Best Dim Sum London

When you think of dim sum, a style of Cantonese cuisine featuring small, steamed or fried dishes served in bamboo baskets. Also known as yum cha, it’s not just a meal—it’s a social ritual where tea flows and plates keep coming. In London, you don’t need to fly to Hong Kong to taste real dim sum. The city’s best spots serve delicate har gow with translucent shrimp wrappers, fluffy char siu bao that melt on your tongue, and crispy turnip cakes fried just right. These aren’t just appetizers—they’re the heart of a dining experience that’s been passed down for generations.

What makes a good dim sum spot in London? It’s not just about the food. It’s about the steam rising from carts rolling past your table, the clatter of chopsticks, the way the soy sauce pools just right around a piece of siu mai. The top places use fresh shrimp, not frozen, and make their dough daily. You’ll find spots in Chinatown that feel like a Hong Kong alleyway, and others in East London where chefs trained in Guangdong bring the same precision. Some still use traditional bamboo steamers; others have modernized the presentation but kept the soul. The best ones don’t need neon signs—they’re busy because locals know where to go.

Don’t confuse dim sum with regular Chinese food. It’s not about big plates or spicy curries. It’s about bite-sized portions, texture contrast, and balance—sweet, salty, savory, and a touch of umami. Look for places that serve turnip cake with a light soy glaze, not drowned in sauce. Skip the ones where the dumplings sit under heat lamps for hours. Real dim sum is made to order, served hot, and eaten fast. And yes, tea matters. A good dim sum meal starts with jasmine or pu-erh, not soda.

London’s dim sum scene has grown beyond the usual suspects. You’ll find vegan versions made with mushroom and tofu, gluten-free wrappers for those with dietary needs, and even fusion twists that still respect the tradition. But the classics still rule: har gow, siu mai, cheong fun, and egg tarts. The real winners? Places where the staff remembers your name, the carts never stop coming, and the last bite leaves you wanting more.