Dim sum is one of the greatest expressions of London’s diversity, and this city does it better than almost anywhere outside of Asia, with options spanning traditional Cantonese teahouses, Michelin-starred restaurants, and wallet-friendly neighbourhood gems that pack more flavour into 3 small dishes than most restaurants manage in a full menu.
What dim sum actually is
Traditionally accompanied by tea and eaten in the morning or at lunchtime, dim sum is a category of Chinese cuisine that covers dumplings, buns, and cakes. The phrase roughly translates to “touch the heart” in Cantonese, and it is believed to have originated in southern China’s Guangdong province.
Each dish usually consists of 3 or 4 bite-sized pieces, and like tapas, it is meant for sharing. A good rule is to order 3 to 4 dishes per person, depending on appetite. Always order Chinese tea with your meal.
You can order dim sum as individual dishes, in platters, or as part of larger sharing tasting menus, including fully vegan options at many restaurants. Try to choose a variety of steamed, fried, and baked dishes so every person at the table experiences the full range.
The best dim sum restaurants in London
London has a wide and growing number of excellent spots. Perhaps surprisingly, only 1 restaurant from central London’s Chinatown made Time Out’s recent curated top 10 list, the Golden Phoenix on Gerrard Street. The best restaurants are spread across many neighbourhoods.
Baba Tang in King’s Cross topped the Time Out list, praised for its in-house made cheung fun rice rolls with peanut and XO sauce, as well as fried turnip cake and beef ho fun noodles. It is a strong starting point for anyone new to the scene.
Dim Sum Duck, also on King’s Cross Road, is unusual for how authentic it feels outside of Chinatown. The menu covers all the Cantonese classics: start with prawn dumplings and finish with a steamed custard bun. The restaurant does not take bookings, so arrive early or expect a queue.
Dim sum for every budget
Yauatcha launched in Soho and gained immediate critical acclaim, receiving a Michelin star. It is the first restaurant to combine Chinese dim sum and European patisserie. Order the venison puffs and the prawn and beancurd cheung fun. The teahouse atmosphere is calm, elegant, and worth every pound.
A. Wong in Victoria holds 2 Michelin stars and is the premier destination for Chinese food in London. Chef-owner Andrew Wong has travelled throughout China and puts his own interpretation on classic dishes, with a dedicated “Touch of the Heart” tasting menu. This is the choice for a special occasion.
If atmosphere is your priority, Park Chinois in Mayfair is one of the most opulent options, with an interior modelled on 1930s Shanghai. The super formal Park Chinois also made the Time Out top 10. Order the char siu bao and the har gow, then let the room do the rest of the work.
A Cantonese food professional’s perspective
London’s dim sum culture has changed significantly over the past decade. Diners are now far more knowledgeable, and that drives restaurants to maintain higher standards. The key to a great dim sum meal is the wrapper: it must be thin enough to see the filling through the dough, but strong enough to hold the soup inside a xiao long bao. Freshness is everything. A good Cantonese kitchen makes its dumplings to order. You will taste the difference immediately. When you visit a new restaurant, always start with the har gow: if the prawn dumpling wrapper is smooth, slightly translucent, and does not break when you pick it up with chopsticks, the kitchen knows what it is doing. Everything else will follow.
Industry perspective, Cantonese cuisine and restaurant professionals in London
What to order at each style of restaurant
The dishes you order should match the type of restaurant. At casual canteen-style spots like Dim Sum Duck or Golden Phoenix, focus on the steamed classics. Char siu cheung fun and turnip cake are the right choices at Royal China on Baker Street, and crispy chilli beef is always a good addition.
At Michelin-level restaurants, choose the chef’s own creations. At A. Wong, each dish bursts with innovation and demonstrates wonderful depth of flavour, and the cooking showcases considerable knowledge and skill. Here, follow the tasting menu rather than ordering individually.
For vegetarian and vegan diners, most restaurants offer at least 1 or 2 vegan options. Look for mushroom and bamboo shoot dumplings, tofu and vegetable buns, or steamed taro cakes. Ask staff directly; good servers will always guide you through the menu.
Conclusion: London is a dim sum city
The London dim sum scene includes Dim Sum Duck and Baba Tang in King’s Cross, the Michelin-starred Yauatcha in Soho, Golden Dragon in Colindale, MamaMei on Holloway Road, and Panda Dim Sum in Leytonstone. This city’s dim sum scene reflects what makes London great: it is global and local at the same time. Whether you spend £15 or £150, you will find dim sum worth returning to. This guide gives you a strong starting point, but the real reward comes from exploring further. Book a table, order generously, drink good tea, and discover why dim sum has touched the hearts of Londoners for decades.
