Dim Sum in London
Dim sum β the Cantonese tradition of small dishes served with tea, traditionally eaten for breakfast or lunch β is one of the most enjoyable communal eating experiences London offers. The city has a strong dim sum scene beyond just Chinatown.
Chinatown vs Other Areas
Chinatown on Gerrard Street has plenty of dim sum options, and quality has improved markedly in recent years, but the strongest dim sum restaurants are often found slightly further afield. Queensway in Bayswater (particularly Royal China) is well-regarded for traditional trolley-service dim sum. The outer London Cantonese communities β Golders Green, Cricklewood, Archway β often have restaurants serving a more local, less tourist-adjusted menu.
What to Order
For first-timers, the essentials: har gow (prawn dumplings in translucent wrapper β a technical benchmark), siu mai (pork and prawn open dumplings), cheung fun (rice noodle rolls, often with prawns or barbecue pork), char siu bao (barbecue pork buns, either steamed or baked), turnip cake (lo bak go), and egg tarts at the end. Order more than you think you need β dishes are small and meant to be shared across the table.
Service Style
Traditional dim sum comes either trolley-service (dim sum carts pushed around the room, you pick what you want as they pass β busier, more chaotic, more fun) or menu-order (tick a sheet, more control, less atmosphere). Weekend mornings are the authentic time to go β quieter weekdays also work but miss the full energy of a packed dim sum room.
Tips
- Go on a Sunday morning for the full experience β dim sum is a weekend brunch tradition.
- Book in advance for weekend slots at well-known spots β they fill up early.
- Order har gow first β if they're good, the kitchen is serious.
- Don't be intimidated by the pace β trolley service moves fast and pointing works fine.