Eating dim sum by yourself can seem intimidating, but it’s absolutely doable! Many people enjoy solo dim sum for a variety of reasons. Here are some quick answers to common questions about eating dim sum alone:
Is it weird to eat dim sum alone?
Not at all! While dim sum is often seen as a social group activity, there’s nothing strange about enjoying it solo. More and more people are recognizing the pleasures of solo dining, and dim sum is a great cuisine to try it with.
Will I get bad service if I’m alone?
You shouldn’t get inferior service dining solo. Let the host or server know you’re a party of one, and they’ll seat and serve you like any other customer. Solo diners are common enough nowadays that you shouldn’t face any issues.
How do I order dim sum by myself?
Ordering is easy! Browse the dim sum carts as they roll by your table and point or call out to request any dishes that look good. Servers are very attentive, so you can also flag them down. Having a dining strategy helps; decide if you want to sample a few items or load up on favorites.
Will the food be cold if I’m alone?
As long as you pace your ordering, the food should be fresh and hot. Order a few dishes at a time instead of all at once. Dim sum chefs are continuously replenishing the carts’ stock, so turnover is high. Servers will also bring requested items straight from the kitchen to your table.
Is it expensive to eat dim sum alone?
Prices for dim sum are usually very reasonable, making it a great single diner cuisine. Portions are small, and dishes typically range from $2-$5 each. You can sample a wide variety without breaking the bank. Going on an off-peak day and time yields even better prices at many restaurants.
Can I get dim sum to go?
Absolutely! Most dim sum restaurants are happy to pack orders “to go”. This works well if you want dim sum but would rather enjoy it in the comfort of home. Call ahead to place your order, then either dine-in or take it to go. Dim sum also reheats very nicely.
Conclusion
Eating dim sum alone can be an enjoyable, relaxing dining experience. With flavorful bites rolling continuously off the carts, it’s a sensory feast for one. Don’t be deterred by the traditional view of dim sum for groups – savoring it solo is totally acceptable these days. Any awkwardness fades quickly once you start indulging in the delicious variety of small plates.
The History of Dim Sum
The origins of dim sum can be traced back over a thousand years to the Silk Road era. Teahouses sprung up offering warm tea to weary travelers, and teahouse owners soon realized food could boost their business. Snacks and bite-sized eats were served alongside tea, keeping patrons satisfied and spending more time (and money) in the teahouses. These small plates and snacks would later evolve into what we now know as dim sum cuisine.
The term “dim sum” first appeared in Hong Kong in the 1950s. It comes from the Cantonese phrase “dim sam” meaning “to touch the heart” and refers to the small plates or “touchings” of food. The cuisine grew popular in Hong Kong where locals and visitors alike enjoyed dim sum for breakfast and lunch in bustling teahouses. Traditionally, roving carts holding steamer baskets of dim sum circulated around the restaurant so customers could see and pick their dishes.
As dim sum’s popularity spread across the globe, restaurants began modifying dishes based on regional tastes while keeping true to the cuisine’s Cantonese roots. More creative fillings and ingredients emerged while cooking methods modernized. Today, dim sum encompasses a vast array of traditional and fusion plates, evolving into the globally beloved cuisine it remains.
Common Types of Dim Sum Dishes
With a myriad of varieties, dim sum can seem daunting to the uninitiated. However, most dishes fall into a few common categories or styles:
Dumplings
Dumplings form a cornerstone of dim sum. Filled dough pouches are steamed, pan-fried, or deep-fried. Fillings include meat, seafood, vegetables, tofu, or sweets. Popular examples are shrimp dumplings (har gow), pork dumplings (siu mai), crab and pork dumplings (xia jiao), and soup dumplings (xiao long bao).
Buns and Rolls
Another dim sum essential, buns feature fluffy dough filled with barbecued pork (char siu bao), beef, vegetables, sweet cream, and more. Spring rolls have crispy skins wrapped around meat and veggie fillings.
Rice and Noodle Dishes
Rice and wheat flour are shaped into dumplings, wraps, bundles or spheres and then steamed or fried. Examples include rice noodle rolls (cheong fun) and crispy pork and shrimp rice rolls.
Appetizers and Snacks
Lighter, appetizer-style plates include dishes like spare ribs in black bean sauce, baked or fried chicken feet, and turnip cakes. Deep-fried treats also fall under this category.
Desserts and Sweets
Dim sum meals often end with something sweet. Favorites include egg custard tarts (dan tat), sweet red bean soup, sesame balls, and mango pudding. Herbal jelly, fruit plates, and fried sesame rolls also satisfy cravings.
Dim Sum Etiquette Tips
If you’re new to dim sum dining, following some basic etiquette will enhance your experience:
- Use the tea kettle at your table to keep your tea warm and topped up.
- Pick dishes from passing carts or make orders within 15 minutes of being seated.
- Servers expect you to open up baskets or tins and inspect dishes before selecting.
- Tap the cart gently with your finger if you want them to stop – never grab a cart.
- Plates and bowls are often stacked up – keep them neat and organized.
- Try a bite first before adding soy, chili, or other sauces.
- Always use chopsticks and spoons – never a fork and knife.
- Hold small plates close to your mouth or bowl to eat – bringing them to eye level is rude.
- It’s fine to lift your bowl to scoop rice or noodles into your mouth.
- The Chinese don’t typically share plates, so order an item per person.
- Leaving a few leftover bites behind is polite, signaling you’re satisfied.
- Balance the lid on empty plates and bowls when finished.
