Hong Kong Dim Sum Postcard

Hong Kong is often considered the birthplace of modern dim sum culture, a style of Cantonese cuisine that emphasizes small, shareable dishes usually served with tea. The tradition began in teahouses along the Pearl River, where travelers would stop for a quick snack and tea, eventually evolving into a full dining experience that became a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s culinary identity. Today, dim sum is typically enjoyed during brunch hours, with families and friends gathering to order a variety of dumplings, buns, rolls, and other bite-sized specialties from rolling carts or menu orders. Some of the most iconic dim sum dishes in Hong Kong include har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), char siu bao (barbecue pork buns), and cheung fun (rice noodle rolls). Many establishments also serve sweet treats like egg tarts and mango pudding to round out the meal. Beyond the food itself, the experience of dim sum in Hong Kong reflects the city’s social and communal culture, where conversation flows freely over shared dishes and tea, making it both a culinary and cultural experience.