Originating from Guangdong province, dim sum in Singapore has captured the hearts of food lovers in the Lion City and many other parts of the world. Today, this beloved culinary experience, which involves bite-sized delights served in small portions, has become the go-to dining option for people looking to sample a variety of flavours in one sitting and share them with friends and family. The appeal of dim sum lies in its diverse offerings, from dumplings and buns to spring rolls and pastries, each crafted with a unique blend of ingredients like meat, vegetables, and seafood. Often accompanied by tea, this traditional fare offers a delightful medley of unforgettable tastes, making it a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic and enjoyable dining adventure. For those looking to get their dim sum fix, these dim sum restaurants are undoubtedly the best options you can never go wrong with.
Note: This list is strictly not in order.
1. Hong Kong Zhai Dim Sum Restaurant
Hong Kong Zhai has been specialising in handcrafted dim sum in Singapore since 1988, crafting each dish in their menu with heart and soul and carefully selecting the right ingredients to ensure every bite bears the authentic flavour of Hong Kong dim sum. The brand’s exceptional offerings and service have been recognised in various culinary events and publications over the years and remains a crowd-favourite among the many dim sum lovers in the city-state. Hong Kong Zhai offers an extensive menu of cooked items ranging from classic steamed and fried dishes to rice rolls, steamed rice, baked pastries, staples, and an assortment of special items like Peking Duck. Additionally, they also offer frozen and ready-to-cook versions of these items available for delivery via their Hong Kong Zhai Dim Sum Express Delivery service.
Customer Reviews:
M
Friendly and helpful service, small cafe with ample seating. Food is very well prepared with care (eg the truffle mushroom dumplings. Menu has good selection. Dim sum in photos are freely selected complimentary items for individual patron’s google review — very nice gesture on their part.
Bryan (SMAD)
The service is lightning-fast, and the dumplings and glutinous rice chicken are excellent. The congee with fried fritters is uniquely delicious. A must-try!
Deb T
Love the food here, especially the milk tea and honey bread! Don’t miss the chicken chop noodles as well. Good place for family, they have baby chair and good space!
Website: http://www.hongkongzhai.com/
Contact: 6748 4893
Location: 6 Raffles Blvd, #02-234/ 235/ 236 Marina Square, Singapore 039594
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 9 AM–9 PM | Saturday-Sunday 9 AM–9:30 PM
2. The Dim Sum Place
The Dim Sum Place is known for having the widest selection of tasty and halal dim sum in Singapore made only from the freshest ingredients. Prioritising quality, variety and value for money, the restaurant has established itself as the place to be for delicious and inclusive dim sum that everyone can enjoy at an affordable price point. In addition, their menu also includes all kinds of Hong Kong-style dishes, many of which even come with a local twist. Whether you’re looking to dine in or opt for delivery to get your dim sum fix, The Dim Sum Place guarantees you’ll get nothing less than a flavourful experience every time.
Customer Reviews:
Fazilah Rohani
Been coming to the North Bridge Branch for every family occasion. Their food is always excellent. Gert is a blessing to the company owner. We always look forward to her warm personality.
Aug Yx
Great first impression! The dim sum and peking duck wraps are excellent, seating is comfortable and service is attentive. I recommend coming in groups so you can order a greater variety. (Came alone to try so I only ordered “must try” items 😂).
Shazlyn Shaffiee
By far still the best halal dim sum cuisine to go too. Chose the brisket beef noodle and would be nice to have balance meat and fats, overall everything else is nice in flavours.
Website: http://www.thedimsumplace.sg/
Contact: 6655 8787
Location: 791 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198759
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 AM–3 PM, 5:30 PM–11 PM | Friday-Saturday 11 AM–2 AM | Sunday 11 AM–11 PM
3. JU Signatures
JU Signatures is a premier Cantonese restaurant boasting a signature repertoire of some of the best dim sum in Singapore and many other wok-fried delights. The restaurant’s wonderful and affordable dining experience is curated by Chef Wong, a seasoned culinary expert with 15 years of experience in one of the top Chinese restaurants in town. His expertise gives rise to the many premium dim sum and Zi Char dishes on the menu, all handcrafted to perfection and are sure to delight those with discerning taste buds. Chef Wong’s mooncakes are particularly a must-try for first-time visitors, as well as their many other signature offerings such as Har Gao Gems, Wok-fried Chilli Crab In Mantou Tureen with a Lid, Yuan Yang Love Swans with Golden ‘Lychee’ Ball, and many others.
