When it comes to the perfect food, a lot of people rate dim sum waaay up there. And we can see why. Dim sum, meaning ‘touch the heart’ in Cantonese, is a type of cuisine often enjoyed with tea during breakfast or lunch. Bite-sized portions of meat, veggies and crystalline dough that sum up Chinese hospitality, the afternoon meal is raved the world over. From the steamed baskets of Soho to high-end eateries serving up unique takes on this small plate favourite, check out our recommendation for the best dim sum restaurants in London below.
Last edited by Izzah Kazi
Last updated on 6th August 2024
From Hampstead to Victoria, Dim T are making sure you can get your fix at places all across the city - yup, it's literally in the name. Think a pretty space serving handmade dumplings alongside other Pan-Asian plates. The menu resembles a mixtape of Southeast Asia's flavours, incorporating a fusion twist for added variety. Picture expertly crafted dim sum filled with prawns, peanuts, coriander, and other delectable options like Korean beef, kimchi, and scallops.
All day dim sum in Chinatown London, anyone? Seek refuge from the hustle and bustle and swing by this covertly cool spot in Soho for a drink (or three). This four floor dim sum restaurant and cocktail emporium gives itself over utterly to an authentic Chinese experience. Providing an almost mystical ambience, with the extensiveness of the site and the bold décor that verges on surrealist, Opium offers some of the best Asian goodies in town. Come down to indulge in steaming baskets of Cantonese BBQ pork buns, spicy duck dumplings, and monks vegetables that are sure to satisfy your dumpling cravings.
Channelling the swoon-worthy vibes of Richard Mason's love story, A World of Suzie Wong, and its 1950s Hong Kong backdrop, this place brings classic Chinese touches with a contemporary twist, setting the stage for a plush and cosy atmosphere with a laid-back speakeasy charm. From the likes of siu mai, har gau and mushroom-truffle dim sum to featuring baskets of plump dumplings across a Cantonese-inspired afternoon tea, Lucy Wong is a great place to grab this dish. Better yet, this stunning space offers delish signature cocktails to match.
The Courtesan is a genuinely surprising and elegant establishment in the heart of Brixton's bustling foodie scene as well as one of the best places to eat dim sum in London. Renowned for its innovative and fresh take on pocket-filled goodies as well as its unique storytelling aesthetic inspired by the legendary courtesans of ancient China, this establishment is led by Fengjuan Xue, one of the few female dim sum head chefs. Both calming and buzzing, The Courtesan treats customers with assorted small plates, unusual teas and speciality cocktails. All of its treats are whipped up in-house and include delights like the Magical Mushroom Bags, XO chicken cress dumplings, and Curious Pumpkin Buns.
Gura Gura is a stunning pan-Asian destination that's as pretty as the food is tasty. Spanning two floors, this upmarket venue makes the most of what lies beneath and above the ground. From the live sushi bar to the underground cocktail lounge, they bring some serious magic to the table, whisking you away to a world of Asian flair, featuring a rich, earthy colour scheme, hanging floral installations, mosaic bars, and a full-blown tree reaching from the floor to the ceiling. Our recommendation? Pair scallop-prawn sui mai, hargau and more with the Japanese portion of the menu - think sushi, chicken karaage or black pepper chicken.
Make your way to Victoria to discover The Soak, a stylish, ornate dining destination flaunting plush leather armchairs, elegant tiled floors and full-length windows. They serve handmade dim sum courtesy of popular restaurant Ping Pong - think black prawn dumplings, crispy chicken skewers, creamy tofu noodle soup and much more - with the option to select three dishes as a main course for £25.
Enjoying incredibly slick and brooding interiors, Ping Pong adds some evening appropriate intensity to dumpling delights. A top choice for the best cheap dim sum in London, the restaurant's sultry vibes, dark wood and distinct features will soon get you glugging sake and popping bite-sized pockets from Marylebone to Southbank. The pan-Asian menu features your classic har gau and bao bun offerings alongside ever-changing specials like juicy black prawn dumplings and crispy spring rolls with a truffle twist.
