Dim sum translates to ‘touch heart’. And quite literally, dim sum plates sure have a way of making their way to our hearts. Are you craving some exquisitely crafted bite-sized packets? The best dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong offer traditional buns, dumplings, and twists on old classics. It‘s quite a gastronomic journey on its own.
Dim sum is integral to Hong Kong’s cultural identity, heritage, and dining scene. Dim sum refers to the small plate dishes in restaurants traditionally accompanied by tea. It’s also a popular daytime affair and a fantastic way to enjoy communal dining while catching up with friends or family.
This beloved Hong Kong staple comes in different varieties, flavours, and textures. Luckily, you’ll never run out of places to try them in Hong Kong. You can try plates with an innovative touch in The Chinese Library as well as the good old classic ones in Sun Hing Restaurant.
Whether you like char siu bao (barbecue pork buns), har gau (shrimp dumplings), or cheong fan (rice noodle rolls), there are plenty of options for everyone. We’ve parcelled up the best places serving this dainty speciality. All you need is a pair of chopsticks and some elasticated trousers.
The best dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong
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Tin Hung Leen
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It only feels right to start a list of the best places for dim sum with two Michelin-starred Tin Lung Heen. And while some may raise eyebrows for overratedness, Tin Lung Heen means serious business. The Cantonese restaurant is perched on the 102nd floor of Hong Kong’s highest building, which itself is a feat. You can expect dim sum favourites, reinterpreted into sophisticated creations that still keep the same traditional flavours. Take for instance the Honey-glazed Iberian Pork Char Siu, it has the makings for everyone’s favourite char siu but with the added sweetness of honey. The food stands out even more as it contrasts with the contemporary decor complete with a dramatic scene of Victoria Harbour.
On top of the amazing dim sum, Tin Lung Heen also makes the feast even better with a tea pairing experience. Choose from three experiences hosted by the restaurant’s sommelier Amanda Au Yeung. Those with a penchant for tea will not only sample different kinds of tea but also learn about the basics of tea culture and how it is best enjoyed. Besides, diners can take the chance to further their knowledge of tea by learning how to match different tea with tea wares. Of course, all these include dim sum to pair. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find anywhere else.
LSA Recommends:
Honey-glazed Iberian Pork Char Siu, Double-boiled Chicken Soup with Fish Maw in Coconut, Prawn Toast, Abalone Rice with Lotus Leaves, Braised Sea Cucumber with Pomelo Peel and Dried Shrimp Roe
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Man Ho Chinese Restaurant
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With one Michelin star under its belt, you know you’re in good hands at Man Ho Chinese Restaurant. While it’s elevated dining, the restaurant stays true to the flavours of Chinese cuisine. Chef Jayson Tang isn’t afraid to put in some contemporary twists. It’s even more impressive that his restaurant earned its coveted star when he was just in his early thirties. The homemade dim sum here is top-notch, as you can expect. There’s an excitement when trying chef’s creative approach to classics. And the sophisticated interior, which is inspired by a Chinese garden, also makes up for quite a serene dining experience. We also recommend trying their different drinks which aren’t just limited to the typical Jasmine or Oolong (which are still great) but also sparkling tea and wine.
LSA Recommends:
Steamed Minced Garoupa and Coriander Dumpling, Steamed Egg with Flathead Lobster, Pan-fried Fish Maw with Almond Chicken Broth, Baked Whole Dried South African Abalone Puff with Wild Mushrooms
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Cuisine Cuisine (The Mira)
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There’s a certain old charm in Cuisine Cuisine. These days, it’s quite rare to see such a spacious restaurant buzzing with families, office workers, and alike during lunch. But that’s a testament to Cuisine Cuisine’s reputation all these years. The Michelin-recommended restaurant’s a la carte dim sum menu is one of the best. After all, it’s the combined creation of Chinese executive chef Edwin Tanf and Dim Sum chef Ringo Wong. Lunchtime dining also has up to 30 per cent off with even complimentary Peking duck for larger evening parties. That’s quite a deal! What’s impressive to us is how dedicated the culinary team is, coming every morning to make the homemade wrappers and stuffings.
The fresh-to-order dishes are available in individual quantities to ensure that each diner gets what they can happily finish. You’ll be spoiled for choice on the extensive collection of almost 30 choices headlined by the Homemade Puff Pastry and Whole Eight-head Abalone. To make your dining experience even better, order the Roasted Peking Duck which is cared for at a table of 10 or more diners. After all, the more, the merrier, right?
LSA Recommends:
Shrimp Dumplings, Peking Duck, Pineapple Barbecue Pork Bun, Fried Turnip Cake with XO Sauce, Honey-glazed Barbecue Pork, Smoked Bean Curd Sheet Rolls
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Yat Tung Heen
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In the humble neighbourhood of Jordan lies Yat Tung Heen. The area is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, but Yat Tung Heen is a standout, even though it’s quite literally hidden in a basement. The Michelin-starred restaurant features authentic Cantonese fare with an impressive atmosphere referencing Shanghai tavern. The spacious setting is drool-worthy but even more, so are the dishes. The culinary team led by chef Tam Tung makes sure to serve traditional yet refined Cantonese fare. And at the heart of their dishes are natural-tasting delights, be it the popular dim sum or barbecued meats. And if we’re being honest, it’s one of the more affordable Michelin-starred dim sum places so how can you say no?
