Best dim sum in Hong Kong – 10 places to try

Duddell's, found in the historical Central district, brings together art and traditional Cantonese cuisine. Spanning two floors, it houses a Michelin-starred restaurant and halls that regularly host world-class exhibitions and cultural talks. The stylish lounge, The Salon, offers dim sums all day long. You can pick from various options, like pork and shrimp served with sautéed asparagus with fungus and black truffle. In the main restaurant, the chef suggests dishes like steamed garoupa with egg white and 20 years HuaDiao wine or crispy suckling pig, which requires ordering 2-4 hours in advance. Also, they've got a wide drink selection on the wine menu, sorted based on the philosophy of the 5 elements. And if the art on the walls gets you feeling adventurous, give the zesty and spiced Turmeric sour from the 'Metal' section a try.

Average price per person – $70

Mott 32 stands out as one of the most honored Chinese restaurant names worldwide. It's not just about the food – but also about the stunning colonial-style designs that deserve their own awards. The Hong Kong spot, under the guidance of Lee Man Sing, mesmerizes guests with incredible dishes. They offer Australian Wagyu beef puff, applewood-roasted Peking duck, and a dessert called Bamboo Green Forest cake that looks like a tiny bonsai on a plate. With a vast selection of handcrafted dim sums made from time-honored recipes, like those with black cod and miso, or the crowd-pleaser with soft quail egg, Iberico pork, and black truffle, you might find yourself becoming a regular here, forgetting about other restaurants you used to love.

Average price per person – $35

Follow the manually carved jade corridor from the Regent Hong Kong hotel lobby, and it will lead you to Lai Ching Heen – a restaurant that's earned 2 Michelin stars, boasting stunning skyline views within an extraordinary setting. Adorned silk screens, resembling stone patterns with embroidered flowers, add to the charm, much like colorful dim sums served in traditional baskets, just like tiny jewels. To experience the chefs' mastery, try freshwater eel, paired with lightly sweet baked turnip and puff pastry, offering an explosion of flavors. Other crowd favorites are steamed matsutake mushrooms and Qian Shi dumplings boasting rich aroma and texture akin to mollusks. Then, there are mini egg custard mooncakes speckled with edible gold leaf flakes, appearing like real gold bars until you bite into their creamy, delicate texture. A visit to Lai Ching Heen promises not just incredible food but an aesthetic delight as well.

Average price per person – $80

Critics from a renowned food guide believed that the shabbier the place, the better the food, awarding this unassuming low-key spot, One Dim Sum, with 2 Michelin stars for a couple of years straight (2010-2011). While they couldn't hold onto the accolade for long, the queues still stretch out beyond the entrance, drawing both locals and tourists. The menu has a lot to offer – Chinese dim sums, steamed dumplings, desserts, veggies, and plenty of vegetarian options. The must-try items include Chiu Chow-style dumplings, vermicelli rolls with deep-fried flour, and steamed Malaysian sponge cake, along with super soft barbecued pork buns. Despite having a previous Michelin rating, the prices here are incredibly reasonable. Don't miss out on this spot and make sure to get a queue number when you visit.

1 serving of dim sums – from $10

A great reason to step into the Four Seasons Hotel, nestled by the picturesque Victoria Harbour, is to enjoy a weekend dim sum lunch at Lung King Heen, a proud holder of 3 Michelin stars for the past 14 years. Under the guidance of China's top chef, Chan Yan Tak, 4 special menus have been crafted just for this popular dish, rotating with the seasons. Among their master dishes are steamed shrimp dumplings with bamboo shoots, baked BBQ pork buns with pine nuts and a sweet, buttery crust, and whole abalone puff with diced chicken, mixing juicy fillings with flaky pastry layers in an amazing way. And that's just scratching the surface of their main and tasting menus, featuring treats like wok-fried superior Australian Wagyu beef with fresh walnut, capsicum, and lily bulbs. Remember to swap your flip-flops for something smart-casual to fully enjoy your evening at this fine-dining establishment.

