Top 7 Dim Sum Recommendation - From Michelin to Halal

Right, Dim Sum! You are not going to miss it. While places that offer dim sum are everywhere in the city, you want the best AND the one that suits you. To save you time for the highest enjoyment, we have shortlisted the best 7 Dim Sum heavens, each of which is of unique style and setting, from old school champion to modern diner with a playful twist. And for vegetarians and Muslims, we’ve got good news for you, too. Ho Yeah!

If you need help on what to order at a Dim Sum restaurant, here is an article for Introducing Dim Sum.

1. Lin Heung Kui

Nestled in the old town of Central and Western District, Lin Heung Kui is not just another dim sum restaurant; it holds the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand award. What makes this place unique is its delightful and unpredictable way of serving food. Instead of ordering from a menu, diners are treated to an exciting game of chance as carts full of freshly cooked dim sum circulate through the dining area. Elderly servers push these trolleys, offering the day's latest culinary delights directly from the kitchen. While the language of communication is predominantly Cantonese, this only adds to the authentic atmosphere of the dining experience. Overall, a visit to Lin Heung Kui offers not just mouth-watering food but an unforgettable journey into the heart of Cantonese culture.

2. Maxim Palace City Hall

Located in the Central District of Hong Kong, Maxim's Palace at City Hall is renowned for its luxurious setting, complete with crystal chandeliers and large windows. Unlike many modern establishments, this restaurant preserves the traditional trolley service for dim sum, offering guests an array of high-quality dishes right at their tables. The elegant atmosphere attracts both locals and tourists, and the availability of English menus and English-speaking staff make it accessible for those unfamiliar with Cantonese. A visit to Maxim's Palace provides an opportunity to indulge in an array of exquisite dim sum dishes while soaking in an upscale, authentic Cantonese dining experience.

Open floor-to-ceiling glass windows to enjoy the charming view of Victoria Harbor

3. Tim Ho Wan

Tim Ho Wan, founded by a former Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant chef, revolutionized the dim sum scene in the late 2000s by offering high-quality, affordable dim sum in a casual Cha Chaan Teng setting. Focusing on a curated menu of around 20 types of dim sum, the restaurant earned a Michelin star within just a year of its opening, drawing long queues of eager diners. Signature dishes include the Crispy BBQ Bun, which features a unique puff pastry shell, and traditional items like Siu Mai and the Steamed Rice Roll with Pork Liver, which showcase culinary expertise in their simplicity and texture. Now a global chain, Tim Ho Wan continues to attract patrons keen on experiencing its Michelin-starred dim sum offerings.

Dim Sum at Tim Ho Wan — Decent and delicate dim sum served at Tim Ho Wan

4. Yum Cha

Yum Cha, translating to "drink tea" in Cantonese, traditionally involves families gathering in the morning over dim sum. However, modern adaptations have turned it into an all-day dining event. The restaurant Yum Cha revolutionizes this experience by crafting dim sum into whimsical animal shapes, turning meals into a visual spectacle. Standout dishes include the Hot Custard Molten Bun, filled with a creamy blend of salted duck egg and butter, and the BBQ Piggy Bun, infused with the rich flavors of Cantonese-style roasted pork. Alongside a variety of main courses ideal for sharing, Yum Cha offers an eclectic and memorable dining experience that marries tradition with innovation.

Signature dish at Yum Cha - custard buns — OMG! How cute are these custard buns!!

5. Lock Cha

Founded in 1991, LockCha in Hong Kong specializes in premium Chinese tea, particularly "single-harvest" varieties, and offers an extensive menu that caters to both novice and experienced tea drinkers. The establishment also serves vegetarian dim sum, such as Golden Mushroom Samosa and Steamed Truffle Siu Mai, blending tea art with a focus on healthy living. LockCha's traditional interiors provide a culturally immersive experience, further enriched by traditional music performances on weekends and tea appreciation classes during weekdays. A visit to LockCha promises a unique, culturally rich, and flavorful experience, making it a must-visit destination in Hong Kong.

Interior designs that reflect the Chinese Culture

6. Islamic Centre Canteen

Located within Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, the Islamic Centre Canteen offers a unique culinary haven for Muslims and others with dietary restrictions. Established in 2005, the canteen specializes in Cantonese halal cuisine, replacing pork in traditional dishes with chicken or beef. The menu extends beyond dim sum to include other Cantonese favorites like wonton noodles and stir-fried beef noodles. Due to a fixed price policy set by the Islamic Union, the canteen offers affordable, authentic meals, attracting mosque-goers, nearby office workers, and travelers. The establishment serves as a cultural melting pot, blending Chinese and Middle Eastern cultures, and even offers special treats like milk tea and curry dishes during Friday congregational prayers. Dress code adherence is required for this unique and memorable dining experience.

Cantonese halal cuisine at Islamic Centre Canteen — A hidden gem for dim sum

7. Sun Hing Restaurant

Sun Hing Restaurant, a local institution in Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, has been a go-to spot for early risers for over 30 years. Open from 3 am daily, it's even frequented by famous Cantonese singer Eason Chan. The self-service restaurant offers a cozy setting where you can choose from Chinese-styled red or green tea and a variety of dishes. Notable menu items include their deep-fried milk, a traditional Cantonese snack from Shunde, which features a crispy exterior and a smooth, silky interior. The salted egg custard buns and chicken feet are also must-tries. With its authentic dishes and morning atmosphere, Sun Hing offers a genuine taste of Hong Kong's early bird culture.

Hong Kongers eating lunch at Sun Hing — A local and affordable restaurant that has been serving quality food for many years