Best Dim Sums in NYC

Dim-Sum literally translated means “from the heart.” It is said that housewives in China would make dim-sums with a lot of love and affection for their husbands, visitors, or patrons of their restaurants. There is yet another name for these Chinese treats, which is “Yum-Cha” which means “to drink tea” in Cantonese. This comes from the practice of enjoying dim-sums with a cup of Chinese tea.

In restaurant dim-sums are not traditionally ordered from a menu. Instead, the standard practice is to choose from a cart containing an assorted collection of dim-sums pushed around the restaurant by the servers. Though a lot of restaurants have dispensed with this style of serving dim-sums, there are some restaurants in NYC that stick to this age old tradition.

For instance, there’s Ping’s Seafood at 22 Mott St. Chinatown. It may be smaller than most of the other places in New York but it has a steady and faithful fan following. In fact there are people who believe that it’s because of its small size that it is able to maintain the quality, which would otherwise become an issue with bigger chains. Ping’s is also known for its seafood made from freshly-killed fish dishes.

Yet another great place for great dim-sums is Jing Fong (20 Elizabeth Street Chinatown). Here too food is served in the typical Hong Kong style with bustling carts whizzing around the whole place. Their selection of dim-sums is the best in the early part of the day so head for the place before 1 pm.

Want more of the Hong Kong style service? If you are a dim-sum aficionado, Golden Unicorn (18, East Broadway) is a must visit place on your list. This place offers two floors of seating, and it is the all time favorite for all kinds of dim-sum lovers. Don’t go too late in the day since dim-sums are not available after 3 pm.

Dim Sum Go Go at 5 East Broadway is known for its great dim-sums as well as its cleanliness. Their service is friendly and prompt and if you visit this place, you can’t come away without trying the snow pea leaf and three-star dumplings. Other popular dumplings served here are shrimp dumplings and duck dumplings.

Vegetarians of NYC don’t despair. The Vegetarian Dim Sum House offers a selection of vegetarian food that’s diverse enough to attract the attention of most meat eaters. Located in an out of the way Pell Street, this place is the regular haunt for vegans, locals, and hipsters. Some of the dim-sums on their menu feature mock chicken, mock beef, and mock pork instead. Selections are diverse enough to satisfy even meat-eaters in the group.

A word of caution. If you are planning a romantic lunch, dim-sum restaurants aren’t the best place to coo sweet nothings into your sweetheart’s ears, what with the clamor of people shouting their order and carts being whisked around. Dim-sum joints are best enjoyed with a boisterous group of friends who can add and intensify the merry din in these places.

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