Best Novelty Dim Sum Restaurants in Hong Kong and Macau
Seldom is food more Instagram-worthy than these creative twists on dim sum. Sometimes referred to as ‘cute dim sum’, it’s classic dim sum given a playful and cheeky spin. Here are five of our favourite places to try out these novelty wonders in Hong Kong and Macau.
Dim sum has been around for centuries in China. These popular bite-size dishes, usually served with tea, are traditionally eaten at breakfast or lunch. In an attempt to modernise dim sum, it’s becoming more common for chefs to experiment and put a playful spin on classic dim sum dishes such as BBQ pork buns and shrimp dumplings. Using traditional ingredients, they are given a modern twist – often inspired by fictional or cartoon characters, they’re a feast for the eyes as well as the belly.
1. Dim Sum Icon
Restaurant, Chinese
2. Yum Cha
Restaurant, Chinese
The dim sum here looks good, is given a modern creative spin, but it’s not a gimmick – quality ingredients take pride of place. Standout dishes include the BBQ piggy buns, the hot molten custard buns and the doggy sausage rolls. Novelty dim sum without compromising on taste or quality.
3. Crystal Lotus
Hotel Restaurant, Chinese
Now you can sleep, breathe and EAT Disney – literally. Chefs at the Hong Kong park have specially created dim sum dishes that resemble some of the most popular Disney and Pixar characters. Available exclusively at the Crystal Lotus restaurant inside the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, you can feast on unique dishes such as three little pigs barbecue buns, little green men pork and vegetable bun, and Mickey’s double-layer turnip and taro pudding.
4. Pak Loh Chiu Chow Macau
Restaurant, Chinese
These sweet taro filling pastry in swan shape are about as elegant as dim sum gets. You’ll find these small works of art on the dim sum menu at Pak Loh Chiu Chow restaurant in Macau, along with several other traditional dim sum dishes given a modern twist. Perfectly executed with artistic flair, they are designed to demonstrate the restaurant’s expertise when it comes to combining food with finesse.
5. The Eight
Restaurant, Chinese
Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.
Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>
All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.