Dim sum dishes – oh, they’re a bit of everything, ain’t they? Just small plates of all sorts of tasty bits that make your mouth happy. Now, if you’re sittin’ down for dim sum, expect to see plenty of little baskets and plates filled with dumplings, buns, and all sorts. Folks say it’s a way to “touch the heart,” and I’ll tell ya, it sure fills your belly too.
Now, let’s talk about some classic dim sum dishes. There’s a whole variety, but some favorites pop up everywhere. Let’s go through a few, so you know what to order next time you’re at a dim sum spot.
Siu Mai
Siu Mai is one that’s hard to miss – it’s a little dumpling that’s usually got pork and shrimp all wrapped up together in one tasty bite. They steam it, so the whole thing’s tender, with the juices locked in. It’s got a little bit of yellow wrap on the outside, and sometimes they sprinkle a bit of orange roe on top, makin’ it look as fancy as it tastes. If you like somethin’ with a bit of meat and a soft bite, this is the one to go for.
Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings)
Then there’s the Har Gow, or shrimp dumplings. These are little pockets filled with shrimp, wrapped in a translucent skin that’s almost see-through. These babies are juicy, and that wrapper’s nice and chewy. They’re one of the priciest dumplings on the table, but if you love shrimp, you’ll be glad you tried it. Just be careful when you bite – all that shrimp goodness might spill out!
Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns)
Oh, and you can’t forget about Char Siu Bao. These buns are soft and fluffy on the outside, but inside, they’re filled with sweet and savory BBQ pork. Now, these buns come either steamed or baked, but the filling’s the same – chopped-up pork with that sweet BBQ sauce all mixed in. Biting into one’s like a little taste of heaven, I tell ya.
Cheong Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls)
Cheong Fun is another popular one. They make these by rolling up thin rice noodles around shrimp, beef, or BBQ pork. Then, they drizzle soy sauce over the top. It’s soft and a bit slippery, but boy, it sure soaks up all that flavor. Great for dipping in a bit of sauce too if you like an extra kick.
Lo Bak Go (Turnip Cake)
Now, here’s something that might be new – Lo Bak Go, or turnip cake. It’s made from shredded daikon radish and rice flour, then cut into squares and pan-fried. The outside gets a nice crispy layer, while the inside’s soft and a bit chewy. Some places add little bits of sausage or shrimp, too. It’s a savory bite with a unique texture that’s worth tryin’.
Fung Zao (Chicken Feet)
Fung Zao – now, these are for the adventurous types. It’s chicken feet, steamed and marinated in a sauce made from black beans and other seasonings. Sure, it’s bony and there’s a lot of skin, but it’s packed with flavor, if you don’t mind workin’ around those little bones. It’s an old-time favorite in dim sum.
Dan Tat (Egg Tart)
And if you’re lookin’ for a sweet end to the meal, there’s Dan Tat, or egg tart. It’s got this flaky crust filled with a sweet, custardy egg filling. They bake it so the top is just barely set, and when you bite in, it’s creamy and rich – like a little dessert to wrap up all the savory bites you just had.
Dim sum’s a whole meal, alright, but it’s made up of these small plates that are perfect for sharing. It all started as little snacks with tea, but now folks gather just for the dim sum experience. And there’s always a pot of tea sittin’ nearby – usually jasmine or oolong – to wash everything down. It’s more than just eatin’; it’s sittin’ around with family or friends, pickin’ at these tasty bites and enjoyin’ the time together.
So, next time you’re at a Chinese restaurant that serves dim sum, give some of these a try. You’ll find somethin’ that touches your heart – and fills your belly, too!
Tags：[dim sum, siu mai, har gow, char siu bao, cheong fun, lo bak go, fung zao, dan tat, Chinese cuisine]