From pooping Gudetama chocolate buns to dan dan xiao long bao fill with spicy mala sauce, these are the city’s must-try yum cha delicacies
Ratatouille steamed dumpling by Man Mo Cafe.Although tourists come to our city from all around the world to get a taste of some authentic, traditional dim sum, it’s probably something you’re bored of by now after all those yum cha dates with your relatives. The ancient culinary tradition of dim
sum dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) in China, and it’s still popular today.
However, chefs have recently been getting more creative with their presentation and flavours to make their dim sum stand out, giving birth to a whole new yum cha experience. Here are five modern dim sum dishes in Hong Kong that are worth a try.
Tasty traditional dim sum dishes: the taste of old Hong Kong now
Man Mo Dim Sum
Not your typical hole-in-the-wall place. Their steamed ratatouille dumpling is stuffed with veggies and served with a zesty tomato sauce. Swiss-born Nicolas Eleouf is the brainchild behind this restaurant’s fusion menu, and works with chefs whose résumés include the likes of Din Tai Fung and Robuchon. Other favourites are the foie gras xiao long bao and the truffle and brie dumpling.
Address: Wah Koon Building, 40 Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan
Dim Sum Library
Dim Sum Library’s menu puts a contemporary spin on our favourite classics without being overly gimmicky. Using international ingredients in Chinese recipes, their dim sum offerings range from Wagyu beef puffs to Yunnan black truffle crispy chicken. For spice lovers, the dan dan xiao long bao is the one to try! The traditional soup inside the dumplings is replaced with mala sauce, which leaves the perfect amount of heat on your tongue.
Address: Shop 124, Level 1, Pacific Place, Admiralty
A reminder of why Hong Kong is pretty awesome - a first-timer's perspective
Dim Sum Icon
Gimmick-driven dim sum is on the rise. Dim Sum Icon has run with this concept with their endearing (to some) pooping Gudetama chocolate buns – perhaps best for those with a good sense of humour and a strong stomach.
Address: The One, Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Yum Cha
The adorable little yellow buns with faces are stuffed with a sweet egg yolk custard and come in several flavours, including green tea. Forget everything your parents told you about not playing with food; at Yum Cha you’re encouraged to poke the buns to make them “vomit”. We’d be lying if we said there wasn’t a sense of instant – if twisted! – gratification when you see the thick custard ooze out of the “mouth” you made with your chopstick.
Address: Nan Fung Tower, 2/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road, Central
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Social Place
Another eatery serving up visually appealing renditions of traditional bites. Their truffle shiitake buns look like a whole shiitake mushroom, leaving customers mind-blown when the dish comes to the table. The design of the buns is not just for looks either; it mentally prepares the eater for the juicy diced mushrooms and truffle-y explosion of flavour waiting inside. Check out our recent review here.
Address: The L Place, 139 Queen’s Road, Central
Edited by Nicole Moraleda