A Dim Sum Restaurant is a culinary establishment that specializes in serving a wide array of small dishes known as dim sum. Originating from Cantonese cuisine, these dishes are traditionally enjoyed for brunch, often accompanied by tea in a practice known as "yum cha". This tradition, which began in the city of Canton (Guangzhou) in the tenth century, involves tea houses serving small-portion meals with tea. The term "dim sum" translates to "touch the heart", signifying the small food items that accompany the tea. Dim sum restaurants typically offer a vast variety of dishes, often totaling several dozen. The tea served is considered as important as the food. Many Cantonese restaurants serve dim sum as early as five in the morning, continuing until mid-afternoon.
Origin and history of the dim sum restaurant
The tradition of dim sum restaurants, also known as “yum cha”, has a rich history that dates back to the tenth century in the city of Canton (Guangzhou). This practice began when the city experienced a surge in commercial travel, leading to the establishment of teahouses where travelers could enjoy small-portion meals with tea, a practice known as "yum cha" or brunch. The term "dim sum" translates to "touch the heart", referring to the small food items that accompanied the tea. Over time, teahouse owners started adding various snacks, or dim sum, to their offerings, evolving into the modern "yum cha" culture.
By the latter half of the nineteenth century, the Cantonese dim sum culture had developed rapidly in Guangzhou. Initially, Cantonese dim sum was based on local foods, but as it evolved, chefs began incorporating influences and traditions from other regions of China. Today, there are over a thousand dim sum dishes originating from Guangdong alone, and some estimates claim that there are at least two thousand types of dim sum across China.
Unique characteristics of dim sum restaurants
Size
Dim sum restaurants are typically larger in size. This is because dim sum, a traditional Chinese dining experience, is often a communal event involving larger groups of people. The tables are usually round to accommodate the sharing of various small dishes (dim sum) that are typically served in steamer baskets or on small plates.
Atmosphere
Dim sum restaurants, originating from China, typically have a unique and bustling atmosphere compared to other restaurant types. The environment is often lively and communal, with large round tables designed to accommodate groups and facilitate sharing of various dishes. The service style is also distinctive; servers push carts around the restaurant, allowing diners to visually select their dishes, which adds an interactive and dynamic element to the dining experience.
Menu
Dim sum restaurants, originating from Cantonese cuisine, typically offer a unique menu structure compared to other restaurant types. Instead of the traditional appetizer, main course, and dessert structure, Dim sum restaurants serve a variety of small bite-sized portions of food served in steamer baskets or on small plates. The menu often includes a wide range of choices from dumplings, buns, rolls, and wraps to puffs, tarts, and puddings, all meant to be shared among the table.
Service
Dim sum restaurants offer a unique dining experience that differs significantly from other restaurant types. The primary difference lies in the style of service. In a dim sum restaurant, food is traditionally served in small bite-sized portions, usually in steamer baskets or on small plates. Instead of ordering from a menu, as you would in most restaurants, in a dim sum restaurant, servers push carts around filled with various dishes for customers to choose from. This allows diners to see and select their food directly, making the dining experience more interactive and communal.
Alcohol
Dim sum restaurants, originating from China, have a unique approach to serving alcohol compared to other restaurant types. Traditionally, dim sum is a brunch meal, served from morning to early afternoon, and the most common alcoholic beverage served is Chinese tea, which is not actually alcoholic. However, in modern times, some dim sum restaurants have started to serve beer and wine, but the selection is often limited and not the focus of the meal.
What items are typically on a dim sum restaurant’s menu?
Steamed Dim Sum
- Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings): $6.99 ~ $12.42
- Siu Mai (Pork Dumplings): $5.85 ~ $11.75
- Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns): $5.00 ~ $10.25
- Cheong Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls): $10.95 ~ $17.34
- Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings): $6.99 ~ $13.00
- Lo Mai Gai (Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf): $6.00 ~ $12.00
Fried and Baked Dim Sum
- Spring Rolls: $4.50 ~ $10.39
- Fried Shrimp Balls: $6.15 ~ $12.00
- Potstickers: $6.30 ~ $15.00
- Baked BBQ Pork Buns: $4.95 ~ $9.95
- Fried Sesame Balls: $4.00 ~ $8.00
- Egg Tarts: $2.50 ~ $8.17
Congee and Noodles
- Congee with Lean Pork and Century Egg: $8.00 ~ $15.00
- Rice Noodle with Beef: $10.51 ~ $16.14
- E-fu Noodles with Mushrooms: $10.01 ~ $18.03
- Seafood Congee: $9.14 ~ $17.50
- Wonton Noodles: $8.95 ~ $18.01
Desserts
- Mango Pudding: $3.96 ~ $6.99
- Red Bean Soup: $4.00 ~ $9.00
- Black Sesame Roll: $4.00 ~ $8.00
- Durian Mochi: $4.00 ~ $8.00
- Coconut Milk Pudding: $4.54 ~ $9.98
Tea
- Jasmine Tea: $2.30 ~ $5.25
- Oolong Tea: $3.00 ~ $6.96
- Pu-erh Tea: $3.00 ~ $6.00 (estimated)
- Chrysanthemum Tea: $2.50 ~ $6.22
- Green Tea: $2.60 ~ $5.76
Are dim sum restaurants popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
Dim sum restaurants are traditionally most popular for breakfast and lunch. Dim Sum is often served from morning to early afternoon, aligning with the Chinese tradition of "yum cha" or "drinking tea", where these small bite-sized dishes are enjoyed alongside tea. The variety of dumplings, buns, rolls, and other treats are typically light yet satisfying, making them perfect for these earlier meals. However, the popularity of dim sum for dinner is growing, especially in Western countries. Many restaurants now offer dim sum items on their dinner menus to cater to the increasing demand. This shift is due to the versatility and variety of dim sum, which can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Are dim sum restaurants popular for food delivery?
Yes, dim sum restaurants are popular for food delivery. Dim sum has gained significant popularity worldwide due to its unique flavors and variety. The small, bite-sized portions make it ideal for group dining and sharing, but it's also well-suited for delivery. The convenience of food delivery apps has made it easier for customers to enjoy dim sum at home or work without the need to visit a restaurant. These apps have broadened the customer base of dim sum restaurants, as people can now sample this cuisine regardless of their location. Moreover, the packaging of dim sum for delivery is typically done in such a way that it maintains the freshness and warmth of the food, ensuring that customers receive high-quality meals at their doorsteps.
What are the most popular dim sum restaurant chains?
Dim sum has gained popularity worldwide, with several restaurant chains specializing in it. Among these, three stand out: Tim Ho Wan, Sam Woo Restaurant, and Din Tai Fung. Tim Ho Wan, originating from Hong Kong, is renowned as the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant worldwide. Sam Woo Restaurant, another popular chain, serves Hong Kong-style cuisine, including dim sum. Lastly, Din Tai Fung, a chain originating from Taipei, Taiwan, is internationally recognized for its xiaolongbao with 18 folds. These three chains have made significant contributions to the popularity and accessibility of dim sum worldwide.
References
About Otter
- Increase revenue up to 10% with Marketing*
- Reduce storefront downtime by up to 50% with Live Alerts*
- Increase sales up to 50% with Digital Dine-In's QR code ordering*
- Reduce missed orders to less than 1% with Order Manager's Auto-Accept feature*
- Supercharge your food business with our all-in-one restaurant POS system*