The Asian answer to tapas, dim sum can be savoury or sweet, steamed or fried. But where should you go for the best dim sum in Singapore? And what should you order once you’re there? From an all-you-can-eat dim sum brunch at Hai Tien Lo to dim sum restaurants near the Singapore River, here’s where to get your fix!
Dim sum restaurants in Singapore
Hai Tien Lo for an unlimited dim sum brunch
Dim sum timings: The Unlimited Dim Sum Brunch is available from 11.30am to 2.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays until 31 August 2025.
The vibe: Inside Pan Pacific Singapore, the restaurant features dark wood interiors, red pillars, and wooden screens with Chinese motifs. Two Chairman Mao statuettes at the entrance set the scene.
The dim sum: Unlimited servings of dim sum ordered from the menu and served to the table in traditional Cantonese style. The brunch also includes a single serving of soup and chef’s signature Trio Treasure Dessert.
Our top three: Hai Tien Lo dim sum favourites? Try handcrafted delicacies such as the nourishing Double-boiled Hai Tien Lo “Mini Buddha Jumps Over the Wall”, Steamed Charcoal Barbecue Pork Buns with Black Truffles, and Sautéed Australian Scallops with Wild Mushrooms in our Signature Homemade XO Chilli Sauce.
Tea: Sip on Hai Tien Lo’s signature No. 1 Tea, a blend of teas and herbal ingredients from East and West.
Need to know: The Weekend Unlimited Dim Sum Brunch is $80 per adult and $40 per child, including tea.
7 Raffles Boulevard | dining.ppsin@panpacific.com
6826 8240 | panpacific.com
Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant for classic and contemporary dim sum
Dim sum timings: À la carte dim sum is available during lunch (Monday to Sunday, 11.30am to 3pm).
The vibe: Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant has been a key name in Cantonese cuisine in Singapore since 1995. It’s known for doing the classics well – think quality ingredients, traditional cooking techniques and a refined take on familiar favourites. While it keeps to its Cantonese roots, the menu has a modern touch.
The dim sum: Dim sum here leans toward the luxe side, with fillings like umami-packed lobster, scallop and caviar making an appearance.
Our top three: The Steamed Lobster with Bamboo Pith Beetroot Dumpling topped with tobiko and gold leaf, the Steamed Hokkaido Scallop and Sturgeon Caviar Dumpling, and the Steamed Beef Tripe and Yam with Szechuan Chilli Garlic Sauce.
Need to know: The setting is smart but relaxed – ideal for a leisurely dim sum lunch with family or guests who appreciate top-notch Cantonese cuisine.
Level 3, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, 320 Orchard Road
FB @WanHaoSG | IG @singaporemarriott
wanhaochineserestaurant.com
Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant for à la carte dim sum
Dim sum timings: Xin Cuisine’s dim sum menu is available over lunch hours, Wednesday to Sunday, 11.30am to 3pm (with two seatings on weekends, at 11.30am and 1.15pm).
The vibe: For some fine Cantonese-style dim sum in Singapore, reserve a table at Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant at the Holiday Inn Singapore Atrium, an IHG Hotel. This long-standing dim sum place opened in 1990 and has been wowing diners with its menus ever since.
The dim sum: You can pair your favourite dim sum with a selection of signature dishes, including Kurobuta pork chop with black truffle and sesame sauce, and seafood fried rice with sakura prawn and foie gras. Round off the meal with a savoury dessert.
Our top three: The fluffy steamed barbecued pork bun, the custard bun with salted egg yolk, and the delicate shrimp dumpling.
Good to know: Guests are welcome to bring their own alcohol (BYOB). This dim sum place in Singapore will waive the corkage fee on the first bottle of wine or champagne for you!
WhatsApp 9114 0281 | 3138 2531 | xin.sinhi@ihg.com
singaporeatrium.holidayinn.com/xincuisine-hotel-chinese-restaurant
Tien Court at Copthorne King’s Hotel for a dim sum lunch menu
Dim sum timings: The dim sum lunch menu is served daily from 12pm to 2:30pm.
The vibe: A staple on Singapore’s food scene since 1989, this sophisticated contemporary Teochew restaurant is ideal for a light lunch or leisurely meal. The menu features a wide range of traditional and contemporary dishes that showcase the innovative flavours and rich traditions of the Chaoshan region in China.
The dim sum: Originally from Hong Kong, master chef Lui has over 30 years of experience. His handcrafted dim sum uses fresh ingredients and time-honoured techniques.
Our top three: Feast on the savoury wok-fried carrot cake with bean sprouts and XO sauce or the deep-fried beancurd roll stuffed with prawn. For lovers of steamed dim sum, the traditional Teochew-style steamed crystal dumpling with dried shrimp, preserved radish and jicama in a translucent crystal skin is a must-try.
Good to know: Don’t miss the chick-shaped deep-fried glutinous rice dumpling with minced chicken.
Reserve a table here.
403 Havelock Road
6318 3193 | Tien Court
The history of dim sum in Singapore
Dumplings are often what spring to mind, but there’s a larger variety out there. The name of the dish literally translates to “touch the heart”. A related term is “yum cha” meaning “drink tea” – this refers to eating dim sum with traditional Chinese tea.
Dim sum in Singapore is a favourite culinary tradition among both locals and tourists. It originates from Cantonese culture and is a dining experience steeped in tradition and community. These small, bite-sized dishes, including dumplings, buns, and rolls, are often enjoyed in a group or extended family setting.
The roots of dim sum can be traced back to the southern region of China, particularly Guangdong. In the late 1800s, as opium dens were shut down, tea houses in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong, became the new social hub. Travellers and traders along the Silk Road would rest and rejuvenate with tea and dim sum. This practice soon spread to Hong Kong, becoming ingrained in local culture. These tea houses served as eateries and also places where people could relax and converse.
Chinese immigrants later introduced dim sum to Singapore. Over the years, it has blended into everyday cuisine choices and is eaten throughout the day, from breakfast to late-night snacks. Today, dim sum in Singapore includes influences from China and Malaysia, embracing a wide range of flavours and styles.
Liked this article on dim sum restaurants in Singapore? You can also visit our Wine & Dine section for more ideas and inspiration.
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