Hong Kong’s Most Innovative Dim Sum Spots

Dim sum is a time-honoured tradition deeply embedded in Hong Kong culture and its people. Steamed buns, juicy dumplings, and lotus leaf-wrapped rice are all synonymous with the artful and nostalgic cuisine. And for those familiar with the Cantonese ritual, rolling dim sum trolleys and old men holding up newspapers are all integral in memories of family gatherings. So with a keen hunt for the perfect xiao long bao, we round up some of Hong Kong’s most exquisite modern dim sum spots.

Image courtesy of Adam Thompson | Cha Siu Papers Times

Dim Sum & Chinese Tapas at Ming Court

Following in the footsteps of its Cordis, Mong Kok flagship, Ming Court's Wan Chai outpost is nothing short of exemplary. Helmed by award-winning Executive Chef Tsang Chiu King, the restaurant pays tribute to authentic Cantonese dim sum with a contemporary twist. Such renditions include the drunken shrimp dumplings with bamboo shoots in cuttlefish ink and gold leaf and the beetroot-stained steamed rice rolls with shrimp and chives. The new glitzy bar is reminiscent of Gatsby gatherings, infused with Chinese elements to return to its roots. Be sure to order an Oolong tea martini for something light despite its martini structure.

2/F, Great Eagle Centre, 23 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, +852 2878 1212, mingcourt.com.hk

Image courtesy of Adam Thompson | Cha Siu Papers Times

Michelin-starred dining at Duddell’s

With interiors designed by renowned Isle Crawford, there’s more to Duddell’s than meets the eye. Housed on the historic Duddell Street (hence the name) the Michelin-starred restaurant specialises in premium dim sum dishes with a modern update. Executive Chef Li Man-Lung (who used to work with Ritz Carlton) and Dim Sum Master Lau Chi-Man (worked with Mandarin Oriental’s Man Wah) curate a menu of signature dishes with a touch of Western fare.

Level 3 Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell St, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2525 9191, duddells.co

Fusion dim sum at Man Mo Dim Sum

Amidst the bustling energy of Sheung Wan, a stone's throw away from the historic Man Mo Temple, chef Nicolas Elalouf has carved out a unique destination for culinary discovery. His restaurant, Man Mo Dim Sum, represents a personal and flavourful bridge between worlds. Arriving in Hong Kong unfamiliar with dim sum, Elalouf immersed himself in its traditions, apprenticing under a master to learn the precise craft of dumpling-making. This foundation of respect allows him to confidently innovate, filling delicate, hand-rolled wrappers with inspired European ingredients like sea bass, foie gras and truffle brie, inviting diners to experience dim sum through an entirely new and delicious lens.

233 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, +852 5343 5743, manmodimsum.com

Image courtesy of Adam Thompson | Cha Siu Papers Times

Incredible interiors at Mott 32

The stunning interiors at Mott 32 are designed by Joyce Wang studio, embracing an East-meets-West culture inspired by the first Chinese store which opened in New York on Mott 32 street. The dining spot serves delectable dim sum and Chinese cuisine from lunchtime to evening—a must-visit for special occasions or for a weekend treat.

Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Rd, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2885 8688, mott32.com

Image courtesy of Adam Thompson | Cha Siu Papers Times

Heritage dining at The Chinese Library

In the colonial heritage centre, Tai Kwun, The Chinese Library sits quaint and elegant in all its glory. The Chinese restaurant is set with a sophisticated backdrop of grande, banquette style furnishings with light embellishments of brass, jade-tones, and sleek, dark wood. Dine here for a taste of innovative dim sum dishes bringing together the best cooking techniques from across Chinese regions.

Block 01, Tai Kwun, Police Headquarters, 10 Hollywood Rd, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2848 3088, chineselibrary.com.hk

Image courtesy of Langham Hotel

Fine dining at Langham Hotel’s T’ang Court

With an astonishing three Michelin stars under its belt, Langham Hotel’s T’ang Court is a longstanding runner in fine dining and dim sum. The restaurant specialises in authentic Cantonese dishes, paying tribute to the time-honoured craft. Try one of the culinary masterpieces here on a decadent night out.

1F and 2F, The Langham, Hong Kong, 8 Peking Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 2132 7898, langhamhotels.com