What Is Dim Sum? Top Dishes, Pairings, and Where to Eat
07/12/2024
Dim sum, meaning “touch the heart” in Cantonese, is a tradition that dates back to ancient China’s Silk Road days. Travellers stopping at teahouses were served small, bite-sized dishes alongside tea—a practice that evolved into the sophisticated dim sum culture we know today. Often enjoyed during brunch, these small plates are perfect for sharing, offering an array of flavours and textures that satisfy every craving.
Why do we love dim sum so much? The science behind its appeal lies in the variety it offers. Each dish is crafted to tantalise your taste buds—whether it’s the umami-rich fillings, the silky textures of rice wraps, or the satisfying chew of steamed buns. The act of sharing a steaming bamboo basket of dim sum also triggers feelings of community and connection, making it as much about the experience as the food itself.
Here are five must-try dim sum dishes and where to enjoy them in London:
Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns)
Soft, pillowy buns filled with sweet and savoury barbecue pork.
Where to Try: Yauatcha (Soho)
Har Gow (Prawn Dumplings)
Delicate prawn-filled dumplings with a translucent skin.
Where to Try: Dim Sum Duck (Kings Cross)
Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)
Dumplings that burst with a warm, flavourful broth.
Where to Try: Din Tai Fung (Covent Garden)
Siu Mai (Pork and Shrimp Dumplings)
Juicy open-faced dumplings packed with pork and shrimp.
Where to Try: Plum Valley (Chinatown)
Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls)
Silky rice rolls drizzled with soy sauce, often filled with prawns or beef.
Where to Try: Park Chinois (Mayfair)
What drinks to pair with Dimsum?
Choosing the right drink to pair with dim sum enhances the flavours and creates a more balanced dining experience. Since dim sum dishes are diverse in taste and texture, from savoury dumplings to sweet buns, selecting complementary beverages is key. Here are some excellent drink options to enjoy with dim sum:
Chinese Tea (The Traditional Pairing)
Why it Works: Dim sum is traditionally served with tea, as its tannins cut through the richness of dumplings and cleanse the palate.
Pu-erh Tea: Earthy and robust, perfect for heavier dishes like siu mai or char siu bao.
Jasmine Tea: Light and floral, pairs well with delicate prawn dumplings (har gow).
Oolong Tea: Balanced and aromatic, ideal for a variety of dim sum.
Sparkling Water
Why it Works: The effervescence refreshes your palate between bites, making it a neutral yet effective choice for dim sum variety.
Light Beer
Why it Works: A crisp, light lager or pilsner complements fried dim sum like spring rolls or dumplings, balancing their oiliness.
Best Options: Tsingtao, Asahi, or any pale ale with mild bitterness.
Wines
Why it Works: Dry or off-dry white wines highlight the subtle flavours in dim sum without overwhelming the dish.
Riesling: Its slight sweetness complements savoury and spicy dumplings.
Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp acidity pairs well with seafood-based dim sum like cheung fun.
Prosecco or Champagne: The bubbles cut through rich flavours, and the wine’s elegance matches the refined dim sum experience. Perfect for celebrations or upscale meals.
Sake
Why it Works: Light and slightly sweet, sake complements both steamed and fried dim sum.
A chilled Junmai or Ginjo sake works particularly well.
Non-Alcoholic Options
Coconut Water: Subtly sweet and refreshing, it balances spicy or salty dishes.
Soy Milk: A sweetened version can pair surprisingly well with dessert dim sum like egg tarts.
If you’re dining in a group and ordering a wide variety of dim sum, tea remains the most versatile and traditional pairing, but experimenting with wine, beer, or sake can create a unique dining experience tailored to your palate.
