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What is Dim Sum and Where Are the Menus?by Ginny McWong Perhaps you have heard of Dim Sum and perhaps you haven't. If you had, you would know that Dim Sum is a Chinese meal that is more of a style of eating, than any one particular dish. But for the uninitiated, In a nutshell, Dim Sum is best explained as a breakfast/lunch meal of small, individual prepared dishes that are usually ordered off carts that are pushed through the dining room. Although Dim Sum can be found in all parts of the world, it is predominantly found in Chinese communities. Foods range from pastry-type items, to barbecued meat dishes to buns and dumplings. Don't ask for a menu, because many times there isn't one. Instead, you are supposed to keep looking for the carts that pass your table and see if anything appeals to you. Though there are many items that look odd and may seem more like decoration than food, be sure to try new things if you have the chance. The dishes are small and your meal should consist of multiple items and there is always room for something new. Some favorites to definitely try are Char Siu Baos (which are pork buns--be sure to check out the cool tee shirts below!), Shu Mai and Har Gow (dumplings with pork, vegetables, shrimp) and Chicken Feet. But don't stop there. Most everyone who has had Dim Sum has a favorite. It just may take time to find it. When you first sit down at the table, your waiter will probably ask what type of tea you would like. This is also a Dim Sum tradition. The perfect hot tea is just what it takes to complete a Dim Sum meal. Now, some restaurants do offer menus or ordering sheets on which you can mark your selections. Often times this is done so that you can order directly what you want and not have to wait for the cart-ladies to come around. This is good for veteran Dim Summers, but it puts the Novice at a disadvantage for they do not get to check out the dishes before deciding. Most restaurants, however, just have carts going around the dining room with the dishes on display.
Now you are probably wondering where you can experience Dim Sum. Well, if you're in Asia, then you can't be far. Nearly all major Chinese cities (the bigger restaurants and hotels at least) will server Dim Sum (usually for breakfast and lunch, although there are 'all-day' or 24-hour places as well). Outside of Asia, most large cities with any kind of Asian influence will have at least one Dim Sum restaurant. Cities with Chinatowns (New York, L.A., San Francisco, etc.) will have many restaurants serving Dim Sum. And for something really cool, check out the clocks below--the numbers are all in Chinese! The shirts are cool, too and if you wear it to Dim Sum, you are sure to get noticed! Check out the store below for other uniquely Asian products. |
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Dim Sum can be a daunting array of odd-looking dishes, new tastes and a new way of eating.
When you chose a dish, the servers pushing the cart will stamp or mark your ticket to keep track of what you have ordered. At the end, somebody will add up everything for your final bill.