Hong Kong is a city where culinary traditions meet modern sophistication, and dim sum is one of its most cherished dining experiences. Dim sum (点心) translates to “touch the heart” in English and refers to a variety of small, bite-sized dishes traditionally served with tea in Chinese cuisine. Each dish is meant to “touch the heart” with their delicate yet flavorful offerings.
Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options or are ready to splurge on a luxurious feast, Hong Kong offers an array of authentic dim sum spots to satisfy your cravings. Below is a round up of some of the best places to enjoy dim sum for any budget.
Low-Range
For those looking to enjoy authentic dim sum without breaking the bank, these restaurants promise to offer exceptional flavors at unbeatable prices.
1. One Dim Sum
- Website: onedimsum.hk
- Overview: One Dim Sum is a beloved spot among locals and tourists alike. With one location in Prince Edward and one in Central, this Michelin-recommended eatery offers an extensive menu of traditional dim sum dishes at incredibly affordable prices whether you’re on Kowloon side or Hong Kong Island. Despite its low cost, the quality of the food is top-notch, with popular items like shrimp dumplings, BBQ pork buns, and turnip cakes drawing crowds.
2. Tim Ho Wan
- Website: timhowan.com
- Overview: Tim Ho Wan is perhaps the most famous budget dim sum spot in Hong Kong, earning its reputation as the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant. With several locations across the city, it’s a convenient option for those looking to sample high-quality dim sum on a budget. The restaurant’s no-frills atmosphere is offset by its delicious and freshly made dishes.
3. Dim Sum Square
- Website: openrice.com
- Overview: Located in Sheung Wan, Dim Sum Square is another excellent choice for affordable dim sum. This small, unassuming restaurant is known for its quick service and consistently good food. Despite the low prices, the quality of the dim sum here rivals that of more expensive venues.
Mid-Range
If you’re willing to spend a bit more for a dim sum dining experience, these mid-range restaurants offer a balance of authenticity, quality, and ambiance.
1. Lei Garden
- Website: elementshk.com
- Overview: Lei Garden, with multiple locations across Hong Kong, is a well-known name in the city’s culinary scene. This mid-range restaurant offers a more polished dining experience while still delivering traditional dim sum. The menu here is extensive, with both classic and innovative dim sum dishes that cater to a variety of tastes.
2. Maxim’s Palace
- Website: openrice.com
- Overview: For a classic dim sum experience in a grand setting, Maxim’s Palace in City Hall is hard to beat. The restaurant is famous for its traditional dim sum served from pushcarts, allowing diners to choose from a variety of freshly made dishes.
3. Luk Yu Tea House
- Website: guide.michelin.com
- Overview: Luk Yu Tea House is one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most storied dim sum restaurants. Established in 1933, this historic tea house offers a nostalgic trip back in time with its colonial-era decor and traditional service and consistently delivers authentic flavors.
High-Range
For those looking to indulge in a luxurious dim sum experience, these high-end restaurants offer exceptional service, exquisite dishes, and an unforgettable dining atmosphere.
1. Summer Palace, Island Shangri-La
- Website: openrice.com
- Overview: Located in the prestigious Island Shangri-La hotel, Summer Palace is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers an upscale dim sum experience. The menu features a mix of traditional and contemporary dim sum dishes, all made with the finest ingredients. The elegant setting and impeccable service make it a top choice for special occasions.
2. Seventh Son
- Website: guide.michelin.com
- Overview: Seventh Son is a high-end Cantonese restaurant that offers a sophisticated take on traditional dim sum. Known for its attention to detail and use of premium ingredients, Seventh Son’s dim sum menu includes delicacies that are hard to find elsewhere. The restaurant’s refined ambiance and excellent service make it a favorite among the city’s elite.
3. Fook Lam Moon
- Website: guide.michelin.com
- Overview: Often referred to as the “canteen of the rich,” Fook Lam Moon is synonymous with luxury dining in Hong Kong. This Michelin-starred restaurant is renowned for its high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. The dim sum here is meticulously crafted, with each dish showcasing the chef’s skill and precision.
Hong Kong’s dim sum culture is as diverse as the city itself, offering something for every palate and budget. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite at a budget-friendly eatery, a mid-range meal in a classic setting, or a luxurious dining experience, these dim sum spots provide authentic flavors and unforgettable experiences. From the Michelin-starred simplicity of Tim Ho Wan to the opulent elegance of Summer Palace, eating your way through Hong Kong’s dim sum scene is sure to be a highlight of your visit.