Customer Reviews:
Carine Hoe
Dim sum here not only unique and also very delicious. The staff are very polite and friendly too. Will go there with my friends next time.
Kyle Tan
Good food! Some complainers may complain about the price but I think it matches the quality of the food! Delicious, on par with some of the fine dining dim sums. Didn’t really appreciate the rather loud music too. Listening to 海阔天空 was cool but didn’t felt appropriate for the setting. Will return again! Oh the egg tarts are out of this world! Must try!
Mok Kong Meng
JU Signatures offer good dim sum and my favourite is the hor fun. It really got the taste of fire ( work hei ). I really enjoy my lunch here with good friends. Cheers!
Website: https://www.jusignaturesdimsum.com/
Contact: 8876 7498
Location: 4 Maju Ave, Serangoon Gardens, Singapore 556682
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 9 AM–2:30 PM, 5:30 PM–9 PM | Saturday-Sunday 8:30 AM–4:30 PM, 5:30 PM–9 PM
4. Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant
Swee Choon has earned a reputation for being the favourite dim sum destination for many Singaporeans since 1962. The brand has four distinct offerings in the way of Hong Kong dim sum, Shanghai dim sum, Zi Char cuisine, and a variety of hand-pulled noodles which customers can enjoy via dine-in, mini catering, and hot or frozen dim sum delivery. Every steamed, fried, and baked item on their menu is freshly made just like in simpler times and oozes handcrafted quality, inspiring simple joys with each bite. Thus, if you’re looking to make your day a bit happier with some good food, Swee Choon is the best dim sum restaurant in Singapore that can easily make it happen.
Customer Reviews:
tomyumdumpling
Visited the dim sum restaurant for lunch. Actually this restaurant has a long history and this is my childhood favourite. There is a good variety of dim sum options available and the food tastes decent and delicious. Their fried meesua is tasty too. From what I recall, they used to only have one stall at the stretch of shophouses but with booming business, they have expanded and their entire shophouse stretch is now taken over by the restaurant, serving customers locally and tourists.
The Mog Champ
The Mog Champ sends his regards. This is a very traditional Chinese dim sum place and we definitely had a craving for it especially since we haven’t had any Chinese food on this Singapore trip. I think dim sum is great because it allows you to share a lot of small dishes between people so you can enjoy a variety of flavours. We ordered quite a few dishes and it only turns out to be around 20ish per person which was an affordable and quick lunch! They cook and serve real quick so there’s hardly any waiting at all! Mogliest Regards, Your Mog Champ.
Family Sng
The quintessential supper spot in Singapore that we locals go to since our childhood. Love the unique dishes like cold drunken chicken, steamed egg white chicken, fried eggplant with pork floss & frier carrot cake with spicy 🍤 🦐.
Website: http://www.sweechoon.com/
Contact: 6225 7788
Location: 183/185/187/189, Jln Besar, 191/193, Singapore 208882
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Monday 7 AM–4 AM | Closed on Tuesdays
5. Kai Garden
Kai Garden is one of the leading fine-dining restaurants in Singapore best known for its unparalleled Chinese and Cantonese cuisine and dim sum that come with a signature twist without sacrificing its culinary heritage. The restaurant’s menu is specially crafted by the award-winning Group Executive Chef Fung Chi Keung, an established and highly sought-after name among discerning gourmets of traditional Cantonese cuisine. With his decades of culinary experience and inimitable style, Kai Garden’s wide selection of exquisite dishes, from their finest Peking Duck in all of Singapore to many other dim sum favourites, are sure to make everyone’s dining experience a memorable one.
