Chinese – Dim Sum – theEatLand

Dim Sum (点心) refers to a traditional style of Chinese cuisine that includes a wide variety of small, bite-sized dishes, often served in steamer baskets or on small plates. Originating from Cantonese-speaking regions, dim sum is commonly enjoyed during brunch or tea time and is typically associated with Yum Cha (饮茶), which means “drinking tea.”

Key Aspects of Dim Sum:

1. Types of Dim Sum:

Dim sum encompasses a broad range of dishes, which can be steamed, fried, or baked. Common types include:

Dumplings: The most popular dim sum item, including:
- Har Gow (虾饺): Steamed shrimp dumplings with a translucent skin.
- Shumai (烧卖): Steamed dumplings filled with pork or shrimp, topped with a bit of roe or mushroom.
- Xiao Long Bao (小笼包): Soup-filled dumplings, often served with a hot, savory broth inside.
Buns:
- Char Siu Bao (叉烧包): Steamed buns filled with sweet barbecued pork.
- Liu Sha Bao (流沙包): Fluffy buns filled with salted egg yolk custard.
Spring Rolls (春卷): Fried, crispy rolls filled with vegetables or meat.
Rice Rolls (肠粉): Steamed rice noodle rolls filled with ingredients like shrimp, beef, or pork.
Tarts:
- Egg Tarts (蛋挞): Small pastries filled with a sweet, creamy egg custard.
Other Savory Dishes:
- Sticky Rice (糯米鸡): Sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves, usually with pork or chicken inside.
- Steamed spare ribs (排骨蒸): Pork ribs steamed with black bean sauce.

2. Cultural Significance:

Dim sum originated in the Guangdong province of southern China and has spread worldwide, particularly in places like Hong Kong and Chinatowns.
Dim sum is not just about food but also about socializing. It’s a communal experience, often enjoyed with friends or family.
Yum Cha: The act of having dim sum is typically paired with drinking Chinese tea, which enhances digestion and complements the dishes.

3. Tea Pairing:

Traditional dim sum is served with a variety of Chinese teas, including:
- Oolong Tea: Often served with fatty or fried dim sum.
- Pu-erh Tea: Aged tea that’s great for cleansing the palate.
- Jasmine Tea: Floral and refreshing.
- Chrysanthemum Tea: Light and cooling, popular for its medicinal benefits.

4. Presentation:

Dim sum is usually served in small steamer baskets or small plates.
Dishes are often shared among a group, reflecting the communal nature of the meal.

5. Dim Sum Etiquette:

It’s common to share dim sum dishes with others, making it a family-style meal.
Trolley service: In many dim sum restaurants, waitstaff will push carts loaded with various dim sum items around the restaurant, allowing diners to choose what they’d like to order directly from the trolley.

6. Modern Variations:

While traditionally associated with Cantonese cuisine, dim sum has been adapted and innovated in various parts of the world, with new fillings, fusion dishes, and creative takes on the classics.

7. Dim Sum Worldwide:

Dim sum has grown in popularity beyond China and is now commonly found in Chinese restaurants worldwide, especially in cities with large Chinese communities.

Dim Sum is a diverse and versatile style of dining that is both delicious and a cultural experience, bringing people together through food and tea.