A Taste Of China In Silicon Valley, The Top Dim Sum Restaurants

Kristine Xu

Scattered across Silicon Valley are a handful of dim sum restaurants. Similar to Spanish tapas, dim sum offers a variety of unique flavors. Metal carts snake through restaurant tables, stacked with bamboo baskets of steamed buns, dumplings, rolls and tarts. With the second largest population of Asian Americans in the United States, it’s no wonder the Bay Area is home to some of the best dim sum restaurants.

Har Gaw

Ocean Delight Seafood Restaurant

A favorite among the locals, this Ocean Delight has been operating since 1986. The taro buns, chicken feet, shumai (pork and shrimp dumpling) and har gaw (shrimp dumpling) dishes are all benchmark choices. Though service may sometimes be spotty due to the small number of staff, sitting closer to the kitchen usually fixes the issue and even allows for first pick on the dim sum. The friendly service, top-notch dishes and cheap prices are all reasons to make a trip to this south San Jose spot.
Ocean Delight Seafood Restaurant, 5400 Monterey St, San Jose, CA, +1 408 281 3838

Dim Sum Baskets

For larger groups of people, Dynasty Chinese Seafood Restaurant is a good formal option. The large round tables are paired with Lazy Susans, more reminiscent of the white tablecloth restaurants that are popular in China. Attention to detail is especially apparent in the sparkling porcelain dinnerware and quality of food, which makes for an even better dining experience. Be sure to try the fried taro dumplings and the Peking duck, along with the standard fare of dim sum. Whether ordering in Chinese or English, the service is friendly, quick and accommodating.
Dynasty Chinese Seafood Restaurant, 10123 N Wolfe Rd #1688, Cupertino, CA, +1 408 286 6668

Shumai

Saigon Seafood Harbor Restaurant

A popular dim sum restaurant is Saigon Seafood Harbor Restaurant is located close to the peninsula in Sunnyvale. Lines start forming well before lunch. The swarms of people outside this sport prove that it is one of the best in town, especially on the weekends. Popular dishes here include the har gow and shumai, shrimp based dim sum that is steamed until the rice skin turns translucent and tender. Don’t be afraid to approach the service carts to order, since the service can get chaotic. It’s also recommended to call beforehand to make a reservation and skip the line.
Saigon Seafood Harbor Restaurant, 1135 Lawrence Expy Sunnyvale, CA, +1 408 734 2828

BBQ Pork Buns

Joy Luck Place

For an authentic experience, pay a visit to Joy Luck Place in Cupertino. Located in a predominantly Asian neighborhood, the restaurant offers more consistent service compared to other dim sum restaurants. Additionally, it’s popular among the community for its numerous options and close proximity to the 99 Ranch Market. Try the mango shrimp rolls, baked BBQ buns and fried black sesame balls, served piping hot from the kitchen.
Joy Luck Palace, 10911 N Wolfe Rd Cupertino, CA, +1 408 255 6988

Daikon Radish Cake

Fu Lam Mum

This restaurant is great for a late night dim sum fix. Some popular options include the daikon radish cake, shumai and beef noodle rolls, all perfectly seasoned and made to order. This location also serves a variety of tofu dishes that are fried, baked or steamed as a vegetarian option. Besides the delicious food and cheap prices, Fu Lam Mum is a convenient, fast, clean and roomy alternative to other dim sum restaurants in the Bay Area.
Fu Lam Mum, 153 Castro St Mountain View, CA, +1 650 967 1689

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article