[Luna Stella]

Interested in Dim Sum topic. What is the history behind it? Apologies if it’s off-topic. I have been curious about it. Would appreciate it if anyone can enlighten me.

[Neville Griffin]

The history of Dim Sum is that It has been a traditional cuisine for more than two thousand years. The most common dim sum dishes are Cantonese cuisine, Hakka cuisine and Hokkien (Min Nan), and Teochew (Hokchiu) cuisine.

The word “dim sum” is used in a variety of senses throughout the Cantonese language. The most literal translation means “touch the heart”, but it can mean having thoughts or ideas, or be more figurative. In this sense, it could refer to thinking about something that is not clear to one (as when reading a book) and trying to understand what it means (by thinking about it). When translated to English, the words are used in several different ways. It can mean:

In Hong Kong English, as well as Chinese generally, the term “dim sums” refers to small bite-sized dishes that are eaten with tea. The term usually applies only to the type of food tested in dim sum restaurants. Some dim sum dishes are served in other restaurants, and some types of cuisine, such as the hot pot cooked by the Hakka people, may have a few of these dishes.

Dim sum is served both as a brunch and as a dinner dish. Throughout history It is commonly believed that the serving of dim sum started during teatime. However, historians suggest that this practice began in Nanjing during the Jin dynasty (265–420 AD). Dim sum is part of traditional Cantonese cuisine and has become an integral part of many regional traditions. In Hong Kong, dim sum is a major part of the Cantonese cultural identity. The government has recognised the importance of dim sum by creating a seat and joining it to the Legislative Council under the name “Dim Sum constituency”.

So, Dim sum is basically a traditional cuisine in Chinese cuisine where small dishes of various ingredients are served to customers in small steamer baskets, and usually eaten with tea.

Dim sum is adapted to modern cooking by cutting the food into large portions and steaming them. In recent years, small dim sum restaurants have been popularized among the Western world, where clients can order their food from a menu. Dim Sum Restaurants are spread all over North America including Las Vegas, New York City and San Francisco for example, they are also prevalent in England and Australia. In short it is one the most famous dishes in the world.

Hope this explanation helps!

[Jeremy Ooi]

That’s a really good explanation Neville! Kudos! There were many places that served delicious dim sum in KL. But my preference is non-halal Dim Sum. These are some places that I would like you to try at least once!

Ful Lai Dim Sum @ Kepong :

I have been to many different dim sum restaurants around KL, but I generally enjoy the food at Ful Lai Dim Sum. They have some of the best shrimp dumplings I’ve ever tasted, and they’re usually pretty quick at refilling your dim sum basket. They always have my favourite dishes, such as the shumai and rice crepes. The food is also super friendly and not too pricey, which I absolutely love. Plus, it’s great to be able to spot a fellow tourist too!

Opening Hours: 6.30 AM to 2 AM. Opens daily.

Address: 47&49 Jalan 3/62a Bandar Sri Menjalara, Kepong, 55200 Kuala Lumpur

My Dim Sum :

My Dim Sum offers almost any kind of dim sum you can think of: Pork Buns, Chicken Feet, Beef Dumplings, and even Chilly Prawn Dumpling. You can also order different kinds of rice with seafood like squid ball or fried oyster. The prices are moderate, but the taste is not bad at all; it’s like an average quality dim sum in Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong which makes it a great place to sit down to talk about current issues or just to hang out with your friends.

The price range for a meal ranges from 20 to 50 Malaysian Ringgit. The environment is cosy and not crowded, Neat and clean as it is newly renovated recently, so it’s great for dinner dates or small groups of friends.

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM. Opens daily.

Address: G-32, Setapak Central mall, Danau Kota, 53100, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.

[Mateo Gabriel]

Restaurant Jin Xuan Hong Kong :

This restaurant serves delicious food with a blend of Cantonese, Chinese, and Malaysian styles. They offer delicious dishes such as congee, chow mein noodles, fried rice, Malaysian curry, and chicken satay and most importantly Dim Sum to those who visit it. It is also immensely popular among locals who have been visiting this restaurant for several years now. Besides the dim sum, do try their Portuguese egg tart. I like the texture of the tart’s pastry. Unlike the normal tart where the pastry are very firm and filling, the Portugueses tart one is more flaky and soft. Their Portuguese tart is a must to me every time I order food from JIn Xuang Hong Kong. Price-wise, at least RM 50 – 60 for 2 persons, depending on the types of food you ordered as well. Jin Xuan Hong Kong has few outlets spreads across KL and Selangor. My favourite one is the one in Damansara since it’s the closest to me

Opening Hours: 7 AM to 12 AM. Opens daily.

Address: 116b, A32, 36, 34, Sri Desa Entrepreneur Park, 58200, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur

Kedai Kopi Mee Bon

Kedai Kopi Mee Bon, which translates to “Mee Bon Coffee Shop” in English, is a Malaysian coffee shop specialising in Dim Sum or dry noodles with chili sauce. The restaurant has been operating for decades now, with its signature dish of mee kapor being recognized nationwide as an iconic dish of Kuala Lumpur’s historic Chinatown area. In 2017, Kedai Kopi Mee Bon was listed by CNNGo as one of the top 5 non-halal mee kapor restaurants in Malaysia.

