so you don’t need a lot. I would say order 1 portion to share between 3-4 people with other dishes in the middle.

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7. Wu Gok (Woo-Gok)

Also known as Taro or Yam Croquettes are meat and vegetable filled crispy fried dumplings which are the best way to start (they usually come out first!). Imagine the filling to be something similar to a spring roll – but more meaty, less chunky and more saucy…yum!

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8. Char Sui Puff

The sister of the Char Sui Bao, these little parcels of joy have the same filling as their sister but wrapped in puff pastry rather than a bun. Let’s say the Chinese version of a Greggs Sausage roll…delicious! 

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9. Chive and Mushroom Bao

Exactly as the name says, with extra deliciousness added in! These are steamed and then fried so taste extra yummy. Also, they have mushrooms in so count as your five a day? Win win!

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10. Custard Tart

Finish off with something sweet! They don’t taste like your standard custard tarts you get from Morrisons…these tarts are like a cross between a Nata and an Egg Tart. They are super tasty and the perfect way to end your feasting adventure!

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Wash it all down with a pot of Jasmine tea for the table. And if you’re feeling extra fancy – ask the waiter to add some Chrysanthemum flowers into the Jasmine…it tastes delicious!

Tip: When you’ve ran out of tea, simply lift the lip and leave it open – this signals to the waiter that you would like a refill…hassle free!

Hope you enjoy trying all the best things to order at dim sum and fall involve with it just as much as I have!

Happy eating everyone!

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