Q: What is dim sum?

Dim sum is a set of Cantonese dishes that family and friends eat for lunch at a restaurant. It is not one dish but can include dishes like Siu Mai and Char Siu Bao . Each dish contains a small portion of food, so people typically order many dishes and share them at the table.

Question 1

What is dim sum?

Accepted Answer

Dim sum is a set of Cantonese dishes that family and friends eat for lunch at a restaurant.

It is not one dish but can include dishes like Siu Mai and Char Siu Bao.

Each dish contains a small portion of food, so people typically order many dishes and share them at the table.

Question 2

What is Char Siu Bao?

Accepted Answer

Char Siu Baos (叉燒包) are fluffy buns that have a saucy BBQ pork filling inside.

TOP TIP | Remember not to eat the thin piece of paper on the bottom of the bun, you need to remove it before you eat it.

Question 3

What is Siu Mai?

Accepted Answer

Siu Mai (燒賣) is a pork-filled dumpling wrapped in a wonton.

Sometimes there are small pieces of carrots or crab eggs added on top of it.

Question 4

What is dim sum in Chinese?

Accepted Answer

Dim sum is 点心 in simplified and 點心 in traditional characters.

Question 5

Is there any etiquette I should follow when eating dim sum?

Accepted Answer

If you run out of tea, then you can signal to the waiter or waitress by covering half of the teapot with the teapot lid.

A waiter or waitress will swiftly get you a refill without you even saying a word.

Also, when the server or person at your table is pouring you the tea, you can show them your thanks by tapping on the table with two fingers.

You should also pour tea into your elder’s cup when you see they have run out of tea as a sign of respect.

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Dim Sum | A Beginner's Guide to a Canton Classic Cuisine

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Dim Sum | A Beginner's Guide to a Canton Classic Cuisine