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The dim sum diaries: come get sum!

Cat Nelson TimeOutFamily 2019-10-21


In our world, if it's a weekend morning, it's dim sum time. We've scoured Beijing for the city’s best versions of the Cantonese classic – all in the name of research, of course – to bring you this definitive list. 

Whether you're counting the pennies, looking for all-out luxe or just trying to find a place to fill the Hong Kong-shaped hole in your heart, Beijing has a place for you, and we've tracked it down.

For lovers of luxe: Cai Yi Xuan


Want truffles in your rice noodle roll and a dish called ‘money bags’? This place can meet all your ostentations needs. Lunch at Cai Yi Xuan is popping and the over-the-top décor is kitted out to match. Slurp broth from exquisite soup dumplings and tear into the delicate, pan-fried changfen layered with aromatic shavings of black truffle. This is something to splurge for.

Cai Yi Xuan, Second Floor Four Seasons Beijing 48 Liangmaqiao Lu Chaoyang district (5695 8520) 朝阳区亮马桥路48号四季酒店2层. Dim sum served from 11.30am-2.30pm daily.

For mall rats: Crystal Jade


The secret of shopping malls in China is that they’ve actually got some really fantastic food. We’ll admit it took us a long time to accept this, but Crystal Jade is a case in point.


Ultra-buttery baked buns conceal sumptuous, mahogany-red barbecued pork; delicate rice noodle rolls stuffed with a crunchy vegetable medley; truly exceptional shrimp dumplings – this Singaporean chain has it all. It’s some of Beijing’s best dim sum… and it’s in a mall.

Crystal Jade, First floor, L1-25 The Indigo Mall, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang district (6184 1627) 酒仙桥路18号颐堤港购物中心一层L1-25. Dim sum served 10am-3.30pm daily.

For bargain hunters: Duck de Chine 


What does a half-off special even mean if it’s offered every day? We don’t know but we’re not complaining.

Duck de Chine offers dim sum at lunch with all items discounted 50 percent daily. The new autumn menu has all of the classics plus a few less common items like superb tofu skin rolls scented with orange peel in duck soup (16RMB). It’s an excellent value way to experience the gorgeous Jinbao Jie courtyard location.

Duck de Chine, 1949 Hidden City 2, 98 Jinbaojie, Dongcheng district (6521 2221) 东城区金宝街98号. Dim sum served 11.30am- 2.30pm daily.

For old schoolers: Guanghe Restaurant 


Out in Xicheng lies the charmingly retro Guangzhou Hotel. The dim sum’s good enough, but most appealing is the Southern China atmosphere – fake palm trees and all.

The hotel’s fifth-floor teahouse is Beijing’s only place to experience Hong Kong-style pushcart service. When not a trolley was in sight at 9am, the manager explained: ‘Of course, before 11am there are trolleys – see them back there? – but we’re lazy. If guests ask, we’ll do it. Lesson learned? Go on the weekend when it might be busy enough to merit the pushcarts.

Xidan, Guangdong Provincial Government Office 5/F Guangzhou Dasha, Heng Er Tiao, Xicheng district (5855 9988) 广和茶轩 广东省驻京办 广州大厦 西城区西单横二条甲3号广州大厦5层. Dim sum served 7am-2.30pm and 5.30-10pm daily.

For late night hunger pangs: Jin Ding Xuan


There are those times when it’s 4am and all you want is dim sum. Jin Ding Xuan may not turn out the capital’s most refined version, but it’s certainly nothing to sneer at. At over 75 items, the menu is gigantic, the quality is high, and nearly everything’s under 20RMB.

The barbecued pork is rich enough to make you feel like you’re doing something you should feel guilty about and the shrimp dumplings are far more than serviceable. Between midnight and 5am, select items are on offer for 8.8RMB each.

Jin Ding Xuan, 77 Hepingli Xijie, Dongcheng district (400 6766 111) 东城区和平里西街77号. Dim sum served 24 hours daily.

For Canto classicists: Lei Garden


Widely considered to have Beijing’s best dim sum, Lei Garden is still killing it and shows no signs of letting up. Make sure to sit in the original dining room in Jinbao Tower where it’s lively and atmospheric. The newer room in the Regent hotel is tranquil, sure, but leaves something to be desired. But no matter where you sit, the food does not let down. Light and flaky turnip pastries, outstanding rice noodle rolls and the signature soup dumplings – with delightful, ginger undertones – fly to the table.

Lei Garden, 89 Jinbaojie , Dongcheng district. (8522 1212) 东城区金宝街89号金宝大厦3楼. Dim sum served 11.30am-2.30pm daily.

For penny pinchers: Tang Palace


Among the crystal chandeliers, banquet seating and tired décor, you might think you’re at a rundown Cantonese restaurant in a Chinatown abroad.

Atmospheric charms aside, Tang Palace offers solid dim sum at rock-bottom prices. The menu boasts an extensive selection of items including wonderfully fragrant glutinous rice steamed with tender chicken and a salted egg yolk. Normal prices are a bargain, but non-peak hours (10-11.30am, 2-5pm, 8.30-10pm) on weekdays means 30 percent off all items.

You won’t leave unsatisfied, and your wallet will be all the more grateful.


Tang Palace, Fourth Floor Full Link Plaza 18 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie Chaoyang district (6588 9388) 朝阳区朝阳门外大街18号丰联广场B楼4楼 . Dim sum served 10am-10pm.

For keeping it real: Wanlong Seafood


This Guangzhou-based chain offers what must be the best dim sum deal in the city. Items can be ordered a la carte or you can get the all-you-can-eat offer for 68RMB per person. Its dim sum game is tight with overly generous portions of glutinous rice and chicken steamed in lotus leaves (18RMB) and crisp, though greasy, durian puffs.

Wanlong Seafood, First Floor Shanghai Centre 39 Liangmaqiao Lu (6465 1818) 朝阳区亮马桥路39号上海中心1层. Dim sum served 10am-4pm daily.

For gourmet gluttons: Jing Yaa Tang


This stylish pan-China restaurant from boutique hotel The Opposite House has an all-you-can-eat lunch deal (168RMB) worth skipping breakfast for. Tick off the menu items at will and wait for the flurry to begin. Cantonese classics pour out of the kitchen in fine – and refined – form. Turnip cakes, typically served as massive slabs, come fashioned in elegant, bite-sized cubes. Impossibly flaky durian puffs melt in your mouth while delicate soup dumplings explode with hot liquid if you're too eager. We certainly couldn't wait.

The Opposite House, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang district (6410 5230) 朝阳区三里屯路11号太古里北区瑜舍酒店 Dim sum served Mon-Fri, 11.30am-2.30pm; Sat-Sun, 11.30am-3.30-pm.


Click Read More to read more dining options in Beijing

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