LSA Recommends:
Honey-glazed Barbecued Pork Tiger Prawns in Two Ways, Pork Lung Soup with Fish Maw and Almond, Mala Cake, Glutinous Mango Rice Roll, Steamed Siu Mai with Scallops
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Chinesology
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I can’t think of someone better than chef Saito Chau to spearhead Chineseology. With his extensive repertoire, he brings a classic yet refined take on Chinese cuisine. Take, for instance, the restaurant’s popular brunch. Where else, can you find a place that highlights the value and beauty of Chinese ingredients all you want? Yes, it’s free-flow goodness every weekend. Overall, the menu at Chinesology is familiar yet also fused with imagination. It always makes for an exciting feast. Apart from dining, guests will also be amazed at the interiors, adorned with premium wood and elegant marble on top of harbour views of the city. When we say it’s quite a dining experience, we mean it.
LSA Recommends:
Japanese Honeydew Melon Soup with Fish Maw, 28-Head Crown-shape Dried Abalone, Sea Cucumber Dimplings, Shrimp Dumplings, Alaska Crab Dumplings
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Spring Moon
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Another Michelin-starred entry that surely impresses is Spring Moon. Housed in the renowned Peninsula Hotel, Spring Moon is also in its own right, one of the most celebrated Cantonese restaurants in the city. In fact, it has been drawing diners since 1986. Tried and tested is the best way to describe this place and its decades-long legacy proves its authentic offerings. The Art Deco-style stained-glass windows are also a highlight of the restaurant as they set the stage for chef Lam Yuk Ming to whip up his culinary offerings. Among all the elaborate dishes and well-loved dim sum selections, the famous XO Chilli Sauce allegedly originates from the restaurant. And we all know that it goes well with plenty of dim sum varieties.
LSA Recommends
Peking Duck, Honey Barbecue Pork Cake, Lotus Leaf Rice, Abalone, Chicken and Taro Wedges, Jujube Emperor Cake, Fish Maw and Bamboo Soup Dumplings
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Tao Li
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Not all elevated dim sum hurts your wallet. Tao Li is proof. This restaurant is a bit of a hidden gem, located inside the New World Millennium Hong Kong Hotel. Specialising in Guangdong cuisine, you can expect delicious dim sum on top of other stir-fried dishes. Chef Cheuk Man Chung makes it a point to add creative twists to Cantonese classics. At the same time, he also highlights the most sought-after flavours of the season, whether it’s summer or winter. Of course, Tao Li also has a fine view of Victoria Harbour for an even better dining experience.
LSA Recommends:
Pineapple Bun with Barbecue Pork, Sticky Rice and Black Peppered Crab with Vermicelli, Black Pork Barbecue with Osmanthus Honey Sauce, Soup Dumplings, Steamed Goose with Plum Sauce
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The Chinese Library
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The Chinese Library takes inspiration from the founder, David Yeo’s own library of Chinese cookbooks. The Tai Kwun-based restaurant serves Chinese dishes with a contemporary touch. It boasts a dining room that recalls a bygone era, complete with a wooden design and shades of green. The menu, crafted by chef Junno Li, is just as impressive as the facade. Diners will also appreciate that the restaurant celebrates the diversity of regional Chinese cuisine. Dig into Cantonese favourites but also make room for the spicy flavours from Sichuan and Shanghai’s culinary delights.
LSA Recommends:
Chrysanthemum “Thousand Cut” Silken Tofu in Chicken Broth, Sichuan Garoupa with Glass Noodles in Chilli Broth, and Roast Hand-pulled Chicken with Hunan Green Chilli
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Duddell’s
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Duddell’s is well-loved for two things: the arts and dim sum. Its appreciation for the arts is reflected in its chic interiors, designed to make diners feel like they’re stepping into an art collector’s home. When their love for art and food comes together, the result is visually appealing and tantalising dishes. Expect contemporary takes on classics such as the Garoupa Dumplings or the Truffled Fried Omnipork Dumplings. The dim sum at Duddell’s is as good as it looks.
LSA Recommends:
Fried Beef Cubes, Crispy Salted Chicken, Steamed Mushrooms Dumplings with Black Truffle, Baked Abalone Puff with Chicken, Honey Sauce Barbecue Pork
Additional Information
Dim Sum Library
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If you want to try dim sum with a modern spin, Dim Sum Library should be on your radar. This restaurant has been boldly giving new interpretations to dim sum, offering a refreshing way to enjoy them. Discover these innovative takes, whether it’s for lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner. Beyond the food, Dim Sum Library also has an incredible 1920s-styled Chinese birdcage-inspired tea room. It’s quite a sight and a perfect space to sip classic cocktails after a filling dim sum feast.
