MUST TRY: 10 THINGS TO ORDER AT A HONG KONG DIM SUM RESTAURANT

FOODIE

Did you know that the phrase "Dim Sum" actually means 'touch the heart'?

Dim sum, also known as yum cha, is a tradition which usually involves small portions of steamed, pan-fried, or deep-fried dim sum dishes served in bamboo steamers, which are designed to be eaten communally and with tea. People will often go to yum cha in large groups for celebrations or family gatherings. Explore some of the best yum cha Hong Kong has to offer from our list of favorite spots to eat.

Together with his team, Hotel ICON's Assistant Chief Concierge Howard Lee introduces several sweet and savoury dishes one should order at a dim sum restaurant, along with where to get the best of these dishes.

OUR TOP 6 PICKS FOR DIM SUM - HONG KONG

Traditional

MAXIM'S PALACE CITY HALL
Old-school Dim Sum Hall. Since it opened its doors in 1980, Maxim's Palace City Hall has attracted a fair share of hungry locals and curious tourists alike in its large, cheerful cavernous hall decorated with dangling chandeliers and Chinese-style gold accents. Classic Dim sum is served on a traditional trolley pushed around the hall.
Price: Below HK $200
2/F Low Block, City Hall, Central
Fook Lam Moon
The Tycoon's Canteen. Run by the third generation of the same family since 1948, this two Michelin-starred fine-dining Cantonese restaurant has attracted many regulars, including some of the city's most high-profile players. Firmly rooted in its Cantonese heritage and a strong reverence for family recipes, Fook Lam Moon's highlights include baked stuffed crab shell and roast suckling pig.
Price: HK $300 - $400
34 - 45 Johnston Road, Wan Chai
Lin Heung Kui
Fare Cantonese Classic: Bustling, loud and lively, Lin Heung Kui is the epitome of a local dim sum parlour. Dim Sum is served on trolleys while waiters usher guests to sit (even if it means sharing with strangers!). Remember: Attitude isn't everything! Focus on their outstanding siu mai and cheung faan ha (shrimp rice rolls) instead of the perfunctory service.
Price: $50 - $150
2-3/F, 40 - 50 Des Vouex Road West, Sheung Wan

Contemporary

Above & Beyond
Luxurious dining with a view. With an elegant interior designed by world-renowned Conran & Partners to complement stunning views of the Victoria Harbour, Above & Beyond features seasonal Cantonese dishes such as the Crispy Chicken and Wok Fried Diced Abalone. It also offers a range of artistic cocktails with flavours that highlight Hong Kong's favourite ingredients.
Price: HK $150 - $400
28/F Hotel ICON, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon

Mott 32
Modern Chinese Cuisine. Dark, modern decor sets the scene in this basement Chinese restaurant headed by Maximal Concepts. Encapsulating the concept of East meets West, you'll be amazed to see the range of succulent contemporary dim sum offered.
Price: $600 - $1000
Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4-4A Des Vouex Road, Central
Duddell's
Art Gallery within: An elegant yet homey eatery that serves delicate, pastel-coloured dim sum - Duddell's is the social and cultural rendezvous for artists to mingle. It offers innovative Cantonese style cuisine (i.e., siu mai with quail egg) along with an impressive selection of French wines.
Price: $200 - $400
3/F, Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street, Central