Dim sum
Dim sum is a Cantonese meal of small dishes, built around a pot of tea.
Eat dim sum like a regular
Order the tea first
Tea comes before food. Pu'er, jasmine and chrysanthemum are the usual choices. Pour for others before you pour for yourself.
Start with the four kings
Har gow, siu mai, char siu bao and egg tart are the benchmark. Eat steamed dishes first, fried next and sweets at the end.
Learn the two signals
Tap two fingers on the table to thank whoever pours. Leave the teapot lid ajar when you need more hot water.
One cup of tea, two dishes: yum cha the old way.
Good to know
What does dim sum mean?
Dim sum is a Cantonese word, often translated as touch the heart. It covers the small steamed, fried and baked dishes served with tea.
What is the difference between dim sum and dumplings?
Dim sum is the whole category, and dumplings are one part of it. A dim sum table also has buns, rice noodle rolls, turnip cake, chicken feet and tarts.
What time do people eat dim sum?
Mostly from morning to mid-afternoon. Many Cantonese teahouses are busiest on weekend mornings, when whole families come, and some stop serving dim sum after lunch.