Customer Reviews:
Esther Li
One of the most exquisite dim sum restaurant I have ever had! Each dish is delicately made. You can really taste the chef’s heart & soul in each dish. The quality of dim sum is better than most local restaurants in Hong Kong. I am very impressed and will definitely be returning again. This is a child/family restaurant, high chairs and children appropriate cutlery are provided. Tip: Better to call and book a few weeks in advance as they are very popular and is always packed.
Eileen Chua
Celebrated my mum’s birthday at Kai Garden yesterday. We really enjoyed the dim sum like the bo lo bun, egg tart, carrot cake, etc and was pleasantly surprised when they offered to serve the portions based on the number of pax. Such flexibility and thoughtfulness! The 灌汤饺 deserved special mention, the soup was tasty and ingredients were generous. We’ll definitely be back again!
Zen Liu
Went on a weekday and restaurant wasn’t crowded. Good service and good ambience. The food is pretty good with different cooking style. Didnt really like the veg but the rest of the food is awesome. Love the soup, beef and lobster.
Website: http://www.kaigarden.com.sg/
Contact: 6250 4826
Location: 6 Raffles Blvd, #03-128A/128B Marina Square, Singapore 039594
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 11:30 AM–3:30 PM, 6 PM–11 PM | Saturday-Sunday 11 AM–4 PM, 6 PM–11 PM
6. Spring Court
Spring Court is recognised as the oldest family-run restaurant in the city-state and holds an unwavering commitment to providing the best Singaporean-Chinese cuisine for everyday diners and special occasions. Their reputation of being the top caterer for solemnisation and wedding celebrations in Singapore goes way back to the brand’s beginnings in 1929, wherein they handled up to five events per night and delivered the great food befitting such joyous occasions. Today, Spring Court offers relaxing and enjoyable dining experiences that evoke the warm and fuzzy feeling of eating at home through their signature offerings like steamed Cha Siew pork buns, stir-fried carrot cake, Xiao Long Bao, and many more.
Customer Reviews:
Davin So
The dim sum are nice! It is as good as dim sum in Hong Kong and the cost is reasonable as well. All staffs are super polite and nice. Interior renovation is new but can reveal old style. It is a good place to spend time with family or friends.
Cat HK
Food was great, there were more dishes we would like to try on their menu, too bad it was our last day in Singapore. Wish we would’ve found this restaurant earlier.
Joe Tay
My girlfriend & her family were served by Rika and the food & her service was excellent. This is my 2nd time here & I had a very good experience both times. Will come back again. The cereal prawn, duck & yam with prawn were what i ordered and they were amazing.
Website: https://www.springcourt.com.sg/
Contact: 6449 5030
Location: 52-56 Upper Cross St, Singapore 058348
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 11 AM–3 PM, 6 PM–10 PM | Saturday-Sunday 11 AM–3 PM, 5:30 PM–10 PM
7. Imperial Treasure Cantonese Cuisine
Imperial Treasure Cantonese Cuisine is a popular dining establishment recognised for its diverse Cantonese-style cuisine. Some of their signature dishes include the likes Braised Sliced Abalone, Pan Fried Live Prawn with Superior Soy Sauce, and Steamed Cod Fish Fillet with Preserved Black Olives, to name a few. Additionally, they offer an assortment of authentic dim sum in Singapore–such as ha kau dumplings, pan-fried carrot cake, and baked barbecue pork buns–exquisitely crafted by Hong Kong chefs who have perfected their craft. For those looking to dine away from the crowd, the restaurant’s private rooms are always available for booking and also serve as the perfect place to hold business luncheons, family-friendly gatherings, and other functions.
Customer Reviews:
Abraham Lee
Solid food and nice grand ambience within. Staff were also prompt in their service. Everything we ordered was exceptional and the place really lives up to the imperial name. Managed to walk in on a Saturday night tho the place was relatively crowded. Will definitely be back!
Angie Chng
We had the 2nd seating at 8pm on Fathers’ Day. By then restaurant was hardly crowded. Excellent, flavourful food even though we didnt order much given the late dinner. One of the better if not the best outlet in terms of food. Service was warm too. The few aunties servers were warm like grandmothers! Will definitely recommend this outlet even though it is a little out of the way from Orchard Road.
