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We love taking the kids for yum cha! From cheap and cheerful tea houses to cute and Insta-worthy dumplings and classic yum cha restaurants, these are the best options for dim sum in Hong Kong.
When it comes to this family-favourite food, it isn’t you dim sum, you lose some – yum cha is always a winner with the kids! Whether you’re on the hunt for a snack for yourself or baskets to share around the family, there’s a piece to please everyone. With its literal translation being “touch the heart”, it’s no wonder that dim sum is a local comfort food enjoyed by young and old alike. Kids love it because it’s easy to handle and eat – the cute dim sum and quirky presentation in some restaurants is just another bonus! And with so many amazing Hong Kong yum cha spots (ranging from the fancy-schmancy to hole-in-the-wall), we’ve rounded up a few of our family-favourite dim sum spots. So how a-bao getting some dim sum?
Sassy Mama Tip: Adding MSG to Chinese food is common, as is using some sort of animal fat or broth, so call ahead to check if anyone in your family has serious allergies or dietary restrictions. English menus and English-speaking servers may be difficult to find in some of the more local dim sum restaurants, but with a little bit of gesturing and pointing to pictures of dishes, you will not only be able to get on but quite enjoy the experience as well.
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Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant — Dim sum on Sai Kung’s waterfront
Few villages retain their old Hong Kong charm like seaside Sai Kung. There are plenty of traditional dim sum restaurants to choose from, but this yum cha spot boasts a Michelin recommendation to go along with its waterfront location. The kids will love classic favourites like char siu bao, spring rolls and har gao.
Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant, 87-93 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong, 2792 6938, www.openrice.com/chuen-kee-seafood-restaurant
Read More: Sai Kung Neighbourhood Guide For Families In Hong Kong
City Hall Maxim’s Palace — Authentic yum cha experience with trolley dim sum
Enjoy authentic yum cha by having family brunch at Maxim’s Palace. The restaurant has many branches across Hong Kong, but we prefer the City Hall location. Here, you’ll see a large variety of traditional and delicious dim sum on offer, many of which will be paraded past your table on trolleys, with plenty of vegetarian dim sum options too.
City Hall Maxim’s Palace, 2/F Low Block, City Hall, Central, Hong Kong, 2521 1303, www.maxims.com.hk
Crystal Jade — Reliable, quality dim sum with convenient locations
Originally from Singapore, Crystal Jade operates multiple restaurant brands across Hong Kong. We’re big fans of the traditional La Mian Xiao Long Bao restaurant brand, which is conveniently located at shopping malls across the city for its tasty MSG-free dim sum options. Try the xiao long bao with hairy crab roe, pan-fried mini shrimp, pork dumplings and lots more!
Crystal Jade, various locations across Hong Kong, www.crystaljade.com.hk
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Crystal Lotus — Disney dim sum fun for the family
Indulge your kids’ (and secretly your own) Disney obsession with the signature character dim sum like Mickey’s Double-Layer Turnip and Taro pudding that’s available year-round at Crystal Lotus yum cha restaurant. You don’t need the Disneyland park tickets or to be staycationing at the hotel, but be sure to call ahead to order your dim sum! On weekends, you can also sign up for the dim sum making classes with your kids.
Crystal Lotus, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 3510 6000, www.hongkongdisneyland.com
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Dim Dim Sum — Quick and easy yum cha
If you’ve only got time for a quick bite while you’re out and about with the kids, Dim Dim Sum is the perfect yum cha place. This no-frills eatery specialises in dim sum, but also offers other more filling mains such as congee and steamed rice bowls. We recommend the black truffle xiao long bao and the “golden sand” little pig buns with sweet runny filling (a guaranteed hit with your little ones!).
Dim Dim Sum, G/F, 106 Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Dim Dim Sum, G/F, Man Wah Building, 23 Man Ying Street, Jordan, Hong Kong, www.openrice.com/dimdimsum
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Dim Sum Library — Familiar dim sum flavours with an innovative twist
If you want to try a new take on classic Chinese dishes, look no further than Dim Sum Library. This conveniently located yum cha spot is our go-to when we want a relaxed, sit-down meal or are out shopping with the kids. Our favourite yum cha dishes include the black truffle har gau and the Wagyu beef puffs.
Dim Sum Library Pacific Place, Shop 124, Level 1, The Mall, Pacific Place, Admiralty, Hong Kong, 3643 0088, www.dimsumlibrary.com.hk
Dim Sum Square – Best yum cha for a cheap and quick lunch in Sheung Wan
If you’re simply looking for a local dim sum dining experience, opt for Dim Sum Square for its old-fashioned and wallet-friendly dumplings and other dim sum delights! Now in a new location, this is great for a quick lunch or midday bite if you’re around Central or Sheung Wan. Be warned – be prepared to queue but lines move quickly.
