Dim sum is a traditional Chinese cuisine that has gained global popularity due to its diverse and flavourful offerings. These bite-sized delicacies, often served in bamboo steamers, include a variety of dumplings, buns, and rolls that cater to different tastes and preferences. The communal dining experience, where these dishes are shared among friends and family, adds to the charm of dim sum, thereby making it a beloved meal for gatherings. Its adaptability to local ingredients and culinary styles has also further enhanced its appeal and allowed it to thrive in various cultural contexts.
In Singapore, dim sum holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and tourists alike. Chinatown, in particular, is renowned for its exceptional dim sum restaurants, where traditional recipes are preserved and celebrated. From bustling hawker centres to elegant tea houses, Chinatown offers a plethora of options for dim sum enthusiasts. The vibrant atmosphere and rich culinary heritage of this area make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to savour authentic dim sum. To help you in your search for the most delicious dim sum in town, read on as this article lists down five of the best dim sum places in Chinatown that will surely delight you with your favourite Chinese dish.
1. Fortune Garden
Fortune Garden is a culinary gem in Singapore, celebrated for its authentic Cantonese cuisine and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring traditional favourites and innovative dishes, all prepared with the finest ingredients. If you are specifically looking for the tastiest and the best dim sum in Chinatown, you can count on Fortune Garden to provide you with a memorable dining experience. Each dim sum dish in this restaurant is meticulously crafted to ensure its authentic and savoury taste. Aside from its succulent dishes, the ambience of Fortune Garden, with its beautiful décor and top-notch service, also enhances the dining experience of its customers, making it a perfect spot for both casual meals and special celebrations.
Business Reviews:
1. Very tasty food, best in Chinatown, from dim sums to all kind of meat and soups. Amazing!!!
2. Loved the food there. We tried the dim sum, xiao long bao, spicy shredded meat and the special of the house – the golden hanging roast pork. Everything was delicious and the customer service was on point.
3. Pretty nice dong bei cuisine at chinatown, waitress provide great service, boss very friendly.
| Website: | https://fortunegarden.meuu.online/home? |
| Operating Hours: | 11 AM – 11 PM Daily |
| Number: | 6226 6388 |
| Address: | 61 Pagoda St, MRT Exit A, Singapore 059220 |
2. Jing Hua Xiao Chi
Jing Hua Xiao Chi is a beloved eatery known for its authentic and delicious dim sum. This charming restaurant offers a cosy, nostalgic atmosphere that transports diners to the heart of traditional Chinese cuisine. Their menu features a variety of dim sum delights, including juicy xiao long bao (soup dumplings), crispy fried dumplings, and savoury potstickers, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each dish here is crafted with care, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the region. The friendly service and warm ambience also make Jing Hua Xiao Chi a perfect spot for a casual meal with family or friends. Whether you are a dim sum enthusiast or new to these delicacies, Jing Hua Xiao Chi promises a delightful and satisfying dining experience for you.
Business Reviews:
1. Juicy gyoza, xiaolongbao, chinese pizza, xiumai, spring roll and variety of dim sum for reasonable price. Frozen dim sum is also available for take away. Spring roll was very very hot. Be careful!!
2. Solid dim sum place very similar to din tai fung. Greens were nice with a bit of broth in them, and soup dumplings were also good. The flavor profile was mild in the dumplings and not quite as good as other places but I only tried two. I’d still come back. They also have frosted mugs for the beer that really hit the spot on a hot day.
3. Delicious chinese food. Good variety of dim sum. Dessert is good.
| Website: | https://jinghua.sg/ |
| Operating Hours: | Tuesday – Sunday 11:30 AM – 3 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Closed on Mondays |
| Number: | 6221 3060 |
| Address: | 21/23 Neil Rd, Singapore 088814 |
3. Spring Court Chinese Restaurant
Spring Court Chinese Restaurant is another historic gem renowned for being one of the best dim sum places in Chinatown. Established in 1929, this iconic restaurant blends tradition with modernity, serving a wide array of dim sum that delights both locals and tourists. Their menu features classics like delicate har gow (shrimp dumplings), flavourful siu mai (pork dumplings), and perfectly steamed char siu bao (barbecue pork buns). All their dishes are prepared with precision and using high-quality ingredients, thereby ensuring a burst of authentic flavours with every bite. Moreover, the restaurant’s elegant yet relaxing ambience, combined with attentive service, makes it an ideal spot for special occasions or simple gatherings. Here, every dim sum experience is a celebration of Singapore’s rich culinary heritage.