Emmaline Harris
Food is great and has a gd variety of dishes to pick from. Staff was friendly and very prompt in service. Staff also recommended some dishes to us and advised what size/qty to order. Overall, we had a great time there.
Website: https://www.imperialtreasure.com/restaurant/ImperialTreasureCantoneseCuisine-6
Contact: 6732 2232
Location: 1 Kim Seng Promenade, #02-112 Great World, 1, Singapore 237994
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 11:30 AM–3 PM, 6 PM–11 PM | Saturday 11 AM–3 PM, 6 PM–11 PM | Sunday 10:30 AM–3 PM, 6 PM–11 PM
8. Tim Ho Wan
Tim Ho Wan is a famous dim sum restaurant chain that originated in Hong Kong and has since expanded to various locations worldwide and is often referred to as the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant ever. The brand has since been serving its affordable Michelin star quality dim sum and Cantonese specialties in Singapore, delighting many with their signature steamed, fried, and noodle dishes as well as sweet delicacies. Whether you’re a fan of traditional dim sum or looking to try something new, Tim Ho Wan has something to offer everyone.
Customer Reviews:
Lionel Liew
Was there in time for the last order at 8.30pm, and the service was still attentive. the set meals were valued for money at $9.90. the steamed spareribs with black beans on rice set and steamed chicken with cordyceps flower had that homely taste. add on hot barley and egg tart perfect end to the meal.
Chloe L.
Was here last weekend with my family. Food quality is about the same as the other Tim Ho Wan branches but the service staff (two middle-aged ladies) were very attentive and warm in their demeanor. They made efforts to make the children feel very welcome and comfortable throughout our meal here. Thank you very much. 🙂
Bear Chua
Overall a 10/10. Other than portion the rest is on point. Service feels like home for this branch. I went yesterday and feel like welcome back to my hometown services are remarkable.
Website: http://restaurant.timhowan.com/
Contact: 6684 2000
Location: 01-01/02/03, Lavender Aperia, 12 Kallang Ave, Singapore 339511
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 AM–9 PM | Friday-Sunday 11 AM–9:30 PM
9. Yum Cha Restaurant
Certainly! Yum Cha Restaurant is a popular dining destination renowned for its broad selection of dim sum dishes, which includes both traditional recipes and modern creations by their chefs. Some of the classic options on their menu include Fish Roe with Siew Mai and Xiao Long Bao, while their innovative crowd-favourites include the likes of Mango Prawn Sesame Fritters and Squid Ink Dumplings, to name a few. In addition to dim sum, Yum Cha has expanded its menu to include favourite local items and seafood dishes such as Salted Egg Prawns, Roasted Peking Duck, and Steamed BBQ pork buns.
Customer Reviews:
Bliss Ang
The last i went to Yum Cha was a good 9 years back but the taste is still very good! Love their dim sum. Quality was very decent and variety was great. Staff was attentive and also always gently remind us not to order too much in case we cannot finish 😅 there is also a robot ‘cat’ in the restaurant which was super cute.
Shirley Lim
Very delicious! My new favourite dim sum place. Love their hot and sour soup, fried prawn wantons and the carrot cake. The congee is also tasty. Highly recommend. Service can be slow though. Will be back.
melson teo
Awesome dim sum. the prawns have exceptional q texture. ingredients are very fresh. the baby octopus is very q and tasty like Japanese cuisine. The chrysanthemums tea has a bit of astringence aftertaste. i prefer full flower flavor. It took them quite some time to serve our first round of order for buffet. around 20 minutes. The buffet is definitely worth it if you are a big eater.
Website: http://www.yumcha.com.sg/
Contact: 6372 1717
Location: 20 Trengganu St, #02-01, Singapore 058479
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:30 AM–9 PM | Saturday-Sunday 9 AM–9 PM
Conclusion
Dim sum is a culinary gem that makes for a unique dining experience with its large variety of dishes and communal aspect. From steamed buns and dumplings to rice noodle rolls and tarts, each bite-sized portion brings a burst of flavour and textures that has long since brought people together and fostered a sense of togetherness among diners. So, whether you’re a food enthusiast or someone looking for a unique cultural experience, dim sum is definitely worth a try.