Dim Sum Square, G/F, Fu Fai Commercial Centre, 27 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, www.openrice.com/dim-sum-square
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Din Tai Fung — Taiwanese dim sum specialising in Xiao Long Bao
Originating in Taiwan (with locations worldwide), Din Tai Fung is a dim sum favourite amongst locals and expats alike. Specialising in xiao long bao (soupy dumplings – steamed pork, green squash and shrimp or chicken are top faves), its other must-try dishes include the pan-fried shrimp and pork dumplings, or for the vegetarians, the steamed mushroom vegetarian bun.
Din Tai Fung, various locations across Hong Kong, www.dintaifung.com.hk
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Fresco Dim Sum – Affordable yum cha spot in Kennedy Town only for lunch
Hong Kong Island may be notoriously known for being pricier unless you know where to look! Fresco Dim Sum is super affordable but doesn’t skimp on quality. All dim sum dishes are heated upon order and come served to your table fresh! Plus, the yum cha menu has English translations so ordering is a breeze. Get there early because this yum cha spot closes at 4pm.
Fresco Dim Sum, Shop A, G/F, Fook On Mansion, 23-25 North Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, 2581 0303, www.openrice.com/fresco-dim-sum
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One Dim Sum – Michelin-starred local dim sum favourite, now open in Prince Edward and Central
A local dim sum favourite (and one of ours, too!), take your pick from yum cha classics like char siu bao (BBQ pork buns) and har gow (prawn dumplings). Be sure to leave space for the egg custard buns – we can’t ever leave without ordering some, even if we’re already stuffed to the brim. The Prince Edward branch opens early at 10am and there’s always a queue, so we’re thrilled that there is also a Central option now!
One Dim Sum, G/F, 209A and 209 B, Tung Choi Road, Prince Edward, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2677 7888,
One Dim Sum, 44 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong, www.onedimsum.hk, https://www.openrice.com/one-dim-sum
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Social Place — Healthy, cute dim sum dishes
Social Place prides itself on its contemporary Chinese cuisine created with healthier ingredients. Must-try dim sum includes its truffle shiitake buns that look like giant mushrooms themselves, and the “pears”, a cream soup-filled dumpling. Younger children might like the sweet potato piggy buns, the“turtle” barbeque pork buns, and the black and golden custard bun. Yum cha reservations are recommended because it’s almost impossible to get a table at lunchtime otherwise.
Social Place, various locations in Hong Kong, www.socialplace.hk
Tim Ho Wan — Cheap, Michelin-starred dim sum
This could possibly be the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant! With a global presence peppered around Asia (and even in Australia and America) and several locations scattered across town from Hong Kong Station to Sham Shui Po, you have no excuse to not drop by this dim sum favourite. We recommend the world-famous crispy Char Siu Baos – the light-as-air buns burst with sweet, tender pork and BBQ sauce.
Tim Ho Wan, various locations across Hong Kong, www.timhowan.com
Veggie Kingdom – Vegetarian dim sum restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui
You can expect traditional Chinese dim sum minus the meat at Veggie Kingdom. From char siu to shrimp dumplings and more, Veggie Kingdom nails texture and technique and gives us the same taste as non-vegetarian options would. We’ve been back for yum cha more than once because of its service, comfortable seating that’s also stroller-friendly, and just to celebrate having veggie options for those of us who don’t consume meat!
Veggie Kingdom, 7/F, VIP Commercial Centre, 120 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 2366 0336, www.veggiekingdom.hk
Read More: Vegetarian Restaurants Hong Kong – Where To Eat Vegetarian Food With The Family
Yum Cha — Novelty, kid-friendly dim sum dishes
No list of Hong Kong dim sum restaurants would be complete without a mention of Yum Cha! If you’ve got picky eaters on your hands, perhaps some cute little buns will do the trick. Home to the famous “vomiting” custard buns and an adorable cast of bao characters, young ones will have a blast playing with their food. Mamas will appreciate the no-MSG promise too.
Yum Cha, Shop 1-2, 2/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/yumchahkg
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More Hong Kong Dim Sum Restaurants
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- Ah Chun Shandong Dumpling — Dumplings in Prince Edward. www.openrice.com/ah-chun-shandong-dumpling
- Ding Dim 1968 — Tasty dim sum in Central. www.dingdim.com
- Duddell’s — Upmarket dim sum dining, www.duddells.co
- Foxglove – Contemporary and classic dim sum. www.mingfathouse.com/foxglove
- Hutong —Up-market Chinese food, with an excellent family-friendly dim sum brunch. www.hutong.com.hk
- Man Mo Dim Sum — Contemporary dim sum with French flair on Upper Lascar Row. www.manmodimsum.com
- Madame Fù — Modern dim sum in Tai Kwun. www.madamefu.com.hk
- Mott 32 — A favourite Hong Kong dim sum experience when we’re on a date night. www.mott32.com
- Tin Lung Heen — Sky-high fine dining dim sum experience. www.ritzcarlton.com
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Editor’s note: “The Best Dim Sum In Hong Kong: Where To Go For Yum Cha With Kids” was most recently updated in August 2024 by Anita Balagopalan. Thanks to Fashila Kanakka for her contribution.
