Dim Sum & Buns: A Guide to the Best Chinese Street Food

Dim sum and buns are popular Cantonese delicacies that have become a staple in many parts of the world, including Hong Kong and Singapore. These small, bite-sized dishes are typically served in bamboo steamers and are perfect for brunch or breakfast. From steamed dumplings to crispy pork buns, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

One of the most popular dim sum delicacies is the pork bun, which is typically filled with barbecued pork and served either steamed or baked. Another favourite is the har gow, which is a translucent shrimp dumpling that is steamed to perfection. Other popular dishes include siu mai, which is a pork and shrimp dumpling, and cha siu bao, which is a steamed bun filled with barbecued pork.

If you're new to dim sum, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. However, there are a few cooking techniques and tips that can help you get started. For example, it's important to know that dim sum dishes are typically served in small portions, so you can try a variety of dishes without feeling too full. Additionally, it's important to pay attention to the cooking time and temperature, as overcooked or undercooked dim sum can ruin the flavour and texture.

Key Takeaways

• Dim sum and buns are popular Cantonese delicacies that have become a staple in many parts of the world, including Hong Kong and Singapore.
• Pork buns, har gow, siu mai, and cha siu bao are some of the most popular dim sum dishes.
• When trying dim sum for the first time, start with small portions and pay attention to the cooking time and temperature.

Dim Sum Delicacies

If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, then you've likely heard of dim sum. These small, bite-sized dishes are perfect for sharing with friends and family, and are often enjoyed over tea. In this section, we'll explore some of the most popular dim sum delicacies, and give you some tips on how to order and enjoy them.

Steamed Favourites

Steamed dim sum is a staple of any dim sum meal. These dishes are cooked in a bamboo steamer, which helps to retain their flavour and texture. Some of the most popular steamed dim sum dishes include shrimp dumplings (har gow) and siu mai, which are small pork and prawn dumplings.

When ordering steamed dim sum, it's important to note that they are often served in threes or fours. This is because they are meant to be shared, so don't be afraid to order a variety of dishes and try a little bit of everything.

Buns and Dumplings

Steamed buns, or baozi, are another popular dim sum dish. These soft, fluffy buns are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as char siu (barbecue pork) or custard. To assemble the buns, the dough is rolled out and filled with the desired filling, before being wrapped and steamed.

Dumplings are another staple of dim sum. These small parcels of dough are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as prawns or pork, and are often served with a dipping sauce.

Savoury and Sweet Flavours

Dim sum is known for its wide variety of flavours, ranging from savoury to sweet. Some of the most popular savoury dishes include lo mai gai, which is a sticky rice dish filled with chicken and mushrooms, and cheong fun, which are rice noodle rolls filled with shrimp or pork.

For those with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of options to choose from. Steamed custard buns, or nai wong bao, are a popular choice, as are custard tarts.

Rice and Noodle Varieties

Rice and noodles are also common in dim sum. Sticky rice is often used in dishes like lo mai gai, while rice noodle rolls are a popular option for those looking for a savoury dish.

Festive and Special Occasions

Dim sum is often enjoyed during special occasions, such as Chinese New Year. During these times, dishes like Peking duck and sesame prawn toast are often served alongside traditional dim sum dishes.

When enjoying dim sum, it's important to note that many of these dishes are high in calories and sodium. However, they can also be a good source of protein and other nutrients. To make your dim sum meal a little healthier, try to order dishes that are steamed rather than fried, and limit your intake of dipping sauces.

Overall, dim sum is a delicious and fun way to enjoy Chinese cuisine. With so many dishes to choose from, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Cooking Techniques and Tips

Preparing the Perfect Dough

When making dim sum and buns, the dough is an essential component. To prepare the perfect dough, you will need all-purpose flour, yeast, cornstarch, baking powder, custard powder, fat, protein, and lukewarm water. First, combine the flour, yeast, cornstarch, baking powder, and custard powder in a mixing bowl. Then, add the fat and protein, and slowly pour in the lukewarm water while mixing the ingredients together. Knead the dough for at least 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes before using it.

Steaming and Serving Methods

Steaming is the most common method of cooking dim sum and buns. To steam, place the dim sum or buns in a bamboo steamer and place the steamer over a pot of boiling water. Cover the steamer with a lid and steam for about 10-15 minutes, or until the dim sum or buns are cooked through. Serve the dim sum and buns hot with chopsticks and a small dish of soy sauce.

When serving dim sum, it is customary to order a variety of dishes to share with the table. Use chopsticks to pick up the dim sum and buns and dip them in the soy sauce before eating. It is also common to use a fork to hold the dim sum while using chopsticks to eat it.

Cultural Insights and Etiquette

Dim sum originated in Cantonese cuisine and is a popular brunch tradition in Hong Kong and Singapore. When ordering dim sum, it is customary to order a variety of dishes to share with the table. Some popular dim sum dishes include scallion pancakes, cha siu bao (steamed pork buns), cheong fan (rice noodle rolls), potstickers, wu gok (taro croquettes), lo mai gai (sticky rice with chicken), and congee.

When dining at a dim sum restaurant, it is important to be respectful of the cultural traditions and etiquette. Do not waste food, and do not order more than you can eat. It is also considered impolite to leave chopsticks sticking upright in a bowl of rice, as this is reminiscent of incense sticks at a funeral. Instead, place the chopsticks horizontally across the bowl or on a chopstick rest.

Overall, preparing and enjoying dim sum and buns is a fun and delicious experience that is steeped in cultural tradition and etiquette. By following these tips and techniques, you can create and enjoy a perfect dim sum meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's typically included in a dim sum menu?

A dim sum menu usually consists of bite-sized dishes that are steamed, fried or baked. The dishes are served in small portions, making it easy to share with others. Some of the most popular dishes on a dim sum menu include siu mai, har gow, char siu bao, egg tarts, and cheong fun.

Can you show me some types of dim sum with photos?

Yes, some popular types of dim sum include siu mai, which is a steamed pork and shrimp dumpling, har gow, which is a steamed shrimp dumpling, char siu bao, which is a steamed BBQ pork bun, and egg tarts, which are small sweet tarts filled with egg custard. You can easily find photos of these dishes online.

How do you make traditional dim sum buns at home?

Making traditional dim sum buns at home can be a bit challenging, but it is possible. You will need to make a dough using flour, yeast, sugar, and water. The filling can vary depending on the type of bun you want to make, but some popular fillings include BBQ pork, chicken, and vegetables. There are many recipes available online that can guide you through the process.

What are the main differences between bao buns and dumplings?

Bao buns and dumplings are both popular Chinese dishes, but they are different in terms of their texture and preparation. Bao buns are steamed buns that are filled with meat, vegetables or sweet fillings. Dumplings, on the other hand, are small pieces of dough that are filled with meat, vegetables or seafood and are either boiled, steamed or fried.

What ingredients go into making dim sum buns?

The ingredients for making dim sum buns can vary depending on the type of bun you want to make. However, the basic ingredients include flour, yeast, sugar, water and oil. The filling can include a variety of meats, seafood, vegetables, and seasonings.

How many varieties of dim sum exist?

There are hundreds of varieties of dim sum that exist, and new ones are being created all the time. Some of the most popular varieties include siu mai, har gow, char siu bao, egg tarts, and cheong fun. However, there are many other types of dim sum that you can explore and enjoy.