10 Best Dim Sum Joints in Singapore [2022] 

A server pushes a cart laden with bamboo baskets, piled high and low, steam arising from their closed lids. Another server whips past holding a large tray with a precarious mountain of steel plates. You make eye contact, whether to confirm your desire for a look or politely decline, and the server reads your mind. Then again, the latter is rarely the case. Can we ever get enough of Dim sum in Singapore?

Read on to find out the ten best spots for this Chinese delicacy.

1. Taste Paradise

Taste Paradise promises grandeur, and it doesn’t disappoint. First of all, the interior of the fine dining establishment is unabashedly and lavishly Chinese. The ceiling is obscured by winding, gilded slates that resembles a dragon, a mystical creature of fearsome power in Chinese folklore. The embedded lights douse life-sized, hand-painted portraits of Chinese emperors in a warm glow. Apart from the servers’ rapid footsteps that fall hush upon the expansive red carpet, everything is loud in this restaurant.

Of course, the kitchen is fully capable of delivering dim sum worthy of this showy facade. Even the most straightforward of dishes are expertly crafted to perfection. One such example is the roast pork, which bears a crackling crown atop melty meat. The Classic XO Carrot Cake is also a star-stealer: a case of common ingredients elevated into superb flavours. All in all, a deserving contender for the best dim sum in Singapore.

Highlights

• Stunning architecture
• One of the best spots for carrot cake in Singapore
• Fine-dining dim sum

2. Swatow Seafood Restaurant

The founder of Swatow Seafood Restaurant, Mr Jimi Tan, is of Teochew descent and a proud champion of the culture. With the help of renowned chefs from all over Asia Pacific, they bring their roots to the forefront with Teochew dim sum in Singapore.

Teochew food is characterized by a minimalistic approach towards condiments, bringing out instead the natural flavour profile of its components. As a result, the use of fresh ingredients is essential. At Swatow, the likes of these include pearly crystal dumplings, with lightly-seasoned fillings wrapped in delicate, translucent skins.

Do note that dim sum is only available until 3 PM at both outlets.

Highlights

• Teochew dim sum on weekends at the Serangoon Gardens Country Club
• Light seasoning, fresh ingredients

3. Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant

Our next candidate needs no introduction. Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant is backed by more than 50 years of history. They saw their humble beginnings in a modest shop where bamboo and steel steamers stood prominent. The dim sum are made by hand, enfolded with warmth and a belief in the virtue of labour. Since then, Swee Choon has grown to span across multiple storefronts, boasting an extensive menu of tze char, desserts and dim sum of every preparation imaginable.

Plagued by sporadic cravings that have a penchant for striking at odd hours? While typically appropriate for breakfast or lunch, we have found dim sum to be an extremely gratifying (albeit sinful) supper as well. As such, we delight in knowing that Swee Choon is on course to launch a frozen dim sum line to make these delicious treats one microwave-ding away anytime, anywhere.

Highlights

• Frozen dim sum available
• Islandwide delivery available at S$5
• Dim sum feast available at 15% off with promo code SC15OFF

4. Mongkok Dim Sum

Next on our list is the most “open” dim sum in Singapore. Quite literally. Mongkok Dim Sum is open 24 hours for the late-night diners and early risers. And for that alone, they deserve a certain recognition. Each dish costs an average of S$5, which is considerably affordable.

The liu sha bao is apparently a crowd favourite. Its fluffy exterior splits without resistance, giving way to gooey, piping hot custard. On the other hand, the prawn dumplings are simply irresistible, with a whole prawn cloaked in seductive, gauzy sheets.

For a more filling meal, try the 3 Yolk Crab Porridge. The congee aims to feed three to four people with its portion. It comes topped with chopped century egg, runny egg yolks, and crumbled salted egg yolk in a claypot, and conceals a reasonable amount of crab meat within.

Highlights

• Open 24 hours
• Dishes cost an average of S$5
• Liu sha bao and prawn dumplings

5. The Dim Sum Place

A mere four-minute walk away from Masjid Sultan, The Dim Sum Place wants to share the joy of Cantonese fare with its nearby community – and they can. Their dim sum is certified Halal by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), so that Muslim friends can feel free to swing by for a meal that addresses their dietary needs.

In place of pork, The Dim Sum Place has a range of duck options that are absolutely addictive. Meanwhile, the dining experience is a streamlined one: order from your mobile phone through the scan of a QR code, and have food served promptly to you.

