🥟From Hong Kong
âš¡ Quick Answer
Dim sum is a Cantonese style of small shared dishes — dumplings, buns, rolls, and pastries like har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai, and char siu bao — traditionally served with tea during "yum cha" brunch.
Key Facts
- Origin: Cantonese southern China / Hong Kong
- Served as many small steamed or fried plates
- Paired with tea (the ritual is called yum cha)
- Signature items: har gow, siu mai, char siu bao
Where to Eat Dim Sum
Best experienced in these cities — tap to explore local guides:
Dim Sum Articles & Guides
Dim Sum: Origins, Variations, and Where to Eat It
Dim Sum vs Tapas: Which Small Plates Philosophy Wins
Hong Kong Food Guide: Dim Sum, Night Markets & Roast Meat
Yum Cha: What Dim Sum Tea Culture Actually Means
Yum Cha: The Art of Tea and Dim Sum in Cantonese Culture
Dim Sum vs Tapas: Small Plates, Different PhilosophiesDim Sum FAQ
What is dim sum?
Dim sum is a Cantonese meal of small shared plates like dumplings and buns, served with tea.