Popular Dim Sum Dishes and How to Eat Them
With so many options rolling by on dim sum carts, it helps to be familiar with some popular items and how they are typically eaten:
Siu Mai
These open-topped steamed dumplings contain pork and shrimp. Add a dollop of chili oil and soy sauce. Pop the whole dumpling in your mouth or take bites from the top down.
Har Gow
Har gow are transparent dumpling skins filled with shrimp and bamboo shoots. Use your chopsticks to peel open the pleated wrapper before taking a bite. Be careful – they’re juicy!
Spring Rolls
Crispy, crunchy spring rolls are filled with shredded pork, shrimp, and vegetables. Dip in plum or hot mustard sauce before enjoying.
Sticky Rice Wrap
These wraps feature glutinous rice dough wrapped around Chinese sausage, egg, mushrooms, vegetables or other fillings. Cut them into bite-sized pieces with chopsticks before eating.
Steamed BBQ Pork Buns
Char siu bao steamed buns contain tender, sweet barbecued pork. Take a small bite from the side or pinch off a piece of bun from the top.
Egg Custard Tarts
The caramelized brulee top on these tarts cracks apart when tapped gently. Lift out the creamy egg custard filling inside using a spoon.
Rice Noodle Rolls
Soft rice noodles and shrimp wrapped in thin rice paper can be dipped in soy sauce. Try cutting them into manageable sections first.
Popular Dim Sum Dining Spots Around the World
Craving the textures, flavors, and energy of dim sum? Here are some top spots to sate your appetite:
Restaurant | Location | What to Order |
---|---|---|
Lung King Heen | Hong Kong | Michelin-starred sophistication with exquisite har gow |
Yan Toh Heen | Hong Kong | Elegant venue with stellar Beijing duck and xiao long bao |
Jia | San Francisco | Inventive spins on tradition like squid ink xiao long bao |
Nom Wah Tea Parlor | New York City | Chinatown icon since 1920s serving classic pork buns |
Din Tai Fung | Los Angeles | Famous for xiao long bao with locations globally |
Yum Cha | London | Modern dim sum in chic surroundings |
How to Order at a Dim Sum Restaurant Like a Pro
Ordering dim sum can be confusing for first-timers with servers wheeling around carts and kitchen staff yelling codes. Here are tips for conquering the ordering process:
Understand how dim sum service works
Browse dishes on rolling carts and point or call out your order. Servers mark your table number on a card which gets tallied at the end. You can also order off paper menus – just mark your choices.
Ask your server for recommendations
Tell your server what you like or ask them to suggest house specialties. They know the best dishes to start with.
Start with one or two items per person
It’s easy to over-order, so pace yourself. You can always order more later.
Mix up your selections
For variety, try different types, like a dumpling, bun, noodle, and appetizer item.
Order in waves
Don’t order everything at once or dishes may cool down. Order a few items, eat those, then order more.
Request items not on carts
See an item you want that’s not circulating? Servers can get it straight from the kitchen.
Keep tea topped up
Use the hot water kettle on your table to refresh your tea so you stay hydrated.
Don’t feel rushed
Lingering over dim sum is part of the experience. Take your time enjoying the meal.
Watch for roving dessert carts
Save room for sweets like custard tarts, sesame balls, and mango pudding.
Get the check right away
No one brings the check without asking, so request it when you’re ready.
Dim Sum Dining Tips for Solo Diners
Just because you’re dining alone doesn’t mean you can’t master the art of dim sum. Follow these tips for a great solo experience:
- Come during non-peak times like weekdays to avoid crowds.
- Sit at the dim sum counter to watch dumplings being made.
- Tell the host you want a table for one – they won’t find it weird.
- Order a pot of tea just for yourself to sip on.
- Browse carts and point out what you want without sharing.
- Don’t be shy about waving down servers for requests.
- Pace ordering in small batches so food stays fresh.
- People watch and take your time – no need to rush.
- Ask for a doggie bag for any leftovers to enjoy later.
- Split dessert into two servings – you deserve it!
How to Host a Dim Sum Brunch Party
A casual dim sum-themed brunch is a unique way to host friends. Take the experience home with these tips:
Shop for bamboo steamers
Use bamboo steamer baskets to cook and serve dumplings and other bites.
Make easy dumplings in advance
Fill wonton wrappers with pork, shrimp, chicken, or veggies. Steam before guests arrive.
Prep appetizers
Make items like potstickers, spring rolls, or crispy wontons ahead of time.
Cook or order main dishes
Prepare klever-friendly mains like chicken chow mein, sweet and sour pork, or beef with broccoli.
Source yummy baked goods
Supply guests with Chinese bakery treats like custard tarts, sesame balls, wife cake slices, and mango pudding.
Offer variety of dipping sauces
Provide condiments like soy, hot mustard, duck, and sweet and sour sauce.
Keep tea flowing
Brew Chinese black teas like pu-erh, oolong, or lychee in tea pots.
Use decor from your cabinet
Add flavor with items like chopsticks, soy sauce dishes, takeout boxes, and wire baskets.
Play lively Asian music
Set the mood with happy Cantopop tunes.
Conclusion
Craving dim sum but don’t have a group in tow? Solo diners can now comfortably indulge in tradition-steeped dim sum cuisine. No longer just for big groups, local dim sum houses today welcome parties of all sizes looking to expand their palates. With so many varieties of dumplings, buns, sweets and other Chinese fare wheeled around on carts, the hardest part is narrowing down what to try first! So don’t be shy about venturing out on your own and sampling a few favorite morsels – just come hungry and leave happy.