Dim Sum Guide: What It Is, Classic Dishes and How To Enjoy It

Growing up in Guangzhou, dim sum was one of the first food traditions we learned to appreciate. It shaped our sense of taste, our understanding of Cantonese cooking, and our belief that food is most enjoyable when shared. When people in Barry and Cardiff ask us what dim sum actually is, we realise that many know the name yet haven’t experienced the full meaning behind it. Dim sum is more than dumplings on a plate. It is a ritual that blends tea, conversation and small dishes into something warm, steady and familiar.

For our family, dim sum connects generations. We remember the teahouses we visited as children, the large round tables with spinning centrepieces, and the steady stream of baskets that arrived one after the other. Even now, when we return to Guangzhou, that sense of comfort comes back instantly. The noise of plates being stacked, the smell of steamed rice flour and prawns, and the sight of bamboo baskets remind us why dim sum has lasted for centuries. It is casual in one way, yet full of care and skill in another.

When people search for dim sum online, they usually want clear explanations, names of dishes, and guidance on what to try first. This guide is our way of sharing what we grew up eating, what these dishes mean in Cantonese culture, and how you can enjoy dim sum whether you are in Wales or travelling elsewhere. Our aim is to give you something genuinely useful, rooted in real experience rather than quick lists that don’t explain the heart of it.

What Dim Sum Actually Is

Dim sum refers to a broad range of small Cantonese dishes served alongside tea. It is closely linked to the practice of yum cha, meaning “drink tea”. In Guangzhou and Hong Kong, yum cha is a late morning or lunchtime tradition. Families, friends and colleagues gather around a shared table, sip tea and enjoy a mixture of steamed, fried and baked dishes.

Dim sum isn’t something rushed. It comes in small portions because it is meant to be shared. You take a dumpling from one basket, try a bun from another, and keep going until the table is full and everyone has had a bit of everything. This relaxed, communal style is what gives dim sum its charm. It is food that encourages conversation rather than silence.

When you understand dim sum through Cantonese culture, you begin to see that it is as much about connection as it is about technique. Tea balances the richness of the food, while the steady arrival of dishes creates a natural rhythm. It is a cycle of pouring tea, sharing dumplings and catching up with people you may not have seen in a while. That is why it remains one of the most meaningful parts of our culinary heritage.

How Dim Sum Is Traditionally Served

In traditional teahouses, dim sum is often served from metal carts or trays carried by servers. You choose dishes as they pass the table. Modern restaurants now use order sheets, but the principle is the same: small dishes, fresh and frequent.

The tea is chosen first. Common choices include:

• Pu-erh: strong, earthy and helpful when eating richer dishes

• Jasmine: floral, light and refreshing

• Chrysanthemum: mild and soothing, often paired with rock sugar

  
  

Tea is more than a drink. Pouring tea for others shows respect and hospitality. In our family, the youngest person at the table was always the one who poured tea for everyone else. It was our small role in the rhythm of the meal.

Dishes usually arrive in a loose order. Lighter steamed items come first, followed by richer dumplings, fried options and finally sweet dishes. The flow helps you pace yourself without feeling overwhelmed.

Steamed Dim Sum Dishes To Try First

Steamed items form the foundation of dim sum. They represent the skill and precision of Cantonese cooking because steaming requires balance and timing. If you are new to dim sum, these are the best starting points.

Har Gow (Prawn Dumplings)

Har gow are translucent prawn dumplings with a delicate wrapper made from wheat starch and tapioca flour. Inside are chopped prawns seasoned lightly to keep the flavour clean. Folding har gow properly takes training. Our relatives told us that chefs judge each other by the number of pleats and the evenness of the wrapper.

Siu Mai (Pork and Prawn Dumplings)

These open-topped dumplings are one of the most recognisable dim sum dishes. They mix minced pork, prawns, mushrooms and a touch of seasoning. Siu mai have a soft, juicy texture and pair well with tea. For us, they were the dish our grandparents always ordered first.

Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls)

Cheung fun is made from thin sheets of steamed rice batter rolled around fillings such as prawns, beef or vegetables. The rolls are topped with a light soy dressing that gives a soft, silky finish. This dish shows how gentle Cantonese flavours can be when done properly.

Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Bean

Small pieces of pork ribs are steamed with fermented black beans and peppers. The flavour is savoury, slightly sweet and rich. This dish is often served early in the meal and is a favourite among adults.

Steamed Chicken Feet

A classic dish in traditional teahouses. The chicken feet are deep fried, then braised and steamed in a fragrant sauce. Many in our family see them as a nostalgic treat because they carry the taste of old Cantonese cooking.

Fried Dim Sum Dishes That Add Crunch

Fried dim sum items bring balance to a table that might otherwise feel too soft. Cantonese chefs use frying to add contrast without making dishes heavy.

Spring Rolls

Thin, crisp rolls filled with vegetables or prawns. They are light and fragrant rather than oily. In our childhood, these were always the first items we reached for.

Ham Sui Gok (Glutinous Rice Dumplings)

These dumplings have a crisp outside and a slightly chewy centre. Inside is a savoury pork filling. They have a gentle sweetness on the surface that makes them especially moreish.

Wu Gok (Taro Dumplings)

Mashed taro forms a delicate shell that becomes lacy and crisp when fried. The filling is savoury and warm. The contrast between the soft interior and crunchy exterior is what makes them memorable.

Buns, Pastries and Dim Sum Desserts

Dim sum isn’t complete without buns and sweets. These dishes often bring comfort and nostalgia.

Char Siu Bao (Steamed Barbecue Pork Buns)

Soft, lightly sweet buns filled with Cantonese barbecue pork. The filling is glossy and savoury, and the dough has a pillowy texture that many people fall in love with instantly.

Egg Tarts

Mini tarts with a flaky pastry shell and smooth custard centre. They are warm, buttery and just sweet enough to finish a long meal without feeling too heavy.

Mango Pudding

A chilled dessert that is silky, fruity and refreshing. Mango pudding is widely loved and is often served with a bit of evaporated milk.

Custard Buns

Steamed buns filled with warm custard. They are soft, comforting and ideal for children and adults alike.

Tips for Ordering Dim Sum for the First Time

If you are unsure where to start, our advice is simple:

• Choose a mixture of steamed, fried and baked dishes so you get a balanced experience.

• Start with classics such as har gow, siu mai and cheung fun. These are representative of true Cantonese dim sum.

• Don’t order too much at once. Part of the joy is ordering a few dishes at a time and deciding what you feel like next.

• Drink tea throughout. It keeps the meal steady and refreshing.

• Share everything. Dim sum is at its best when enjoyed together.

  
  

We often tell friends in Wales that dim sum is a gentle meal. It isn’t about rushing or showing off. It is about comfort, familiarity and eating at a relaxed pace.

Why Dim Sum Matters to Our Family

Dim sum carries our earliest food memories. When we cook here in Barry, the flavours of dim sum still guide us. The same attention to freshness, balance and warmth runs through the dishes we prepare daily. Even though we do not serve a full dim sum menu, Cantonese cooking sits at the heart of everything we make. The experience of growing up with dim sum influences our choices, our seasonings and the way we think about food.

For us, food is always tied to connection. Dim sum taught us that small dishes can bring big comfort, and that the best meals are shared without hurry. We hope this guide helps you understand dim sum from our perspective and encourages you to try dishes that have meant so much to our family.