What is Dim Sum ( 點心 ) ?

Dim Sum are exquisite little parcels of delicious Chinese flavours. They are filled with meat, seafood, vegetable or fruit. The delicate little dumplings are steamed or fried and because of the small portions you can try a wide variety of taste sensations! A must-try!

The Cantonese phrase Dim Sum (點心) means literally "touch the heart" or "order to your heart's content". It may be derived from "yat dim sum yi" (一點心意), meaning "a little token". ("A Touch of Heart" is perhaps the more poetic translation.)
Source: La Maison Kam Fung

Photo Source: Hawaiimagazine.com

Dim Sum Etiquette Demystified
1) Wait in line to be seated.
2) When brought to your table, place the order for the kind of tea you would like.
3) Sit down and make yourself comfortable. Do not order any food yet. You might be tempted to, or even rushed to order something by the passing "Dim Sum Ladies". Resist! Just relax and sip some tea.
4) Ready to eat now; observe the carts of food that are passing by. Don't be shy to ask the "Dim Sum Ladies" what they have. They actually love it when people ask them. It makes their work more interesting!
5) Don't understand the names of dishes; ask to see what the dish looks like. Ask what it is made of ?? (LOL) .... shrimp? chicken? etc.
6) Order what looks good to you or what you are comfortable with. The dizzying selection of unfamiliar dishes may be intimidating and a bit overwhelming. But, do try different things: something steamed, something deep-fried, something pan-fried, something sweet, or some fresh vegetables blanched right in front of you, etc.
7) If you need other services, ask the wait staff. The friendly "Dim Sum Ladies" only do Dim Sum.... nothing else.
8) If your tea pot is empty, flip the lid open; a passing waiter will notice and will refill it for you.
9) Are you ready to go; ask a waiter for your bill. He will add up your bill. Note: The total amount of your bill is based on what the "Dim Sum Ladies" have marked down on your items sheet. In some restaurants, an older method may still be in use. The waiter will inspect the number of dishes (price coded) stacked up at your table and calculate the total for you.

My Secrets To An Enjoyable Dim Sum Experience
- If it's your first time, go with someone who's had the Dim Sum experience before.
- Minimum 4 people or more is good for Dim Sum because you get to try a larger variety of dishes.
- Weekends are ideal days to go. Time: arrive by 11:30 a.m. latest (peak hours 12:00-2:00).
- Be very polite with the receptionist. Smile. This person has total control of your "waiting for a table" experience. It could mean a difference between a wait of 10 minutes and half an hour, or even more! You laugh? You'll see what I mean. It's not an easy job to sit 300-400 guests!
- If possible, do not sit too close to the kitchen door (where the food carts are coming out!) But, not too far away either because you also want ready access to the piping hot food!
- When seated, order your favorite Chinese tea..... Jasmin, Oolong, Chrysanthemum, etc. Otherwise, you won't know what you will be given. (Do some research on Chinese teas before going, find one you like.) Personally, I like the chrysanthemum tea.
- Once you have a waiter in front of you, order your hot sauce, soya sauce (go for the light soya), soft drinks, iced water, whatever, all at once because good Dim Sum houses are usually packed and it may be difficult to get hold of him later.
- Be open-minded and curious. I'm a regular Dim Sum goer and yet, I'm still discovering new dishes, new favorites.
- Take your time. Eat a little, exchange gossip with your friends, sip your tea and just soak in the moment.

This is what Dim Sum is all about!


Suggested Dim Sum Links:
Dim Sum Hong Kong Style Guide
Montreal's Best Dim Sum