Best restaurants in Hong Kong to satisfy your dim sum cravings

The Chinese Library takes inspiration from the founder, David Yeo’s own library of Chinese cookbooks. The Tai Kwun-based restaurant serves Chinese dishes with a contemporary touch. It boasts a dining room that recalls a bygone era, complete with a wooden design and shades of green. The menu, crafted by chef Junno Li, is just as impressive as the facade. Must-order dishes include the Chrysanthemum “Thousand Cut” Silken Tofu in Chicken Broth, Sichuan Garoupa with Glass Noodles in Chilli Broth, and Roast Hand-pulled Chicken with Hunan Green Chilli.

(Image credit: thechineselibrary/Instagram)

Duddell’s is well-loved for two things: art and dim sum. Its art appreciation is reflected in its chic interiors, designed to make diners feel like they’re stepping into an art collector’s home. The love for art and food combine to create visually appealing and compelling dishes. Expect contemporary takes on classics such as the Garoupa Dumplings or the Truffled Fried Omnipork Dumplings.

(Image credit: duddellshk/Instagram)

If you want to try dim sum with a modern spin, Dim Sum Library should be on your radar. This restaurant has been boldly giving new interpretations to dim sum, offering a refreshing way to enjoy them. Try these innovative takes, whether it’s for lunch, afternoon tea, or dinner. You can’t miss the Dan Dan Pork Noodles, the Black Garlic Siu Mai, and the Mala Xiao Long Bao here. Also, don’t forget to try their tea-inspired cocktails.

(Image credit: dimsumlibrary/Instagram)

SHÈ provides its guests with a place to relax and rest, just like its name in Chinese which means “a place of residence, rest, and hospitality.” Expect not only great service but also amazing food. The dim sum offerings have a modern touch but are reminiscent of home-style cooking. The menu is expansive, running almost 20 pages long! Whether you’re craving classic dumplings or barbecued favourites, make sure you come hungry!

(Image credit: shehongkong/Instagram)

Eating at Ho Lee Fok will take you on a trip down memory lane. They take pride in serving classic dishes that are “as familiar as Mom’s dumplings”. Whether you are going for some quick bites, soup or roast meats, this place will remind you of home. Do not miss out on the opulent “Good Fortune Club” dim sum lunch, available on the first Sunday of every month. Also, try the scrumptious Har Gow, Fried Taro Puff, and many more.

(Image credit: holeefookhk/Instagram)

While its beloved sibling restaurant Lin Heung Tea House closed down, Lin Heung Kui is still here as an alternative. It has the same serving style and menu as Lin Heung Tea House. It’s a two-floor eatery packed with dim sum trollies and bamboo baskets filled with classic Cantonese dishes. Don’t miss the Lin Heung Special Duck which is the restaurant’s speciality. We also recommend trying the Spare Ribs, Sesame Paste Buns, and Soft Fish Maw.

Mid-night snack, anyone? Sun Hing Restaurant in Kennedy Town remains open from 3 am daily. The dim sum joint boasts homemade dishes to start (or end) your day. Gulp down the delicious Chicken Feet or Barbecue Pork Buns, and many others available on the stream trolley.

If the queues outside this small dim sum eatery tell you anything, it’s that people are willing to line up to get a taste of the food here. Enough to house 30 diners, One Dim Sum in Prince Edward previously held a Michelin star in 2011 and 2012. But despite not retaining the status, patrons and tourists alike still head here for affordable, Michelin-quality dim sum. Simply take your pick from the range of dishes available, from steamed dumplings to rolls and buns.

(Image credit: baby2k/Openrice)

Dim Sum Square is another restaurant that Hongkongers are willing to queue up for, so we recommend avoiding peak hours unless you don’t mind the wait. Located in Sheung Wan, it’s the perfect food stop after a day of gallery hopping in the area. The menu is what you’d expect from a traditional dim sum restaurant, so you’ll never go wrong with what you order.

Wrapping up the list of best dim sum places perhaps the most iconic one—City Hall Maxim’s Palace. This renowned restaurant offers the best of Cantonese cuisine and dim sum, in addition to its sweeping views of Victoria Harbour. It’s been around since 1980 so you know it’s definitely been tried and tested. On the menu are old-school classics like juicy sui mai and succulent pork spare ribs. Thanks to its spacious dining hall, this is the perfect place for family gatherings and big dining groups.

(Image credit: W. M. Yu/Openrice)