The Asian answer to tapas, dim sum can be savoury or sweet, steamed or fried. 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. All of which brings us to the more important question: where to eat dim sum in Singapore? And what should you order at a dim sum restaurant? From an all-you-can-eat dim sum buffet at Hai Tien Lo in Raffles Boulevard to a dim sum place in the heart of the city, read on to find out!
Dim sum restaurants in Singapore
For traditional with a contemporary twist – Hai Tien Lo
Dim sum timings: An à la carte dim sum lunch served daily from 11.30am to 2.30pm. There’s also a Yum Cha lunch with six courses of dim sum, from $78 per person on weekdays and $98 per person on weekends. Reservations are advised for weekends.
The vibe: Head here if you’re looking for dim sum in Singapore that’s family-friendly and social. Diners are greeted by two Chairman Mao statuettes and enter an elegant restaurant full of dark wood, red pillars and wooden dividers with Chinese motifs. There’s also a stunning view of the hotel’s modern atrium, lobby and bar.
The dim sum: Born and raised in Hong Kong, executive chef Ricky Leung’s signature dim sum offers a fresh take on traditional Cantonese recipes.
Our top three: Steamed scallop dumplings with seafood and spinach, deep-fried yam puffs with fresh crabmeat, dried scallops and shredded chicken, and steamed charcoal barbeque pork buns.
Tea: Sip on Hai Tien No.1 Tea, a special blend of tea and herbal ingredients from the East and West. It’s specially formulated to warm the stomach, boost energy level and detox the body.
Need to know: The Hai Tien Lo à la carte yum cha is for a minimum of two diners.
7 Raffles Boulevard, Pan Pacific Hotel
6826 8338 | panpacific.com
For a dim sum stalwart – Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant
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: Feast on intricately prepared dim sum such as steamed barbecue pork buns, custard buns with salted egg yolk and shrimp dumplings with fish roe. You can also 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 for a Chinese dining experience like no other.
Need to know: Private dining rooms are available for business or social gatherings. 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
For handcrafted dishes – Tien Court at Copthorne King’s Hotel
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. Feast on the savoury wok-fried carrot cake with bean sprouts and XO sauce or the signature glutinous rice dumpling with minced chicken. 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: There’s a weekday brunch for $68. This includes dim sum and signature dishes (Monday to Friday, 12pm to 2.30pm). We’re impressed with the commitment to sustainability at Tien Court, which chooses to work with businesses such as Silver Hill Duck who have pledged to use sustainable farming techniques.
Reserve a table here.
403 Havelock Road
6318 3193 | millenniumhotels.com/en/singapore/copthorne-kings-hotel/tien-court-restaurant
The history of dim sum in Singapore
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.
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