Business Reviews:
1. Love the retro decor and ambience. The dim sum is on another level. The best Chee Cheong Fun I have had. Truly a very recommendable restaurant. I lived here all my life and only discovered this place recently. What a find!!
2. Traditional dim sum done very well. Good wok hei, good in-house chili sauce. Stand out special dishes like kong bak with steamed buns, carrot cake, liu sar bao.
3. Delicious dim sum. Good service. Attendants very attentive.
| Website: | https://www.springcourt.com.sg/ |
| Operating Hours: | Monday – Frinday 11 AM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 10 PM | Saturday & Sunday 11 AM – 3 PM, 5:30 PM – 10 PM |
| Number: | 6449 5030 |
| Address: | 52-56 Upper Cross St, Singapore 058348 |
4. Red Star Restaurant
Red Star Restaurant is also a beloved culinary institution, famed for its traditional dim sum served in a nostalgic, old-world setting. This iconic restaurant offers a wide array of dim sum delights, from savory siu mai (pork dumplings) to fluffy char siu bao (barbecue pork buns). Each dish here is carefully prepared using time-honoured recipes and the freshest ingredients to ensure an authentic taste experience. Furthermore, the restaurant’s unique atmosphere adds to the charm it has, making it a favourite spot for all dim sum enthusiasts looking for a cosy place to enjoy their favourite dish. Overall, Red Star Restaurant promises to provide all its customers a pleasant journey through the rich flavours of traditional Cantonese dim sum.
Business Reviews:
1. Old school dim sum joint always have regular support. Value for money aircon dim sum meal.
2. Traditional canto style “yam cha” dim sum restaurant with push carts.They also have zhee char on the menu. The go to place to have dim sum. Highly recommended.
3. Settled in the outskirts of Chinatown, this old school themed restaurant is famous for its Cantonese cuisine. Pro-tip: the dim sum is a must try!
| Website: | https://www.red-star.com.sg/ |
| Operating Hours: | Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 10 PM | Saturday & Sunday 8 AM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 10 PM |
| Number: | 6532 5266 |
| Address: | Block 54 Chin Swee Rd, #07-23, Singapore 160054 |
5. Yum Cha Restaurant
Completing this list of the most excellent dim sum places in Chinatown is no other than Yum Cha Restaurant. It is considered by its patrons as a dim sum lover’s paradise, offering a delightful array of traditional and innovative dim sum dishes. Diners here can savour a variety of dim sum, including delicate har gow (shrimp dumplings), flavorful siu mai (pork dumplings), and crispy spring rolls, all made with fresh, premium ingredients. In addition, the restaurant’s pushcart service adds a nostalgic touch to the overall dining experience, allowing guests to choose from a wide selection of steaming hot dim sum right at their table. With its delicious food, warm ambience, and top-tier service, there is no question why Yum Cha Restaurant is a popular choice when it comes to dim sum in Singapore.
Business Reviews:
1. Always like the dim sum here. Very nice siew mai and char siew bun!
2. This is the first time I’ve eaten here. We ordered lots of dim sum. All of them are delicious!
3. One of the really better places for dim sum in SG! 👍🏻👍🏻 Rare to find good dim sum.
| Website: | https://www.yumcha.com.sg/ |
| Operating Hours: | Tuesday – Friday 10:30 AM – 9 PM | Saturday & Sunday 9 AM – 9 PM |
| Number: | 6372 1717 |
| Address: | 20 Trengganu St, #02-01, Singapore 058479 |
Conclusion
Dim sum’s popularity in Singapore can be attributed to its rich flavours, variety, and the communal dining experience it offers. In Chinatown, particularly, this culinary tradition is celebrated with numerous outstanding dim sum establishments, such as Fortune Garden, Jing Hua Xiao Chi, Spring Court Chinese Restaurant, Red Star Restaurant, and Yum Cha Restaurant. These establishments offer nothing but the best dim sums in Chinatown by combining exquisite flavour with excellent customer service. As such, there is no doubt that these renowned spots make Chinatown a must-visit for all dim sum enthusiasts.
