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Dim Sum In Hong Kong: The Best Yum Cha For Kids

Posted on 20 August, 2023 | By Sassy Mama
EatPost Category - EatEat - Post Category - Family FriendlyFamily Friendly
Dim Sum Restaurants Hong Kong Eat: Yum Cha
EatPost Category - EatEat - Post Category - Family FriendlyFamily Friendly

You dim sum, you lose some! We love taking the kids for yum cha! From cheap and cheerful tea houses, cute dim sum dishes (that are definitely Insta-worthy) and classic yum cha restaurants; there’s a reason that this is Hong Konger’s preferred dining style.

How a-bao some dim sum? Whether you’re on the hunt for a snack for yourself or baskets to share around the family, there’s a piece to please everyone. With its literal translation being “touch the heart”, it’s no wonder that dim sum is a local comfort food is enjoyed by young and old alike. Kids love it because it’s easy to handle and eat – the cute dim sum and quirky presentation in some restaurants is just another bonus! And with so many amazing Hong Kong yum cha spots (ranging from the fancy-schmancy to hole-in-the-wall), we’ve rounded up a few of our family favourite dim sum spots.

Sassy Mama Tip: Adding MSG to Chinese food is common, as is using some sort of animal fat or broth, so call ahead to check if anyone in your family has serious allergies or dietary restrictions. English menus and English-speaking servers may be difficult to find in some of the more local dim sum restaurants, but with a little bit of gesturing and pointing to pictures of dishes, you will not only be able to get on but quite enjoy the experience as well.

Read More: Family Restaurants – Eat With The Kids At These Hong Kong Restaurants

Ellie dim sum hong kong yum cha Sai Kung hong kong

Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant — Dim sum on Sai Kung’s waterfront

Few villages retain their old Hong Kong charm like seaside Sai Kung. There are plenty of traditional dim sum restaurants to choose from, but yum cha spot boasts a Michelin recommendation to go along with its waterfront location. We recommend filling your kids up on classic favourites like char siu bao, spring rolls and har gao before heading out for an island-hopping adventure.

Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant, 87-93 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong, 2792 6938

Read More: Sai Kung Neighbourhood Guide For Families In Hong Kong

City Hall Maxim’s Palace — Authentic yum cha experience with trolley dim sum

Enjoy authentic yum cha by having family brunch at Maxim’s Palace. The restaurant has many branches across Hong Kong, but we prefer the City Hall location. Here, you’ll see a large variety of traditional and delicious dim sum on offer, many of which will be paraded past your table on trolleys, with plenty of vegetarian dim sum options too.

City Hall Maxim’s Palace, 2/F Low Block, City Hall, Central, Hong Kong, 2521 1303, www.maxims.com.hk

Dim Sum Restaurants Hong Kong yum cha: Crystal Jade

Crystal Jade — Reliable, quality dim sum with convenient locations

Crystal Jade operates two restaurant concepts — La Mian Xiao Long Bao and Chiu Chow Kitchen. We’re big fans of the traditional La Mian Xiao Long Bao, which is conveniently located at shopping malls across the city for its tasty MSG-free dim sum options. Try the xiao long bao with hairy crab roe, pan-fried mini shrimp, pork dumplings and lots more!

Crystal Jade, various locations across Hong Kong, www.crystaljade.com.hk

Read More: Breakfast In Hong Kong: Family-Friendly Breakfast Spots Across The City

Crystal Lotus — Disney dim sum fun for the family

Indulge your kids’ (and secretly your own) Disney obsession with the signature character dim sum like Mickey’s Double-Layer Turnip and Taro pudding that’s available year-round at Crystal Lotus yum cha restaurant. Serving up food from the four major culinary regions of China with a contemporary flair, no tickets are needed (just be sure to call ahead to order your dim sum)!

Crystal Lotus, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 3510 6000, www.hongkongdisneyland.com

Read More: Disneyland Hong Kong: Tickets, Rides, Food, Opening Hours And Tips You Need To Know

Dim Dim Sum — Quick and easy yum cha

If you’ve only got time for a quick bite while you’re out and about with the kids, Dim Dim Sum is the perfect yum cha place to hit up. This no-frills eatery specialises in dim sum, but also offers up other more filling mains such as a variety of congee and steamed rice bowls. We recommend the black truffle xiao long bao and the “golden sand” little pig buns with sweet runny filling (a guaranteed hit with your little ones!). There are also meat-free options, so be sure to check those out if you’re looking for vegetarian dim sum!

Dim Dim Sum, various locations across Hong Kong, www.dimdimsum.hk

Dim Sum Restaurants Hong Kong yum cha: Dim Sum Library

Dim Sum Library — Familiar dim sum flavours with an innovative twist

If you want to try a new take on classic yum cha dishes, look no further than Dim Sum Library.  It’s the perfect option for a stopover while shopping with the family. Our favourite yum cha dishes include the black truffle har gau (featuring a hint of truffle wrapped in delicate rice paper) along with juicy, meaty shrimp. The Wagyu beef puffs are not to be missed as well.

Dim Sum Library Pacific Place, Shop 124, Level 1, The Mall, Pacific Place, Admiralty, Hong Kong, 3643 0088, www.dimsumlibrary.com.hk

Dim Sum Square – Best yum cha for a cheap and quick lunch

If you’re simply looking for a local dim sum dining experience, opt for Dim Sum Square for its old-fashioned and wallet-friendly dumplings and other dim sum delights! Good for a quick lunch or midday bite, the dim sum here is satisfying and definitely great value for money but be prepared to queue.

