10 Must-Try Dim Sum Dishes
Dim sum is more than just a meal - it's a social event that brings people together. If you're new to dim sum, it's important to know that there's a wide variety of dishes to choose from, and it can be overwhelming to pick what to order. That's why we've put together this list of 10 must-try dim sum dishes to help you get started. From savory siu mai and har gow to sweet custard buns, these dishes are sure to delight your taste buds. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the world of dim sum.
1. Siu Mai with Shrimp and Pork
Siu mai is a delicious type of Chinese dumpling that has been enjoyed for centuries. Made from a mixture of pork and shrimp, and wrapped in a delicate dough wrapper, siu mai is a staple of dim sum menus around the world. The filling is seasoned with a variety of flavors, ranging from soy sauce and rice wine, to sesame oil and ginger.
What makes siu mai unique is its beautiful appearance. The dumpling is usually open at the top, allowing the filling to be visible. It is decorated with a small, round piece of carrot or green pea, which gives it a beautiful color contrast.
Making siu mai at home is easier than you might think. The recipe involves folding the dough wrapper around the filling, shaping it into a beautiful dumpling, and steaming it until cooked. Serve it with soy sauce and chili paste for a delicious treat.
2. Har Gow with Shrimp
If you're a fan of seafood and Chinese cuisine, then har gow is a must-try dish. This delectable dim sum staple features juicy pieces of shrimp wrapped delicately in translucent, chewy pockets of dough. As a traditional Chinese cuisine, har gow represents the pinnacle of dumpling-making skill, as the dough's thinness and texture are crucial to the success of the dish.
Notably, the transparent quality of the wrapper is also a sign of the dish's quality, indicating that the dough is fresh and made with care. In fact, some dim sum aficionados judge a restaurant's quality solely based on the quality of their har gow.
If you're keen on making har gow at home, the ingredients are simple enough: a mixture of minced shrimp, bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, and rice flour for the wrapper. But to get the dough just right for that signature chewy texture, technique and practice make perfect.
3. Char Siu Bao
Char siu bao is a fluffy, steamed bun filled with Chinese-style barbecued pork. It is one of the most popular dim sum dishes and a must-try for any first-timer. The bao is made from a dough that is proofed, filled with barbecue pork, and then steamed. It is essential to get the filling right: It should be moist and savory, with the meat neither too fatty nor too dry. Char siu bao is traditionally baked, but steamed versions are just as popular. You'll often see this dish on a dim sum cart with its distinctive look, and it surely is one of the best. If you're looking for a fluffy, porky delight, char siu bao won't disappoint.
4. Cheung Fun with Shrimp, Beef, or Pork
If you're a fan of rice rolls, then you've probably heard of cheung fun. This dish consists of tender rice rolls filled with small, savoury shrimp, beef, or pork. It's a popular dish all over China, Hong Kong and other parts of Asia, and has recently gained popularity in the Western world as well.
One of the reasons that cheung fun is so popular is because of its mild taste, making it ideal for people with different palates. Moreover, the rice rolls are soft and silky with a chewy texture that balances well with salty and savoury shrimp, beef, or pork.
If you want to prepare this dish at home, there are plenty of recipes and variations to choose from. It's a dish that's easy to customize by including ingredients such as cilantro, green onion or even a soy sauce mix to give it a unique flavor. So the next time you're in the mood for something light but flavorful, try cheung fun.
5. Hong Kong-style Egg Tarts
If you're a fan of sweet pastries, then you're sure to love Hong Kong-style egg tarts. These pastries have a delicate, buttery crust and a smooth, silky egg custard filling. Of all the variations of egg tarts, the Hong Kong-style egg tart is one of the most popular. The recipe involves using a mixture of sugar, evaporated milk, and egg yolks, which is then baked in a pastry shell until it turns a beautiful golden color. The origin of the Hong Kong-style egg tart can be traced back to the 1940s, when it was first introduced by Portuguese colonizers. Today, it has become a beloved staple of dim sum culture all around the world. Whether you're a fan of sweet pastries or just looking to try something new, Hong Kong-style egg tarts are a must-try dish in any dim sum restaurant.
