How to Eat Dim Sum: Must-Try Dishes

No two dim sum spots are exactly alike, but you're likely to find many of these tasty dishes on the carts.

©2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

©2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

©2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

©2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

©2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

©2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

©2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

©2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

©2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

©2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

©2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

©2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

©2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Navigating the Menu

Heading out for dim sum? Menus can vary widely from restaurant to restaurant, but here are some classics you'll want to order if they're offered.

Zhaliang

A fried-dough pastry wrapped in a rice noodle

Turnip Cake

A plate of pan-fried turnip cake served with soy sauce

Gai Lan 

Chinese broccoli with slender, bright-green stalks ending in slightly darker leafy greens, stir-fried and coated with soy sauce

Yue Mai         

Steamed fish balls

Pai Gwut    

Steamed spareribs

Sticky Rice

Sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaf

Har Gao 

Steamed shrimp dumplings 

Cheong Fun

Shrimp wrapped in rice noodle and doused with soy sauce

Cha Siu Bao 

Steamed pork buns

Chicken Feet

For the adventurous, a bowl of crispy chicken feet 

Jin Deui 

Fried sesame-ball pastries filled with black bean paste 

Mango Pudding

For dessert, a bowl of sweet mango pudding 

Durian Fruit Pastry

A flaky, handmade pastry filled with durian, a fruit with creamy, slightly sweet flesh and a rich, custardy texture

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