Dim Sum Square, G/F, 88 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2851 8088, www.facebook.com/dimsumsquare

Dim Sum Restaurants Hong Kong yum cha: Din Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung — Taiwanese dim sum specialising in Xiao Long Bao

Originating in Taiwan (with locations worldwide), Din Tai Fung is a dim sum favourite amongst locals and expats alike. Specialising in xiao long bao (soupy dumplings – steamed pork, green squash and shrimp or chicken are top faves), its other must-try dishes include the deep-fried yellow croaker, the pan-fried shrimp and pork dumplings, or for the vegetarians, the steamed mushroom vegetarian bun.

Din Tai Fung, various locations across Hong Kong, www.dintaifung.com.hk

Read More: Chi Lin Nunnery And Nan Lian Garden: A Family Outing To Diamond Hill

Dim Sum Restaurants Hong Kong yum cha: Fresco Dim Sum

Fresco Dim Sum – Affordable yum cha spot in Kennedy Town

Hong Kong Island may be notoriously known for being pricier unless you know where to look! Fresco Dim Sum is super affordable but doesn’t skimp on quality. All dim sum dishes are heated upon order and come served to your table fresh! Plus, the yum cha menu has English translations so ordering is a breeze.

Fresco Dim Sum, Shop A, G/F, Fook On Mansion, 23-25 North Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, 2581 0303, www.openrice.com/fresco-dim-sum

One Dim Sum – Local dim sum favourite

A local dim sum favourite (and one of ours, too!), take your pick from yum cha classics like char siu bao (BBQ pork buns) and har gow (prawn dumplings). Be sure to leave space for the egg custard buns – we can’t ever leave without ordering some, even if we’re already stuffed to the brim. Just make sure to get there early! Doors open at 10am, but there’s always a queue at this popular spot.

One Dim Sum, G/F, 209A and 209 B, Tung Choi Road, Prince Edward, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2677 7888

Read More: Brunch Hong Kong: Best Weekend Brunches & Free-Flow Buffets For Families

Social Place — Healthy, cute dim sum dishes

Social Place prides itself on its contemporary Chinese cuisine created with healthier ingredients. Must-try dim sum includes its truffle shiitake buns that look like giant mushrooms themselves, and the “pears”, a cream soup-filled dumpling. Younger children might like the sweet potato piggy buns and the “turtle” barbeque pork buns, while the black and golden custard bun almost looks too good to eat! Yum cha reservations are recommended because it’s almost impossible to get a table at lunchtime otherwise.

Social Place, various locations in Hong Kong, www.socialplace.hk

Dim Sum Restaurants Hong Kong yum cha: Tim Ho Wan

Tim Ho Wan — Cheap, Michelin-starred dim sum

This could possibly be the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant! With a global presence peppered around Asia (and even in Australia and America) and several locations scattered across town from Hong Kong Station to Sham Shui Po, you have no excuse to not drop by this dim sum favourite. We recommend the world-famous crispy Char Siu Baos – the light-as-air buns burst with sweet, tender pork and BBQ sauce.

Tim Ho Wan, various locations across Hong Kong, www.timhowan.com

Vegetarian Restaurant Hong Kong Family-Friendly Where To Eat Vegan Eat Veggie Kingdom

Veggie Kingdom – Vegetarian dim sum restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui

You can expect traditional Chinese dim sum minus the meat at Veggie Kingdom. From char siu to shrimp dumplings and more, Veggie Kingdom nails texture and technique and gives us the same taste as non-vegetarian options would. We’ve been back for yum cha more than once because of its service, comfortable seating that’s also stroller-friendly, and just to celebrate having veggie options for those of us who don’t consume meat!

Veggie Kingdom, 7/F, VIP Commercial Centre, 120 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 2366 0336, www.veggiekingdom.hk

Read More: Vegetarian Restaurants Hong Kong: Where To Eat Vegetarian Food With The Family

Dim Sum Restaurants Hong Kong yum cha: Yum Cha

Yum Cha — Novelty, kid-friendly dim sum dishes

No list of Hong Kong dim sum restaurants would be complete without a mention of Yum Cha! If you’ve got picky eaters on your hands, perhaps some cute little buns will do the trick. Home to the famous “vomiting” custard buns and an adorable cast of bao characters, young ones will have a blast playing with their food. Offering incredibly attractive options for lunch and dinner alongside its famous buns, its char siu bao, sweet and sour pork and pineapple Singapore vermicelli are sure to be a hit. Mamas will appreciate the no-MSG promise too.     

Yum Cha, various locations across Hong Kong, www.yumchahk.com

Dim Sum Restaurants Hong Kong yum cha: Duddells

More Hong Kong Dim Sum Restaurants

Read More: Grocery Stores: Supermarkets With Grocery Delivery In Hong Kong

Editor’s note: “The Best Dim Sum In Hong Kong: Where To Go For Yum Cha With Kids” was most recently updated in December 2022 by Fashila Kanakka.

Main image courtesy of YUM CHA HK via Facebook, image 1 courtesy of Jess Mizzi, image 2 courtesy of Crystal Jade HK via Facebook, image 3 courtesy of Dim Sum Library via Facebook, image 4 courtesy of Din Tai Fung Hong Kong via Facebook, image 5 courtesy of Quenby Wong, image 6 courtesy of Najuka Redkar, image 7 courtesy of Veggie Kingdom via Facebook, image 8 courtesy of YUM CHA HK via Facebook, image 9 courtesy of Duddell's via Facebook. 

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We scour, sweat, drag strollers up and down hills and brave the queues on the MTR, just to bring you the latest news on what’s hot in the world of parenting in Hong Kong!