In addition to their dishes, Kedai Kopi Mee Bon also serves various other Cantonese cuisine items such as char siew, roast duck, fried rice and steamed rice.

Opening Hours: 6:30 AM to 2:15 AM. Opens daily.

Address: 491, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Taman Million, 51200, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.

Way Modern Chinois

Way Modern Chinois specialises in Chinese food. They have an extensive menu that offers traditional dishes as well as some fusion dishes. They also have other specialities such as fish, dim sum and vegetarian options. Their menu is meant for sharing.

This restaurant’s bestseller is their signature Phoenix Claws. They have three varieties to choose from braised seafood, spicy pork or chicken. It is recommended to share this between two or more people. This dish is a must-try, even if you’re not a big seafood fan. The meat falls off the bone and it’s incredibly flavourful. You cannot really go wrong with this one!

Another popular dish here is the shrimp wontons. They are fresh, and they are steamed to perfection.

The location of this restaurant is also amazing and strategic, I would say. The area is also full of restaurants, bars, etc. Mind you that this restaurant’s modern interior design and ambience are amazing—a cosy and dark place with a luxurious feel.

Opening Hours: 12:00PM to 03:00PM | 06:00PM to 10:30PM. Opens daily.

Address: G-1, WORK@Clearwater, Jalan Changkat Semantan, Bukit Damansara, 50490, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.

[Madelyn Carter]

In Malaysia, halal dim sum also has definitely grown in popularity with quite a number of restaurants within Kuala Lumpur serving halal versions of famous staples like siu mai or har gau as well as coming up with their own innovative dishes. Now locals and travellers alike can enjoy dim sum local Chinese delicacies with family and friends! If you’re looking for halal dim sum choices, I have a few places to suggest 🙂

MinMax Restaurant

Freshly steamed or fried to order, MinMax offers a dim sum menu that covers all the basics and then some, for very reasonable prices in a comfortable setting. They’ve got quite a regular following too!

Opening Hours: 11:00am – 3:00pm (Lunch), 6:00pm – 11:30pm (Dinner) on weekdays, 9:00am-3:00pm on Sunday

Address: Lot 2.1 Level 2, PNB Darby Park, Jalan Binjai, 50450 Kuala Lumpur

Lai Po Heen

Known to be one of the best Chinese restaurants in KL, Lai Po Heen in Mandarin Oriental Hotel is a little more on the upscale side of things but is definitely a crowd pleaser with its sumptuous spread.

Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 2:30pm Monday to Friday, 10:30am – 2:30pm Weekends and Public Holidays. 7:00pm – 10:30pm daily for dinner.

Address: Level 1, Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur.

Please add more to the suggestion list if anyone knows other good places for halal dim sum as well.

[Manpreet Kaur]

China Treasures

Located in Sime Darby Convention Centre, China Treasures is a regular favourite, especially for families. The best part is this is one of the few dim sum restaurants in KL that has halal certification! So, you definitely don’t need to worry when chowing down on plates and plates of dim sum here.

Opening Hours: 11:30am – 2:30pm (Lunch), 3:30pm – 10:30pm (Dinner) on weekdays, 10:00am – 4:30pm (Lunch), 6:30pm – 10:30pm (Dinner) on weekends and public holidays

Address: Sime Darby Convention Centre, 1A, Jalan Bukit Kiara 1, 60000 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Luk Yu Tea House

If you’re in the heart of KL and want to rest your feet after shopping at Bukit Bintang, head on over to Luk Yu Tea House for a teahouse experience that will make you feel like you’ve just stepped into a charming and rustic Hong Kong restaurant, with its classic latticed window and stained-glass panels. Luk Yu Tea is located in Starhill Dining; opposite Pavillion shopping mall and beside Fahrenheit88. There are a lot other F&B outlets that you can give a try as well besides Luk Yu Tea House.

Opening Hours: 12:00pm – 11:00pm Monday to Saturday, and 10:00am to 11:00pm on Sundays and Public Holidays

Address: Feast Village, Starhill Gallery, 181, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.

Dolly Dim Sum

Although the first restaurant on our list is also the newest addition to the scene in KL, it has already grown sizeable following its chic (instagrammable!) interior and freshly prepared food. Dim sum is served all day long at their two mall-based restaurants in Avenue K and Nu Sentral (for KL branch) and a few big malls such as Sunway Pyramid and The Curve for Selangor Brunch. It will be packed with people during lunch hour on weekdays as some people do prefer dim sum for brunch.

You can do a simple search for the nearest Dolly Dim and I am sure you will get a list of the nearest outlet to you as well as the address. Dolly Dim Sum is one of my go-to halal dim sum shop.