"Dim Sum" is the "heart" of Cantonese culture. Enjoyed as basket-steamed dumplings and small dishes, dim sum culture is engrained in Hong Kong for both younger and older generations. Naturally, Hong Kong is a dim sum paradise, boasting a plethora of restaurants that elevate this Cantonese culinary art form to new heights. For our guide, we have a wide range of suggestions, from Michelin-starred establishments serving exquisitely crafted creations to bustling, traditional teahouses steeped in history. There's even one for the Gen Z crowd who may be intimidated by tradition. Here's a list of our top dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong that suit all tourists and locals alike.

Stepping into Lin Heung Lau is like stepping back in time, with its traditional decor, often featuring classic Chinese motifs, and a lively, communal atmosphere. It's a traditional Cantonese restaurant steeped in history and renowned for its authentic dim sum served in a classic, bustling environment. The restaurant is particularly famous for its pushcart-style dim sum service, a nostalgic experience where servers navigate the dining room with carts laden with steaming bamboo baskets filled with a wide array of delectable small bites.

Established in 1933, Luk Yu Tea House exudes an old-world charm with its classic Chinese decor, often featuring dark wood furnishings, intricate carvings, and traditional artwork, creating a sophisticated and timeless setting. The menu features a wide array of high-quality Cantonese dim sum, prepared with precision and using fresh, premium ingredients. Expect classic favorites like delicate shrimp dumplings, flavorful pork dumplings, expertly crafted siu mai, and steamed barbecue pork buns, alongside other traditional delicacies.

Unlike many traditional dim sum places that operate during the day, Sun Hing opens late, often from late night into the early morning hours, making it a popular spot for those seeking a post-dinner or even pre-dawn bite. Sun Hing offers a no-frills, genuine Hong Kong dining experience. It's less about fancy decor and more about the delicious, traditional food served at reasonable prices.

Sheung Hei Restaurant in Hong Kong is a well-regarded establishment known for its hearty and comforting traditional Cantonese cuisine, with a particular emphasis on clay pot rice dishes (煲仔飯 - bo zai fan). Expect a variety of toppings, from classic combinations like chicken and Chinese sausage (lap cheong) to more adventurous options featuring spareribs, salted fish, or seasonal vegetables. A key element of clay pot rice is the slightly charred and crispy rice crust that forms at the bottom of the pot, adding a delightful textural contrast.

Maxim's Palace Restaurant in Hong Kong is a grand and iconic Cantonese dining establishment, renowned for its traditional ambiance and extensive menu of classic dishes and dim sum. Maxim's Palace evokes a sense of old Hong Kong with its traditional Chinese decor, featuring elaborate chandeliers, rich red and gold accents, and sometimes even live traditional music performances. Expect a comprehensive selection of dim sum classics, prepared with time-honored recipes.

Tuen Kee Chinese Restaurant is a well-regarded establishment, particularly known for its traditional and comforting Cantonese home-style cooking. It's a place where locals go for reliable, unpretentious dishes that evoke a sense of familiar, everyday Cantonese flavors. Expect a menu featuring hearty rice dishes, flavorful stir-fries with seasonal vegetables and meats, and perhaps some classic soups and stews prepared with traditional methods. The atmosphere at Tuen Kee is typically local and casual, prioritizing the food and a comfortable dining experience over elaborate decor.

Social Place is a popular and contemporary Chinese restaurant in Hong Kong that offers a modern twist on traditional Cantonese cuisine. Known for its stylish and often Instagrammable presentation, Social Place aims to appeal to a younger, trend-conscious crowd while still honoring classic flavors. Dishes are often served with creative flair, incorporating modern plating techniques and playful elements that make them visually appealing

Chinese Library is a sophisticated and stylish Cantonese restaurant. The restaurant focuses on high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation to present Cantonese dishes that go beyond the traditional, often incorporating modern techniques and artistic presentation. The decor is typically elegant and modern, located in the historical Tai Kwun building.

Sun Tung Lok Chinese Cuisine in Hong Kong is a highly acclaimed and Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant renowned for its exquisite culinary craftsmanship and dedication to traditional flavors executed with exceptional finesse. It stands as a beacon of high-end Cantonese dining in the city, attracting discerning gourmands seeking an authentic yet refined experience. Expect dishes prepared with skillful wok hei (wok aroma), precise steaming, and delicate braising.

Lung King Heen at the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong is a distinguished and Michelin three-starred Cantonese restaurant, revered as one of the world's finest exponents of the cuisine. It offers an exceptional dining experience characterized by exquisite flavors, refined presentation, and breathtaking panoramic views of Victoria Harbour.

Tin Lung Heen, nestled high within The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, is a celebrated Michelin two-starred Cantonese restaurant that offers a truly elevated dining experience. Perched on the 102nd floor, it presents diners with breathtaking panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and the iconic cityscape, creating a spectacular backdrop for its exquisite cuisine.

Man Wah at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, is a distinguished Cantonese restaurant that immerses anyone into the rich culinary heritage of the city. Some of their famous and highly recommended offerings include a Barbecued Iberian Pork Loin with Honey and Crispy Roasted Chicken, both prepared meticulously