Despite having plenty of seating, the place can become crowded due to its popularity. The ambience is therefore a lively and dynamic one.

Highlights

• Halal-certified dim sum
• Islandwide delivery available
• Wide range of duck options

6. Yum Cha Chinatown

Similarly within the vicinity of a worship venue, Yum Cha Chinatown is two minutes away from the Sri Mariamman Temple by foot. In addition, it has a branch at Changi Business Park. Both storefronts are reminiscent of traditional teahouses, featuring marble tabletops and hefty teak chairs. Hence the Cantonese name yum cha, which translates directly to “drink tea”.

Fried dim sum is a specialty at Yum Cha. In particular, the Prawn Mango Fritters are a deep-fried indulgence of juicy prawns dressed in refreshingly sweet mangoes. The tropical flavours awaken your appetite and pave the way for heavier, more savoury cuisines down the road.

Highlights

• Delicious fried dim sum
• Traditional teahouse concept
• Reasonably priced

7. Dim Sum Haus SG

The Dim Sum Haus SG is a clean, bright restaurant with impressive serving speed. Customers are no stranger to most items on the comprehensive menu. However, the Baked Salted Egg Custard Bun should catch you off guard with its unusual cooking method. The spotless buns have a rebellious, lightly charred ring at the bottom, as well as a crumbly texture.

There is also a Steamed Crispy Rice Roll with Shrimp, with a crunchy, umami filling embedded within soft, satiny rice rolls. Head on over to their site to order for delivery or pick up and get 10% off the Family Bundles.

Highlights

• Islandwide delivery available
• Baked Salted Egg Custard Bun
• Order for pick up and get 10% off Family Bundle

8. Victor’s Kitchen

Victor’s Kitchen is one man’s – we’re guessing Victor – quest to make authentic dim sum friendly and accessible for Singaporeans. The Hong Kong-born chef worked at the five-star Victoria Hotel before moving to Singapore over a decade ago.

His award-winning recipes have consistently withstood the test of authenticity. The signature Golden Egg Yolk Lava Buns are decadent and sumptuous. Besides, you will find a relatively rare rendition of carrot cake on the menu. The usually stir-fried dish is steamed at Victor’s Kitchen with ample dried scallops, fat strips of white radish and smoked sausages. All these give rise to an endearing sweetness, spiked with their special XO sauce for an extra kick.

Highlights

• Rare steamed carrot cake with XO sauce
• Signature Golden Egg Yolk Lava Buns
• Hong Kong-born chef with award-winning recipes

9. Min Jiang

Min Jiang has a splendour that rivals, yet differs from, that of the Taste Paradise. The original branch at Goodwood Park is a sophisticated space with a retro flair. Gigantic lanterns hover as patrons sit upon cushions accentuated with calligraphic characters.

The second outlet nestles in the heritage-steeped Dempsey Hill, and holds court with a similar contemporary-chic structure. The Eastern influences are toned down, replaced instead by rattan to give off the impression of a quaint respite.

Apart from conventional dim sum, one is treated to a series of innovative dishes and presentation. For instance, the Pan-Fried Pork Gyozas come wearing a thin veil of crisp and each has a vial of vinegar ready to be injected. Meanwhile, the Deep-Fried Century Egg and Prawn Spring Roll – with an appearance that is possibly modelled after rolled Chinese scrolls – packs a mild, inviting century egg taste.

Highlights

• Breathtaking architecture
• Innovative dim sum
• Interesting food presentations

10. 126 Dim Sum Wen Dao Shi

Rounding off our list in another “open” Dim Sum in Singapore. Another round of appreciation for these joints. 126 Dim Sum Wen Dao Shi is a popular dim sum joint with a traditional setting. The menu encompasses cuisines that are familiar to most, such as succulent Scallop Siew Mai and a variety of Chee Cheong Fun (rice rolls).

Nonetheless, Wen Dao Shi doesn’t shy away from reinventing dim sum. The Crispy Cheese “Tarik” strives to give you the satisfaction of pulling apart mozarella-strung pizzas. For a full meal, opt for the Crab Tang Hoon – it comes with a whole crab and is akin to those you find at Thai restaurants.

Highlights

• Traditional Yum Cha ambience
• Open 24 hours daily
• A small selection of new dishes

That wraps up our list of the best Dim Sum joints in Singapore! Ultimately, dim sum is a highly versatile treat that can be made fancy or pared down. There is a restaurant for everyone’s budget and preferred style. Enjoy these delectable dim sum!