LSA Recommends:
Dan Dan Pork Noodles, the Black Garlic Siu Mai, and the Mala Xiao Long Bao. Don’t forget to try their tea-inspired cocktails too!
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Ho Lee Fook
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Eating at Ho Lee Fook feels like you’re taking a trip down memory lane. They take pride in serving classic dishes that are “as familiar as Mom’s dumplings” regardless of whether you’re taking a bite of the snacks, slurping the soup, or munching on the roast meats. Helmed by chef ArChan Chan, the restaurant boasts a neon-soaked interior. Dim sum is best eaten during the day, but Ho Lee Fook spices up your evening with its night offerings. Its name translates to ‘good fortune for your mouth’ so not only will you try your luck here, but you’ll also get tasty dim sum.
LSA Recommends:
Take a bite of the scrumptious Har Gow, Fried Taro Puff, Roast Goose, Roast Wagyu Short Ribs, Soy Chicken
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Lin Heung Lau
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We know it caused quite a shock when Lin Heung Lau or Lin Heung Tea House “temporarily” closed down. But to everyone’s delight, the over-105-year-old restaurant is back. It has endured rough years but one of the city’s long-lasting gems isn’t just popular for nothing. The traditional dim sum parlour still serves its tea and dim sum, a staple in their menu. But to go ahead with changing times and people’s diverse palates, they have also started to modernise their menu. A case in point is the hand-shaken drinks from their ground floor space. On top of bamboo steamers on trolleys are these Instagrammable drinks, which are a reflection of Hong Kong in itself—modern but also with an old-school charm.
LSA Recommends:
Malay Cake, Lotus Seed Paste Bun, Shrimp Dumplings, Tangerine Peel and Duck Leg Soup with Rice
Additional Information
Sun Hing Restaurant
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Late-night snack, anyone? Sun Hing Restaurant in Kennedy Town takes late or early (depending on whether you’re a night owl or an early riser) to a new level. Open daily from 3 am, the dim sum joint boasts homemade dishes to start your day. Don’t be surprised if you already find this half-a-century-old joint bustling with people. Despite its rather small space, the atmosphere is lively. Plus, everything is pretty much self-service at Sun Hing so somehow, there’s also that communal dining experience with strangers.
LSA Recommends:
Gulp down the delicious chicken feet and barbecue pork buns, and many others available on the stream trolley. Cantonese-style sponge cake and curry beef tripe are also a must.
Additional Information
One Dim Sum
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If the queues outside this small dim sum eatery tell you anything, it’s that people are willing to line up to get a taste of the food here. Enough to just house 30 diners, One Dim Sum in Prince Edward previously held a Michelin star in 2011 and 2012. But despite not retaining the status, patrons and tourists alike are still heading here for affordable yet Michelin-quality dim sum. Simply take your pick from the range of dishes available, from steamed dumplings to rolls and buns.
LSA Recommends:
Mango Custard Rolls, Sesame Fried Dumplings, Shrimp and Bean Curd Rolls, Shrimp Dumpling
Additional Information
Dim Sum Square
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Dim Sum Square is another restaurant that Hongkongers are willing to queue up for, so we recommend avoiding peak hours unless you don’t mind the wait. It moved from its former location but still stayed in Sheung Wan, so you don’t have to venture far out. The dim sum restaurant is the perfect food stop after a day of gallery hopping in the area or for lunch. The menu is what you’d expect from a traditional dim sum restaurant, so you’ll never go wrong with your order.
LSA Recommends:
There is plenty to order from the no-fuss menu, but we absolutely love the Chicken feet, Shrimp Rice Rolls, Shrimp Dumplings, and Turnip Cake.
Additional Information
(All images credit: Duddell’s)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Dim sum means 'touch heart' in Chinese. It refers to the small plates of dumplings and snacks usually eaten with tea.
Dim sum is popular because they come in small portions but are very filling and appetising. It allows friends and family to share dishes and enjoy a meal together.
There are many great dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong including The Chinese Library, Duddell's, and Sun Hing Restaurant.
Yes, dim sum restaurants are suitable vegetarians. There are plenty of choices that use vegetables as ingredients.
It is better to make a reservation for larger groups and especially during weekends.
Dim sum restaurants are child-friendly as it is common for families to eat dim sum together.
Some of the must-try dishes at dim sum restaurants are shrimp dumplings, siu mai, chicken feet, pork dumplings, barbecue pork buns, and spring rolls.
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Written by
Jianne Soriano
Digital Writer (Growth) - Dining, Culture & Travel
An introvert at heart, Jianne has an immense passion for storytelling. This Filipino, Hong Kong-born native is a certified foodie and cinephile. When she’s not writing, you can find her chilling at cafes, watching movies, or travelling solo.
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