Unlimited Asian tapas & sushi with free-flowing wine or beer £54.95 per person and 2 other offers
Inamo brings technology and innovation to London's eating out scene. It's a tech-friendly place where guests place their order via sleek tablets, immerse themselves in the evening with unique interactive tables and even check in on the kitchen via a chef cam. Away from all this techy excitement, there's actually some damn fine fare up for grabs. Their pan-Asian menu is designed for sharing, featuring a variety of dishes from sushi rolls to mouthwatering tapas and an assortment of dim sum treasures like beef gyozas with mango and papaya salad, sweet potato bao buns, and wagyu beef parcels.
Searching for best restaurants for dim sum in London's Chinatown? When it comes to dumpling notoriety, there is no place quite like Din Tai Fung, taking Taiwanese grub to the next level with its top-notch culinary skills. Their claim to fame? Handmade dumplings crafted on the spot and stuffed with a variety of delightful fillings. You can't go wrong with their classic bun flavours, like chilli crab, pork, mushroom, and truffle. Known globally for their soupy xiao long bao, this restaurant will have you drooling for a taste of the renowned dish.
Dubbing itself as an exploration into elegance, energy, and invention; Hakkasan really goes for it in terms of the whole dim sum experience. And why the heck not? Get into the delicacy and intrigue of this swanky venue, built around savouring rather than devouring, in an opulent setting. Slick lacquered wood and electric blue features give this Mayfair eatery a very buzzy, bar-like ambience while the dim sum remains almost terrifyingly skillful. We're talking delicacies like steamed har gau topped with gold leaf, black pepper shui mai, or crystal lobster dumplings with Oscietra caviar, all of which add a major touch of deliciousness to your typical lunchtime experience. To top it all off, this Michelin-starred restaurant is powered by top-notch sakes, perfectly paired wines, and fancy cocktails.
Park Chinois offers a menu full of gorgeous bites in decadent surroundings. Dripping with lavish decor, moody lighting, and golden furnishings, this 1930s Shanghai-inspired venue takes you on a journey across China. Their dumpling menu offers a wide range of options, from stir-fried XO mooli cake with snow crab and Chinese chive to steamed Japanese squash and pine nut dumplings, as well as wagyu beef and bamboo charcoal bao. Visit every Thursday and Friday from 12pm, where the dim sum lunch menu pairs dishes with a choice of no or low-alcohol French Bloom cocktails.
Striking every note perfectly to create an idiosyncratic yet evocative dim sum experience, Yauatcha is a cool and contemporary choice for dining in the heart of the capital. Hidden in the hustle and bustle of Soho, the venue's interior design seamlessly fuses modern elements with traditional Chinese teahouse aesthetics, creating a lively ambience reminiscent of bustling dim sum eateries found in Hong Kong. Boasting a slim, bright blue fish tank and starry sky ceiling, the ambience is eccentric yet consummately stylish. As for food, the menu features Cantonese cuisine with contemporary influences, showcasing an extensive selection of steamed, baked, grilled, and fried dim sum, like scallop shui mai and venison puffs. Everything is executed to perfection and dishes are reasonable at about £5 each.
Gorgeous city views? Check. Styled interiors with contemporary flair? Check. A glistening dim sum menu where crystal prawn dumplings and seasonal mushroom dumplings shine through? It's a big fat check thanks to Hutong at The Shard. Up on the 33rd floor with panoramic views of the city, this swanky haunt is dedicated to showcasing Northern China's diverse and captivating cuisines. Inspired by the renowned restaurant in Hong Kong, the menu is centred around the Lu school cuisine of Shandong Province, skillfully capturing the nuances of Northern Chinese culinary traditions. Plus, it has jaw-dropping interiors adorned with traditional Chinese red lanterns and beautifully hand-carved wood-panelled 'moon gates'.
