If you’re going to Hong Kong and not eating dim sum, respectfully, what are you doing?
This city is the dim sum capital of the world. It’s fast, it’s chaotic, it’s glorious. From bamboo steamers clinking at 8 a.m. to late-night haunts with flaky egg tarts and chili oil that leaves you speechless, you’re never more than 5 steps away from something delicious. And here’s the kicker: you don’t need to drop serious cash to eat like royalty.
Here’s where to get the best dim sum in Hong Kong, some iconic, some budget but all of them unforgettable.
🥢 Dim Sum Icon Status (Still Affordable… Just Show Some Respect)
Tim Ho Wan
📍Multiple Locations | ⭐ Michelin-starred cheap eats | 💰
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s a chain. Yes, it’s still delicious.
What to get: BBQ pork buns (they’re crack), steamed egg cake, shrimp dumplings.
📝 Budget tip: Most items under HK$30. You’ll spend ~HK$100 per person max.
Maxim’s Palace City Hall
📍City Hall, Central | 👑 Classic Cantonese with carts | 💰💰💰
Dim sum carts + chandeliers + harbor views = timeless HK brunch.
What to get: Siu mai, rice noodle rolls, lotus leaf rice.
📝 Expect to spend: HK$200–250 per person with tea. Worth it for the vibe.
💸 Local, Loud, and Legendary
Dim Dim Sum Dim Sum
📍Jordan & Mong Kok | 🥢 Michelin Bib Gourmand | 💰💰
Fun menu, fast service, and cartoon piggy buns.
What to get: XO sauce turnip cakes, piggy custard buns, fried shrimp rolls.
📝 Around HK$120–150 per person. Chill vibe, no pressure.
One Dim Sum
📍Prince Edward | 👨👩👧👦 Family-run favorite | 💰
Small space, big flavors. Line up and hang tight.
What to get: Har gow, siu mai, BBQ pork rice rolls.
📝 Full meal: HK$80–100 per person. Basically a steal.
💰 Budget Kings (Your Wallet Says Thank You)
Lin Heung Tea House
📍Central | ⏳ Historic chaos since 1926 | 💰
It’s hectic. It’s loud. It’s real. Aunties will outrun you.
What to get: Lotus leaf rice, pork ribs, custard buns—whatever you can grab.
📝 Around HK$100 per person, including tea. Bring your elbows.
Cheung Hing Kee Shanghai Pan-Fried Buns
📍Tsim Sha Tsui | 🔥 Street-food legend | 💰
Technically not dim sum. Technically don’t care.
What to get: Pork soup buns, black truffle dumplings.
📝 HK$40–60 for a full snack. Eat on the sidewalk like a local.
🍮 Sweet Endings
Tai Cheong Bakery
📍Central | 🍮 Egg tart royalty | 💰
That buttery shortcrust. That silky filling. It’s not up for debate.
What to get: Egg tart (duh).
📝 HK$10 each. Buy 3. Regret nothing.
Hang Heung Cake Shop
📍Multiple Locations | 🎁 Take-home worthy treats | 💰💰
Old-school pastries that slap.
What to get: Wife cake, red bean pastries, mooncakes (seasonal).
📝 HK$100–200 for a gift box or a few pieces. Great souvenir stop.
Dim sum in Hong Kong isn’t just about eating, it’s a cultural ritual, and a chance to witness grandma elbow someone for the last shrimp dumpling. Whether you’re traveling on a budget or treating yourself to chandeliers and har gow, this city has a bamboo steamer with your name on it.
Now go forth and feast. Just remember to bring cash, patience, and stretchy pants.
