What You Need To Know To Enjoy Dim Sum in Hawaiʻi

It’s the start of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Wood Snake. During the new year festivities, it’s important to gather with loved ones and kick off the festivities with a “reunion dinner” or meal, and one of the most interactive ways is with a fun dim sum lunch.

Although you can enjoy dim sum on a date or even solo, it’s most ideal to go in a group of three or more people so you can try more things. The most fundamental aspect of Chinese dining is the interaction and sharing, which is why you often see tables for groups with a lazy Susan in the middle.

How to order

Xiao long bao from Fook Lam Seafood Restaurant in Honolulu.
Photo: Melissa Chang

Most restaurants will serve their dim sum via metal carts that comes to your table. Often, the carts will be organized by types of plates—steamed dumplings, deep fried food, pan fried items, sweets, etc.—so if you don’t see something you like on the cart in front of you, you can wait for the next one to come around. You can also flag a cart down if you decide you want seconds.

Note that the dumplings are often served in sets of three for various reasons: In Chinese culture, the number three (kind of) sounds like the word for life, and is associated with many positive concepts, like prosperity, creativity, new beginnings and expansion. Why not usher in as much good fortune as you can, in everything you do?

On the flip side, they don’t serve dumplings in sets of four because in Chinese, it sounds like the word for “death.”

Other entrees, including noodles, rice, vegetables and specialty items, can be ordered off a menu, if available.

Where to find it

Look funn rolls from Fook Lam Seafood Restaurant in Honolulu.
Photo: Melissa Chang

Most dim sum restaurants are located in Chinatown on Oʻahu, since that is where much of the Chinese community gathers. This also makes it convenient for the chefs to find the ingredients they need. There are a few dim sum restaurants in other areas, like Ala Moana Center, Royal Hawaiian Center, even in Hawaiʻi Kai, to make it convenient for the denizens of the area.

When to eat it

Dim sum originated as a snack in tea houses, so the tradition continues today as a meal one would enjoy at brunch or lunch, with tea. However, a few places serve it into the evening, like Tim Ho Wan in Waikīkī, Hawaiʻi Dim Sum & Seafood in Chinatown, and Mei Sum Dim Sum in Chinatown, which is convenient for people who can’t make it earlier.

What to eat

Chicken feet from Fook Lam Seafood Restaurant in Honolulu.
Photo: Melissa Chang

You can’t go wrong with any of the dishes—at the end of the day, it really depends on your personal preferences. Here are some of the most popular dishes when having dim sum.

Char siu bao: “Char siu” refers to sweet, barbecued pork that can be eaten on its own or in other dishes. Here, it’s shredded or minced, then used to fill a steamed or baked bun, or bao. There are different variations on this, including a “pineapple bun,” which actually doesn’t contain pineapple. The name refers to the look of the its sweet pastry topping, which supposedly resembles the texture of a pineapple.

Har gau:  These steamed shrimp dumplings are probably the most popular item at dim sum. Unless you’re allergic, most people love shrimp, and its mild flavor is loved by diners of all ages.

Shumai or siu mai: Steamed dumplings filled with ground pork, sometimes with tiny shrimp in the mixture for added flavor.

Xiao long bao, or soup dumplings: These are not always available at Hawaii restaurants because they are difficult to make. The dumplings are filled with ground pork and soup, accompanied by shredded ginger and a special vinegar dipping sauce. Be careful when you eat these, as they are molten hot. Many people like to bite a tiny hole in the dumpling and sip on the soup before eating it.

Look funn rolls: Delicate sheets of rice noodles are filled with various items like shrimp, char siu, scallops or even fried Chinese bread sticks, then served on a plate with a special soy sauce.

Chicken feet: Do you dare? These are considered a delicacy, and most often are served steamed in a light black bean sauce. The cooking method makes the skin, fat and cartilage very soft—literally fall-off-the-bone tender.

Egg tarts: These are perfect for dessert, as they are literally miniature custard pies (smaller than the palm of your hand).

Jin dui, or sesame balls: These perfectly round balls made of sweet glutinous rice are both airy and chewy, since they are fried until they puff up and have a hollow center. They’re usually filled with black sugar or sweet, shredded coconut.

(Don’t) spill the tea

Be sure to enjoy your dumplings with the hot tea! This is important in aiding digestion, which is why it’s always served with your meal. If you want to take it a step further, pour tea for your companions first before pouring it for yourself. This is considered a sign of respect.