10 Types of Dim Sum in Hong Kong

The list is impossibly long but we've narrowed it down.

Author/ Being Neighbourly
18 October 2026

Dim sum, which means ‘(small dishes to) touch the heart’, is more than just a meal; it’s a cherished tradition in Hong Kong that brings friends and family together over a variety of small plates designed for sharing. With its roots in Cantonese cuisine, dim sum includes a delightful array of steamed, fried, and baked dishes, each bursting with flavour. Whether you’re a seasoned dim sum lover or a newcomer, exploring these delectable options is a must. Warning: Visitors may find it tricky going back to their local Chinese restos when all is said and done…

1. Har Gao (Shrimp Dumplings)

Har Gao is a classic dim sum dish featuring translucent, delicate dumplings filled with fresh shrimp. The dough is made from rice flour, giving it a slightly chewy texture. These dumplings are known for their delicious filling, making them a staple on any dim sum menu.

2. Siu Mai (Pork Dumplings)

Siu Mai are open-topped dumplings filled with a mixture of ground pork, shrimp, and various seasonings. Topped with a small piece of carrot or a pea for garnish, these dumplings have a rich flavour and are best enjoyed with a drizzle of soy sauce or chili oil. Their unique appearance and hearty filling make them a favourite among dim sum enthusiasts.

3. Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns)

Char Siu Bao is a must-try for those who enjoy sweet and savoury flavours in an easy to eat form. These fluffy, steamed buns are filled with tender BBQ pork. The pillowy texture of the bun complements the rich filling and its popular with westerners, perhaps because it’s easy to handle (just remember to remove the paper before biting) and its resemblance to a bread roll.

4. Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls)

Cheung Fun consists of silky rice noodle rolls filled with various ingredients such as shrimp, beef, or vegetables. Drizzled with soy sauce and sesame oil, these rolls are soft, smooth and slippery. They are a favourite dish for those who appreciate a lighter dim sum option.

5. Lo Mai Gai (Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf)

Lo Mai Gai features fragrant sticky rice steamed with chicken, mushrooms, and Chinese sausage, all wrapped in a lotus leaf. The leaf imparts a unique aroma to the rice, making this dish both savoury and aromatic. It’s a hearty choice that showcases the tradition of using natural ingredients for flavour.

6. Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings)

Xiao Long Bao are delicate soup-filled dumplings that offer a delightful burst of flavor with each bite. Made from a thin dough, these dumplings contain pork and a savoury broth. Properly prepared, they can be quite a treat, often served with a side of vinegar and ginger for dipping. Xiao Long Bao hail from Shanghai.

7. Dan Tat (Egg Tarts)

Egg tarts, or Dan Tat, are a sweet dim sum dessert with a flaky pastry crust filled with a creamy custard. Offering a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, these tarts are one of few dim sum desserts. Sliced oranges and toffee apple and banana used to be much more common in Hong Kong. People will queue for a fresh batch at the best known bakeries for snacks in between meals.

8. Fried Wontons

Fried wonton are crispy, deep-fried dumplings typically filled with ground pork or shrimp. They are often served with sweet and sour sauce for dipping. The crunch of the wonton wrappers combined with the tender filling creates a satisfying contrast to steamed dim sum. We love them!

9. Lai wong bao (Steamed Custard Buns)

Fluffy, steamed Chinese buns filled with a sweet, creamy, and velvety egg custard. A quintessential dim sum dessert, they feature a bright yellow, milky centere wrapped in a soft, cotton-like dough.

10. Lo Bak Go (Turnip Cake)

Despite its name, Lo Bak Go is actually a savoury dim sum. Its made from a delicious combo of steamed rice flour and shredded radish and is a popular dim sum choice. The cake is made in a block and then sliced and pan fried until crispy. Some people like the kick of chili sauce to go with it.

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