Ordering Guide
How to Order Dim Sum
How to Order Dim Sum without guessing: understand the format, build a balanced order, and avoid common mistakes.
How the format works
Dim sum is a small-dish Cantonese meal built around tea, dumplings, buns, rice noodle rolls, cakes, meats, and sweets.
Ordering steps
- Choose tea first if the restaurant asks.
- Order a mix of steamed, fried, baked, vegetable, noodle-roll, and sweet items.
- Do not order only dumplings.
- Add one green vegetable or congee if the meal needs balance.
- Check shellfish, pork, wheat, egg, and lard if anyone has restrictions.
Sample orders
| Situation | Order |
|---|---|
| Two people | Har gow, siu mai, cheung fun, turnip cake, Chinese broccoli, egg tart. |
| Four people | Har gow, siu mai, barbecue pork buns, shrimp cheung fun, turnip cake, sticky rice, greens, congee, egg tarts. |
| Vegetarian attempt | Vegetable dumplings, plain cheung fun, greens, tofu skin rolls, custard or sesame dessert only if acceptable. |
Common mistakes
- Ordering too many items from one texture category.
- Ignoring vegetables, starch, or soup balance.
- Assuming English menu names reveal all ingredients.
- Waiting until the end to mention dietary restrictions.