DIM SUM SPECIALTIES

Dim Sum is a typical Cantonese dish prepared as small bite-sized portions of food, traditionally served in small steamer baskets or on plates. Dim Sum can be made with either meat, sea food or vegetables. They can be steamed, deep-fried, pan-fried or even roasted and they can be shaped as dumplings, balls, pastries and rolls. Dim Sum is the Chinese version of western “hors d’oeuvres” as they are usually eaten as a festive brunch.

Dim Sum are usually served from the morning until noontime at Chinese restaurants and in specialised dim sum eateries where typical dishes are available throughout the day.

As it is served in small portions, no matter how hungry you are, you will end up ordering lots of food, and it’s a great thing as you will be able to taste a wide variety of specialties! Who does not love those awesome Asian snacks ?

The Cantonese name for “dim sum” (點心) literally means “touch the heart”.

Ancient tradition says Dim Sum should always come with “yum cha” (tea tasting”). At the time of the ancient Silk Road, travelers used to look for teahouses to rest, and when it was discovered that drinking tea while eating could help digestion, teahouses began to serve various snacks including Dim sums.

Nowadays Dim Sum has become very popular amongst westerners as this mouth-watering dish combines what most of us are looking for in a snack: unique, quick, fresh and various!

If you want to taste awesome dim sum in the heart of Saigon’s Chinatown, book our self-guided tour and come investigate the strange case of Dr Lam!