The Most Popular Dim Sum, Ranked

Choose the Dim Sum you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 20, 2024 06:47
When enjoying a meal at a bustling dim sum restaurant, diners often face a delightful dilemma: which dishes to choose from a seemingly endless array of options. With each bamboo steamer basket that passes by, the temptation grows to try them all. However, understanding which varieties are favored by the most people can enhance one's dining experience by pointing them toward universally loved choices. That’s where our live rankings come into play, built from the preferences of dim sum lovers like you. Here, each vote shapes the list, helping others identify which dishes stand out in popularity and quality. Whether you are a seasoned aficionado or new to the world of dim sum, your input is crucial. Your votes not only guide fellow diners but also celebrate the rich culinary tradition of dim sum.

What Is the Most Popular Dim Sum?

  1. 1
    0
    points
    Pork Dumplings (Siu Mai)

    Pork Dumplings (Siu Mai)

    Open-topped steamed dumplings filled with pork, shrimp, and mushrooms.
    • Origin: Inner Mongolia, China
    • Key Ingredients: Pork, shrimp, Chinese black mushroom
  2. 2
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    points
    Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow)

    Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow)

    Steamed dumplings filled with shrimp, often wrapped in a thin, translucent wrapper.
    • Origin: Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
    • Key Ingredients: Shrimp, bamboo shoots, wheat starch
  3. 3
    0
    points
    Egg Tarts (Dan Tat)

    Egg Tarts (Dan Tat)

    Sweet tarts made with an egg custard in a crispy pastry shell.
    • Origin: Guangzhou, China
    • Key Ingredients: Egg, sugar, milk, pastry dough
  4. 4
    0
    points
    Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go)

    Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go)

    A savory cake made from shredded radish and rice flour, often served fried.
    • Origin: China
    • Key Ingredients: Daikon radish, rice flour, Chinese sausage
  5. 5
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    points
    Rice Noodle Rolls (Cheung Fun)

    Rice Noodle Rolls (Cheung Fun)

    Steamed rice noodle rolls, often filled with beef, shrimp, or pork, and served with soy sauce.
    • Origin: Guangdong province, China
    • Key Ingredients: Rice flour, water, meat or vegetables
  6. 6
    0
    points
    Steamed Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao)

    Steamed Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao)

    Fluffy buns filled with barbecue-flavored char siu pork.
    • Origin: China
    • Key Ingredients: Pork, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar
  7. 7
    0
    points
    Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf (Lo Mai Gai)

    Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf (Lo Mai Gai)

    Glutinous rice filled with chicken, mushrooms, and sausage, wrapped in a lotus leaf and steamed.
    • Origin: China
    • Key Ingredients: Glutinous rice, chicken, Chinese sausage, shiitake mushrooms
  8. 8
    0
    points
    Mango Pudding

    Mango Pudding

    A sweet, creamy dessert made from mangoes, gelatin, and cream.
    • Origin: Hong Kong
    • Key Ingredients: Mango, sugar, gelatin, cream
  9. 9
    0
    points

    Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce (Pai Gu)

    Steamed pork spare ribs cut into bite-sized pieces and cooked with fermented black bean sauce.
    • Origin: China
    • Key Ingredients: Pork spare ribs, fermented black beans, garlic
  10. 10
    0
    points
    Chicken Feet (Feng Zhao)

    Chicken Feet (Feng Zhao)

    Deep-fried, marinated, and then steamed chicken feet.
    • Origin: China
    • Key Ingredients: Chicken feet, soy sauce, black bean sauce

Missing your favorite Dim Sum?

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Dim Sum. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Dim Sum is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2667 views
  • 0 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Dim Sum once every 24 hours. The rank of each Dim Sum is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Dim Sum

Pork Dumplings (Siu Mai)
Rank #1 for the most popular Dim Sum: Pork Dumplings (Siu Mai) (Source)
Dim Sum has roots in Chinese culture. It began as a light snack for travelers. Teahouses along the Silk Road served these small dishes. Over time, it became a part of Chinese tradition. Families gather to enjoy it, especially on weekends.

Dim Sum means "touch the heart." It refers to the small portions. These bite-sized foods allow for sampling many flavors. Each dish is unique. The variety in ingredients and preparation methods is vast. Some are steamed, others are fried or baked. The chefs often use fresh, seasonal ingredients.

There are savory and sweet options. The savory ones might include meats, seafood, and vegetables. The sweet ones could have fruits, custards, or beans. Each dish has a distinct texture. Some are soft, others are crispy or chewy.

The experience of eating Dim Sum is social. It is common to share dishes with friends and family. The dishes are usually served in small steamer baskets or on small plates. This encourages sharing and trying different items. The meal often starts with tea. The type of tea can vary, but it is always a key part of the experience.

Dim Sum chefs are skilled. They master their craft over many years. The preparation requires precision and patience. The presentation is also important. The dishes often look as good as they taste.

In many cities, Dim Sum has become popular beyond Chinese communities. Restaurants serve it at brunch or lunch. The appeal lies in the variety and the communal dining experience. It allows people to try new flavors without committing to a large portion.

Dim Sum continues to evolve. Chefs experiment with new ingredients and techniques. Yet, the traditional methods and recipes remain cherished. This blend of old and new keeps Dim Sum exciting and relevant.

Eating Dim Sum is more than just a meal. It is a way to connect with others. It brings people together over shared tastes and experiences. The small dishes create a big impact on those who enjoy them.

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