Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Dim Sum Fans
Top Things to Do in New York City for Dim Sum Fans
1. Nom Wah Tea Parlor
A century-old teahouse tucked on curved Doyers Street serving classic Cantonese dim sum with a retro Chinatown feel. Expect flaky egg tarts, crisp turnip cakes, and perfectly steamed dumplings.
✓ Why Go:
It’s living culinary history—ideal for fans who want heritage flavors and a photogenic setting in the heart of Manhattan’s Chinatown.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays before 11:00 a.m. or mid-afternoon between 3:00–5:00 p.m. to skip peak lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair the original pork-and-shrimp siu mai with chrysanthemum or pu’er tea; save room for the almond cookie finale.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Nostalgic, cozy, and consistently tasty; visitors love the old-New-York ambience as much as the dumplings.
2. Dim Sum Go Go
Modern, menu-driven dim sum near the foot of the Manhattan Bridge, known for delicate har gow, duck-stuffed buns, and a rainbow sampler of dumplings.
✓ Why Go:
Purists appreciate the translucent wrappers and precise steaming—ideal for tasting the craft without cart chaos.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning on weekdays or after the lunch rush around 2:30–4:30 p.m.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the chef’s dumpling sampler and the rice rolls; ask about daily greens to balance the feast.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for refined textures and reliable execution; service is efficient and patient with first-timers.
3. Jing Fong
Reborn Chinatown favorite offering a wide spread of Cantonese small plates in a lively dining room. Expect baked char siu buns, shrimp rice rolls, and sesame balls.
✓ Why Go:
A beloved name for decades—great for fans chasing the grand dim sum spirit and celebratory family-style meals.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Aim for opening hour on weekends or arrive before noon; weekdays are calmer for leisurely bites.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start with a pot of jasmine tea, then mix steamed and baked items for contrasting textures.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Crowd-pleasing and festive; diners highlight generous portions and classic flavors.
4. Joe's Steam Rice Roll
Tiny specialist turning out silky Cantonese cheung fun made to order. Watch your rice batter steam, then get it rolled with shrimp, beef, or egg and chive.
✓ Why Go:
For dim sum fans, it’s a masterclass in one foundational dish—simple, comforting, and mesmerizingly fresh.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings 9:30–11:30 a.m. or late afternoon; limited seating means off-peak wins.
✓ Insider Tip:
Add XO sauce or peanut-sesame duo and ask for extra scallions for aroma and snap.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Universally adored for texture and value; a quick, satisfying stop between Chinatown wanderings.
5. Tim Ho Wan
The famed Hong Kong import serves a tight menu with high precision—baked BBQ pork buns with crackly tops are the must-order signature.
✓ Why Go:
A benchmark for consistency and technique, giving fans a taste of global dim sum standards right in Midtown.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early lunch 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. or early dinner before theater crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair the baked BBQ pork buns with steamed sponge cake and chrysanthemum tea for a classic sweet-savory flow.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Lines move fast; travelers rave about the buns and clean, modern feel.
6. Buddha Bodai
Kosher vegetarian spot in Chinatown crafting plant-based takes on dim sum favorites—think mushroom siu mai, veggie rice rolls, and mock roast meats.
✓ Why Go:
Essential for vegetarians and the dim sum-curious seeking lighter plates without sacrificing tradition.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekdays at lunch for quick seating; weekends are popular with groups and families.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the fried turnip cake and ask for chili oil on the side; don’t skip the sesame rice balls.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for inclusive menus and friendly service; many non-vegetarians become regulars.
7. Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao
Flushing favorite celebrated for soup dumplings with delicate skins and rich broth, plus scallion pancakes and cold sesame noodles.
✓ Why Go:
For dim sum fans who love dumplings, this is a pilgrimage for xiao long bao and Shanghai-style small plates.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Arrive before 12:00 p.m. on weekends or late lunch on weekdays to minimize waits.
✓ Insider Tip:
Gently lift dumplings with a spoon, nibble the top, sip the broth, then dip in black vinegar with ginger.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Consistently praised as a top dumpling destination; lines are part of the ritual and worth it.
8. Shanghai You Garden
Bustling Flushing eatery offering a wide range of dim sum-style bites—pan-fried pork buns, rice cakes, and steamed dumplings.
✓ Why Go:
A reliable, moderately priced feast where groups can sample widely and compare textures and styles.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon window 3:00–5:00 p.m. for shortest waits; evenings are lively.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order both steamed and pan-fried buns to taste the contrast; share plates to cover more of the menu.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Energetic, generous portions, and great value—fans call it a Flushing staple.
9. New World Mall Food Court
A Flushing hub where you can graze across stalls for Cantonese rice rolls, shumai, congee, and regional Chinese snacks under one roof.
✓ Why Go:
Perfect for indecisive eaters and dim sum explorers who want variety without committing to one restaurant.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early lunch on weekdays; weekends are crowded but fun for people-watching.
✓ Insider Tip:
Split up to order from multiple vendors and reconvene at a table; bring an appetite and small bills.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A chaotic, delicious adventure; praised for breadth, value, and authentic atmosphere.
10. Columbus Park
Morning heart of Chinatown where locals practice tai chi, play mahjong, and chat—an evocative pre- or post-dim-sum stroll.
✓ Why Go:
Adds cultural context to a dim sum day, connecting the meal to everyday neighborhood rhythms.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning 7:00–10:00 a.m. for tai chi and music; late afternoon for card games and chatter.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pick up hot soy milk or a sesame bun nearby and soak in the scene before heading to your meal.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Peaceful, authentic, and photogenic; visitors feel like they’ve stepped into the neighborhood’s living room.
