Best Novelty Dim Sum Restaurants In Hong Kong And Macau

Seldom is food more Instagram-worthy than these creative twists on dim sum. Sometimes referred to as ‘cute dim sum’, it’s classic dim sum given a playful and cheeky spin. Here are five of our favourite places to try out these novelty wonders in Hong Kong and Macau.

Dim sum has been around for centuries in China. These popular bite-size dishes, usually served with tea, are traditionally eaten at breakfast or lunch. In an attempt to modernise dim sum, it’s becoming more common for chefs to experiment and put a playful spin on classic dim sum dishes such as BBQ pork buns and shrimp dumplings. Using traditional ingredients, they are given a modern twist – often inspired by fictional or cartoon characters, they’re a feast for the eyes as well as the belly.

1. Dim Sum Icon

Restaurant, Chinese

Dim sum with a cheeky difference is the theme of this restaurant. They specialise in cartoon-inspired dishes that can perform on command. Think chocolate buns decorated in the style of iconic cartoon characters that can poop chocolate when squeezed, or angry pig-shaped buns that produce yellow custard snot from their noses when given a pinch – all in the name of fun and designed to bring out the inner child in you. Of course, highly Instagrammable, too.

2. Yum Cha

Restaurant, Chinese

Dim sum, traditional Chinese dumpling in bamboo steamer, pig and animal theme for kids. Street food for children in China, Hong Kong. Family dinner wi

The dim sum here looks good, is given a modern creative spin, but it’s not a gimmick – quality ingredients take pride of place. Standout dishes include the BBQ piggy buns, the hot molten custard buns and the doggy sausage rolls. Novelty dim sum without compromising on taste or quality.

4. Pak Loh Chiu Chow Macau

Restaurant, Chinese

These sweet taro filling pastry in swan shape are about as elegant as dim sum gets. You’ll find these small works of art on the dim sum menu at Pak Loh Chiu Chow restaurant in Macau, along with several other traditional dim sum dishes given a modern twist. Perfectly executed with artistic flair, they are designed to demonstrate the restaurant’s expertise when it comes to combining food with finesse.

5. The Eight

Restaurant, Chinese

The Eight is Macau’s only Chinese restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars. They are renowned for their delicious lunchtime dim sum menu that offers over 50 different kinds, including a few animal-shaped surprises. Don’t miss the beautiful goldfish-shaped shrimp dumplings and hedgehog char siu buns (BBQ roast pork buns). Also, clawing its way onto the menu are the adorable crab-shaped baked tartlets with crabmeat in curry sauce. Not to be outdone are the river shrimp dumplings coated in a delicious puff pastry that come expertly crafted in the shape of a purse. Full marks for presentation and taste – worth every penny!

Hedgehog char siu buns (BBQ roast pork buns)

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.