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The Most Delicious Dim Sum Restaurants in Hong Kong

Mott 32, Des Voeux Road
Mott 32, Des Voeux Road | Courtesy of Mott 32

If there’s one type of cuisine in Hong Kong that you’ll likely want to eat again and again, it’s dim sum. These delicious bite-size dishes, like a Chinese version of Spanish tapas, are a Hong Kong classic. Usually served for breakfast or lunch, the difficult part is choosing where to go amid the dizzying number of options. However, we’ve handpicked a few of our favorites to ensure you enjoy the quintessential dim sum experience.

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City Hall Maxim’s Palace

The “palace” is popular. For many locals, City Hall Maxim’s Palace takes the crown when it comes to the best local dim sum. It’s a classic dim sum joint – a big hall decked out with chandeliers, white tablecloths, dragon decorations, and huge windows next to the Hong Kong harbour. Traditionally, eating dim sum is meant to be a loud and happy dining experience and this is exactly that. Dim sum trolleys are wheeled out, the traditional way, and you pick and choose which dishes you would like. There’s a huge variety and something to suit all tastes. Best tip – arrive early!

Tim Ho Wan

Ever since Tim Ho Wan was awarded a Michelin star in 2010, they’ve become known as the most affordable Michelin-starred dim-sum spot in Hong Kong. Much to the delight of local diners, they’ve kept their affordable prices (about US$1.30 to US$3 per dish) which is extremely reasonable. They are renowned for their traditional Hong Kong dumplings like siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings) and, no surprise, they are also renowned for long queues – so best to get there as early as possible.

Dim Sum Library

Classic dim sum dishes given a fresh and modern spin are what Dim Sum Library specialise in. Good thing is, they serve all-day dim sum and so you can satisfy your craving whatever time it is. The focus here is on innovative renditions of the classics with decadent ingredients like truffle, Iberico pork, foie gras and wagyu thrown into the mix. Having opened in early 2017, the restaurant is modern, well-designed, relaxed and welcoming.

Yan Toh Heen

Eating at Hong Kong’s Intercontinental Hotel is always a classy affair and Yan Toh Heen is no exception. Nothing much else can rival this two Michelin star restaurant. The dim sum here is highly praised and recommended by many of the top concierges in town. The options are vast, but their Superior Dumpling combinations are among the most popular items on the menu. Prices are reasonable given the quality of what’s on offer here. Service is impeccable and to top it off, the restaurant also boasts spectacular view overlooking the Victoria Harbour.

Fook Lam Moon

Classic Cantonese dining at its finest is what Fook Lam Moon promise and they definitely deliver when it comes to dim sum. This is a favorite spot among Hong Kong’s rich and famous to bring their families for a dim sum feast. It’s been dubbed “canteen of the wealthy”. Famous or not, you’ll still be made very welcome here and the food is fit for a king. Dishes like the har gau (shrimp dumplings), XO sauce turnip cake, and the honey-glazed char siu are all as mouth-wateringly delicious as they sound.

LockCha Tea House

Since the majority of dim sum dishes contain meat, vegetarians often feel that they miss out. However, this is not the case at LockCha Tea House who are renowned for their exceedingly tasty vegetarian dim sum. The fried turnip cake and fried squash dumplings are must-try dishes. The added bonus is that LockCha is one of the most famous tea houses in town. For those of you looking for a good brew, or are interested to learn more about Chinese tea culture and ceremony, this is the place to come.

One Dim Sum

Awarded a Michelin star for their highly praised dim sum in 2012, One Dim Sum offer all the classic dishes plus special creations and daily surprises in a humble setting. It’s popular with locals so expect queues and arrive early. Despite the name, there isn’t “one” standout dish here – all the dishes are great quality and reasonably priced. You’ll find siu mai (pork dumplings), rice sheet rolls, BBQ steamed pork buns and more. They sell exceedingly good Chinese soups here as well. Staff are really welcoming which makes all the difference.

Mott 32

Mott 32, Des Voeux Road

A great place to come for special occasions. Mott 32 offers a fine dining dim sum experience with premium ingredients, great service and stunning interiors designed by award-winning interior designer Joyce Wang. The standout dish to try is the honey glazed BBC Iberico pork which truly melts in the mouth. Many of the dishes include prime Iberico pork and Australian Wagyu beef. They also offer a wide selection of Chinese teas. A little more pricey than most, but visiting here is definitely a treat worth indulging in.

About the author

An award-winning writer, Matthew moved to Hong Kong in 2014 and writes exclusively about Southeast Asia. He’s written for The Guardian and BBC amongst others.

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