A Guide to Dim Sum in Hong Kong

Hong Kong dim sumLuke McCormick reveals his favourite three restaurants in Hong Kong to sample dim sum.

Dim sum is a relative newcomer in the Chinese culinary tradition – a mere 1,000 years old, in that time almost 2,000 varieties of these small dishes have been developed.

In Hong Kong dim sum is eaten at yum cha – a Cantonese-style morning and lunchtime meal. Literally meaning ‘drink tea’, the meal consists of many small dim sum dishes served with tea.

Larger yum cha restaurants in Hong Kong serve up to 100 items on any given day and there are normally no menus. Instead, waitresses push around steel trolleys stacked high with steaming baskets of dim sum, and customers select those that appeal. The experience is quite something – the bustle and boisterous conversation is something to behold, and the food is fabulous.

Among the best yum cha houses in Hong Kong are:

  • U-Banquet

1F, Pioneer Centre, 750 Nathan Road, Prince Edward, Kowloon

U-Banquet was awarded the King of Shrimp Dumpling and Gold with Distinction titles in the dim sum category in 2011’s Best of the Best Culinary awards.

  • West Villa Restaurant

Room 101-102, 1F, Lee Gardens Two, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island

A favourite of local food critic and author William Mark, this Hong Kong hangout specialises in oyster sauce roast pork steamed bun. A popular local celebrity haunt, its exceptional quality was recognised by the Michelin guide in 2009.

  • Rouge, Regal Airport Hotel

1/F, Regal Airport hotel, 9 Cheong Tat Road, Chep Lap Kok, Lantau Island

If you’re passing through Hong Kong on a short stopover, this place could be just the ticket to try some local specialities. With a silver award for dim sum in the 2011 Best of the Best Culinary awards, the yum cha here is about as good as it gets.

Luke McCormick is the founder of Edge Retreats, a site dedicated to uncovering the world’s best design, boutique and luxury hotels.

> For more Hong Kong travel trips, browse our collection of Hong Kong maps and travel guides.

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