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Dim sum is a time-honoured tradition deeply embedded in Hong Kong culture and its people. Steamed buns, juicy dumplings, and lotus leaf-wrapped rice are all synonymous with the artful and nostalgic cuisine. And for those familiar with the Cantonese ritual, rolling dim sum trolleys and old men holding up newspapers are all integral in memories of family gatherings. So with a keen hunt for the perfect xiao long bao, we round up some of Hong Kong’s most exquisite modern dim sum spots.
Dim Sum & Chinese Tapas at Ming Court
Following in the footsteps of its Cordis, Mong Kok flagship, Ming Court's Wan Chai outpost is nothing short of exemplary. Helmed by award-winning Executive Chef Tsang Chiu King, the restaurant pays tribute to authentic Cantonese dim sum with a contemporary twist. Such renditions include the drunken shrimp dumplings with bamboo shoots in cuttlefish ink and gold leaf and the beetroot-stained steamed rice rolls with shrimp and chives. The new glitzy bar is reminiscent of Gatsby gatherings, infused with Chinese elements to return to its roots. Be sure to order an Oolong tea martini for something light despite its martini structure.
2/F, Great Eagle Centre, 23 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, +852 2878 1212, mingcourt.com.hk
Michelin-starred dining at Duddell’s
With interiors designed by renowned Isle Crawford, there’s more to Duddell’s than meets the eye. Housed on the historic Duddell Street (hence the name) the Michelin-starred restaurant specialises in premium dim sum dishes with a modern update. Executive Chef Li Man-Lung (who used to work with Ritz Carlton) and Dim Sum Master Lau Chi-Man (worked with Mandarin Oriental’s Man Wah) curate a menu of signature dishes with a touch of Western fare.
Level 3 Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell St, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2525 9191, duddells.co
Colourful dim sum at SHÈ
In Chinese, SHÈ refers to a place of residence, rest and hospitality. The stylish and pretty-in-pink dim sum hub overlooks the Victoria Harbour from its IFC location. Embracing the fictional feminine persona of SHÈ, gourmands are seen as elegant and sophisticated, reflected in the restaurant's beautiful decor. Bite-sized signatures include the pink beetroot-stained har gao (with a touch of gold flakes) and the stuffed truffle baos with minced meat and mushrooms. Whether it's a girls' night out or a business meeting—set to strut—this humble venue makes the perfect backdrop for a divine impression.
Portion A of Shop 3025-3026 & 3031-3066, Level 3, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2110 0153, gaiagroup.com.hk/restaurant/she
Image courtesy of Adam Thompson | Cha Siu Papers Times
Incredible interiors at Mott 32
The stunning interiors at Mott 32 are designed by Joyce Wang studio, embracing an East-meets-West culture inspired by the first Chinese store which opened in New York on Mott 32 street. The dining spot serves delectable dim sum and Chinese cuisine from lunchtime to evening—a must-visit for special occasions or for a weekend treat.
Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Rd, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2885 8688, mott32.com
Image courtesy of Adam Thompson | Cha Siu Papers Times
Sustainable dim sum at SOHOFAMA (now closed)
From the brainchild behind popular healthy eating spot LOCOFAMA in trendy Sai Ying Pun, comes SOHOFAMA, a collaboration between the eatery and lifestyle brand G.O.D. Nestled in the PMQ compound, the restaurant pays tribute to Cantonese delicacies with a modern update—using organic and sustainable ingredients to encourage diners to eat wholesome dishes whilst keeping true to its Chinese roots.
Unit SG09-SG14, Block A. G/F PMQ, 35 Aberdeen St, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2858 8238, sohofama.com
Image courtesy of Adam Thompson | Cha Siu Papers Times
Heritage dining at The Chinese Library
In the colonial heritage centre, Tai Kwun, The Chinese Library sits quaint and elegant in all its glory. The Chinese restaurant is set with a sophisticated backdrop of grande, banquette style furnishings with light embellishments of brass, jade-tones, and sleek, dark wood. Dine here for a taste of innovative dim sum dishes bringing together the best cooking techniques from across Chinese regions.
Block 01, Tai Kwun, Police Headquarters, 10 Hollywood Rd, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2848 3088, chineselibrary.com.hk
Image courtesy of Langham Hotel
Fine dining at Langham Hotel’s T’ang Court
With an astonishing three Michelin stars under its belt, Langham Hotel’s T’ang Court is a longstanding runner in fine dining and dim sum. The restaurant specialises in authentic Cantonese dishes, paying tribute to the time-honoured craft. Try one of the culinary masterpieces here on a decadent night out.
1F and 2F, The Langham, Hong Kong, 8 Peking Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 2132 7898, langhamhotels.com
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