Average price per person – $80

The Cantonese restaurant Man Ho, found within the luxurious JW Marriott Hotel, embodies the highest ideals of Chinese aesthetics. Before diners sit by the bay, they stroll past walls hand-painted with Cloisonné enamel, a fountain featuring lotus sculptures, and shimmering cascading chandeliers. With a star from the Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau, their handmade dim sums are exceptional, as well as signature baked whole dried South African puff with wild mushrooms. You should also try more dishes from the traditional Chinese menu, all led by a talented young chef. His Inaniwa udon with crab meat and luffa melon or braised premium bird's nest with crab roe and crab meat are sure to leave a lasting impression. And don't miss their perfectly crafted creations from the popular Five Elements menu, made with exquisite ingredients and inspired by the relationship between these 5 philosophical principles, food colors, and their impact on the body.

Average price per person – $65

One Harbour Road, located in the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, is a highly popular Michelin-starred restaurant offering elegant Cantonese dishes alongside breathtaking views of the bay. With its almost 180-degree view from a beautifully marble-decorated hall, it's a favorite spot for watching the annual New Year’s Eve firework display. They serve up flawless traditional dim sums, presenting three different menus featuring various types, from classic pork to deep-fried seafood dumplings with apple and mushrooms. For the main course, you can choose from options like steamed giant garoupa filet adorned with cordyceps flowers, braised Wuxi-style Boston lobster with minced pork, and wrap up the meal with a delightful chilled mango pudding dessert served with a cup of Supreme White Peony tea. They also offer separate menus for vegetarians and a wide selection of wines to please various tastes.

Average price per person – $83

Tim Ho Wan stands out as the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant, praised for serving some of the city's finest bites. Originated in Hong Kong around a decade ago, this chain now boasts over 80 branches worldwide, offering Michelin-star meals at prices that won't break the bank. Their menu boasts over 20 kinds of dim sums, with baked buns with BBQ pork being a hit, loved not only by diners but also by London-based Chef Andrew Wong. Alongside these, they offer juicy wontons in soy sauce, neatly prepared grilled turnip, sticky rice in bamboo leaves, and a variety of traditional Chinese delights. At their Hong Kong branch in the IFC mall, expect queues, but the service is swift, ensuring you won't wait too long.

1 serving of baked BBQ pork bun – $5

For another incredible spot to enjoy dim sums with a breathtaking night view of the city, visit Above & Beyond, located on the 28th floor of the ICON Hotel. Here, the chef cleverly mixes traditional recipes with imported ingredients, like in their dumplings packed with Alaskan king crab, lobster, black truffle, and a touch of gold foil. They're also known for mouthwatering crispy chicken, wok-fried lobster with egg white and black truffles, and wok-fried prawns with tangerine peel and fermented black beans, among other delicious choices. Praised by the Michelin guide and ranked in the Top 10 among wine pairing Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong, this beautiful and trendy spot lets you experience high-quality dining at a reasonable cost.

1 serving of steamed dumplings with dried shrimps and Yam bean – $7,5

A short stroll from Tai Kwun, a bustling art space in the heart of Central, sits the unassuming Ding Dim 1968. It's a spot where both millionaires and everyday folks in Hong Kong pop in for scrumptious dumplings. The kitchen is helmed by chefs with over 50 years of experience, creating amazing dishes such as Xiaolongbao with secret broth, quail egg siomai topped with black truffle, beef ball on bean curd sheet, and many more authentic dim sums and snacks in traditional style. Don't forget to grab a bottle of craft beer or a pot of tea with golden osmanthus jelly for dessert for a genuine taste of Hong Kong street food.

Dim sum set for 1 person – from $10

We hope you enjoyed discovering these top dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong, where fancy Michelin-starred places and cherished local spots sit side by side. Do you know any other places that could join this list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.