Dim sum is simply little bite-sized appetisers that are perfect for any time of day and have their origins in Canton, China. In dim sum restaurants, a wide range of steamed, baked, and fried delicacies are served on carts that are wheeled around the dining area and are packed high with bamboo steamers. They sound absolutely delicious and mouth-watering, right? So with that, Glitz has created this helpful guide on the best dim sum spots around KL and if you’re a beginner, here are a few recommended must-haves!
Types Of Dim Sums You Need To Try
Contents
Siu mai (Steamed dumplings)
Steamed dumplings known as siu mai frequently include either pork or shrimp within. Sometimes it’s a combination of the two. Half of the meat mixture is encased in the distinctively yellow skin of a dumpling.
Siu mai is very juicy and aromatic when eaten just out of the steamer. Crab roe is sometimes added to the top of siu mai at upscale dim sum restaurants, giving these delectable treats an additional layer of flavour and texture.
Har gow (Shrimp dumplings)
These dumplings have a very delicate translucent skin that is particularly elastic and made of wheat flour and tapioca. Har gow differs from shrimp siu mai in that the dumpling skin is used. Har gow skin is often thinner and turns transparent when cooked, in contrast to siu mai skin, which has a somewhat chewy feel. As a result, the shrimp within may maintain its texture and remain succulent.
Cheong fan (rolled rice noodles)
Although cheong fun is commonly accessible in many Asian nations, dim sum in Hong Kong definitely has its unique flavour. For starters, the rice rolls are frequently a little thinner and covered in a thin soy sauce. There are several variations for the filling, including shrimp, BBQ pork, a combination of the two, and simply steamed rice buns.
Xiaolongbao
Perhaps the world’s most recognisable dim sum dish is xiaolongbao. For those who have never had it, xiaolongbao is essentially little dumplings packed with flavourful soup broth and pig mince. In your mouth, they act like little flavour pockets that come to life. The right method to eat them is to place the dumpling on your spoon, then, before biting into it, poke a small hole in it with your chopsticks to let some of the scalding hot soup out.
Spring rolls
Rolls that are deep-fried till crisp and stuffed with everything from veggies to shrimp to minced beef. These are typically offered with a hot chilli sauce or a savoury dipping sauce. Our mouths start to moisten just hearing the sound of the crispy spring rolls breaking apart as you bite into them!
Best Dim Sum Restaurants In Kuala Lumpur
1. Dolly Dim Sum
| Address | Multiple locations |
| Operating hours | Every day (12pm – 10pm) |
| Contact | 012-264 2018 |
You are losing out if you haven’t eaten Dolly Dim Sum’s amazing dim sums, which will fill your tongue with tastes. Dolly Dim Sum is a traditional dim sum restaurant with modern amenities. Try their renowned Har Gao, Siew Mai, and Chee Cheung Fun—you’ll adore them! They also provide the traditional egg custard bun, which is recognisable for its smooth, yellow colour.
Review:
Very fast service with friendly staff. My 1st experience tried dim sum, surprisingly suited my taste bud and will repeat next time.
Aiman Syukrie, Google
2. Lai Po Heen
| Address | Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating hours | Every day (12pm – 10pm) |
| Contact | 03-2179 8885 |
Lai Po Heen specialises in traditional Cantonese cuisine and dim sum specialities and draws its design inspiration from the renowned family homes of 19th-century Chinese tycoons. The design is spectacular, including soaring ceilings, chic chandeliers, and magnificent parquet floors. Visitors may watch as our world-class chefs display their culinary skills in an open kitchen, skilfully creating classic delicacies like hand-made dim sum and beef tenderloin with black pepper.
Review:
A fantastic lunch experience at this Chinese cuisine restaurant located inside the Mandarin Oriental. The food were remarkable and for sure the best dim sum and dumplings place I have tasted so far. What I have heard from friends, their roasted duck is also a must have here. Se didnt ordered it because my wife is not a fan of duck. Please remember to make a reservation few days in advance before going there as its a popular lunch and dinner place with a view of the twin towers and klcc park. The price was a bit pricey but I would say its worth it with the taste experience.
Naqib Mustaffa, Google
3. Jin Xuan Hong Kong
| Address | 116b, A32, 36, 34, Jalan 1, Sri Desa Entrepreneur Park, 58200 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating hours | Every day (7am – 12am) |
| Contact | 03-7982 6812 |
The Jin Xuan Hong Kong Restaurant is well-known and well-liked among fans of dim sum because they provide delicious, high-quality dim sums that won’t let you down. Jin Xuan Hong Kong Restaurant maintains a high level with its tidy and welcoming settings. As soon as you are seated, a massive platter filled with ready-to-eat dim sum options will be brought over by the staff.
Review:
The only dimsum place that I frequent! Jin Xuan has always been the go to place for my family and I. Their dimsum is of high quality and delicious! Hygiene is also very well observed! Be aware of the queues on weekends and limited parking.. We went at 10:20 on a Sunday and the wait was only a good 15 minutes! Even faster if you are willing to take a table outdoors. Spanning 4 shoplots, the restaurant is well staffed, taking care of your every needs.
A, Google
4. Eden Dim Sum City
| Address | Jalan 9/62a, Bandar Sri Menjalara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| Operating hours | Wednesday to Monday (7am – 11:30pm), Tuesday Closed) |
| Contact | 012-350 5269 |
You should stop by Eden Dim Sum City Restaurant, another traditional dim sum establishment. This dim sum restaurant stood boldly at the edge of the shop lots in Bandar Sri Menjalara. They provide a huge selection of dim sums, including the traditional yet delicious siu mai, lala mai, siew puff, snow crab stick, and more!
Here, you may also get the salty fried carrot cake. When you have a taste for dim sum, make sure to stop by this restaurant!
Review:
First time here and i loved it. Various dim sum served and we can’t stop ordering. Ordered kopi peng but too strong for me, best to just order ice water to freshen the mouth while continuing eating yummy dim sum and siew mai. Price wise, im alright with it coz they gave big chunks of shrimps and taste all good.
Nadja Alayd, Google