6. Lo Bak Go
Dim sum wouldn't be complete without Lo Bak Go, a staple in the Chinese cuisine. These pan-fried turnip cakes are made with various ingredients, including shredded daikon radish, rice flour, and other seasoning that give it its unique taste. Lo Bak Go is usually served with oyster sauce or soy sauce and garnished with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, and cilantro.
Its crispy and savory outside often contrast with the soft and chewy inside, making it a hit among dim sum enthusiasts. While it may seem simple to make, creating the perfect texture and taste takes a specific skill set. But, thanks to the rising interest in Asian cuisine, Lo Bak Go is now available in specialty stores, ensuring that non-Chinese natives can enjoy this beloved dish.
7. Stuffed Tofu
Stuffed tofu can be found in many dim sum restaurants and might seem like an odd choice to those who have never tried it before. However, once you take a bite, you'll understand why it's a beloved dish. These deep-fried tofu cubes are usually stuffed with minced shrimp or pork, which adds a savory contrast to the tofu's soft and delicate texture. The texture of the tofu wrapped around the filling creates a delectable explosion of flavours in your mouth. One bite and you'll be hooked! Don't let the idea of exotic ingredients scare you away, be bold and give stuffed tofu a try. Your taste buds will thank you.
8. Chicken Feet
If you're feeling adventurous enough to try eating chicken feet, you might be surprised by how delicious and flavorful they are. This dish is made by braising chicken feet in a flavorful sauce of fermented black beans, soy sauce, and sugar until they are tender and savory. The meat on the feet can be a bit tricky to navigate, as it is often gelatinous and contains small bones, but once you get the hang of it, the flavors will more than make up for the effort. Chicken feet are often served with a spicy black bean sauce for dipping or drizzling. If you are feeling brave and want to try something new, give chicken feet a chance – they may just become your new favorite dim sum dish.
9. Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf
Sticky rice in lotus leaf is a popular dim sum dish that involves wrapping Chinese sticky rice and other ingredients in lotus leaves. It is also known as lo mai gai or simply, lotus leaf rice. The dish is usually steamed, preserving the aroma of the lotus leaves that enhance the flavors of the sticky rice and other ingredients.
Traditionally, sticky rice in lotus leaf is made with glutinous rice, chicken, Chinese sausage, mushrooms, and dried shrimp. However, there are many variations of this dish, and other ingredients can be added, such as salted egg yolks, taro, and peanuts.
Making sticky rice in lotus leaf is a bit tricky, but nothing beats the satisfaction of making your own. It's a perfect dish for a cozy evening at home. Try making it for your next family dinner or for your friends' next potluck!
10. Custard Buns
Custard buns - fluffy steamed buns filled with creamy, sweet custard filling - are a classic dim sum dish that are hard to resist. They are also one of the most popular dim sum dishes around the world.
To make custard buns, you first need to make a soft and fluffy bun dough. The dough is then filled with a sweet and creamy custard filling, made with sugar, milk, egg yolks, and butter.
When you bite into a custard bun, you'll be greeted with a soft and pillowy texture, with the sweet and creamy filling bursting in your mouth. Custard buns are often served as a dessert, but they can also be enjoyed as a snack or breakfast. If you're a fan of sweetness and creaminess, you definitely won't want to miss out on these little guys!
Conclusion
You now have a list of must-try dim sum dishes that you can order with confidence. Whether you prefer savory or sweet, shrimp or pork, there is something for everyone in the world of dim sum. Don't be afraid to ask your server for recommendations—they are experts in the art of dim sum. Remember to pace yourself, and share with your friends and family so you can try as many dishes as possible. Happy eating!