NeoGuides / Dim Sum Decoded
What started as a roadside snack has developed into a way of life. Dim sum (literally meaning to touch one's heart) has blended with yum cha (drink tea) to become a meal that brings extended families and groups of friends together wherever there's a Chinatown.
Refined or Authentic?
The best dim sum experience is a paradoxical combination of a leisurely meal with your favourite people, enjoyed in the middle of a large, open restaurant filled by a noisy crowd of enthusiastic eaters ... more
Making the Most of It
For many people dim sum is breakfast (in Hong Kong traditional tea houses are open from 6.30am). But no matter what time of day you go, in order to maximise the range of dishes you'll be offered, you sh ... more
Savoury Dishes
There are several basic types you'll encounter in a good dim sum: Steamed - transparent wrappers around plump prawns (ha gau); rolls of rice noodles with tasty morsels tucked in the centre (cheung fu ... more
Sweet Dishes
There are three basic types: Baked – The classic is egg custard tart (dan ta), with its double layer of flaky pastry and silky smooth custard; also, thousand layer cake (cin cang gou). Pudd ... more
And To Drink?
It's not called yum cha for nothing – alcohol is not a typical accompaniment to this meal. There are generally several varieties of tea available, but if you don't specify you'll get the default, ... more