How to yum cha in Hong Kong, dim sum capital of the world

Nothing unites Hong Kong quite like dim sum.

Baskets of steaming, bite-sized morsels bring families together every weekend, gatherings where elderly members share stories of their childhoods over the familiar taste of a Chiu Chow-style dumpling.

This is why Hong Kongers choose their dim sum experiences carefully – a quality restaurant could become the de facto family haunt that’s visited for generations to come.

After all, it’s not just the taste that makes a dim sum meal a must-have Hong Kong experience. It’s the camaraderie, too.

While it’s impossible to name all of our favorite neighborhood teahouses, here are some of the best places for chowing down on these steam-basket goodies.

Looking for advice on how to yum cha (drink tea/enjoy dim sum) like a local? Scroll to the end of this feature.

If you want to know what flawless dim sum tastes like, head to Forum.

Founded by the late Yeung Koon Yat, a legendary abalone master, this three-Michelin-star restaurant serves classic Cantonese dim sum with an attention to detail that can only be described as impeccable.

The neatly pleated hargow (steamed shrimp dumpling) wrapper is neither too firm nor too soggy.

The charsiu in the fluffy bao (steamed barbecued pork bun with oyster sauce) is never too salty nor too sweet.

Don’t leave without ordering a serving of the pillowy steamed rice roll with dried shrimp and scallion, a nostalgic local snack loved by Forum fans.

Forum Restaurant, 255-257 Gloucester Rd, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong; +852 2869 8282

Best dim sum for night owls: Sun Hing

The cozy (read: extremely packed) Sun Hing in Kennedy Town is a wondrous place where university night owls meet tipsy Lan Kwai Fong revelers meet newspaper-reading early-bird seniors.

As the chefs begin kneading dough and wrapping buns in the middle of the night, neighbors slowly fill the seats and wait for its freshly made dumplings, addictive salted egg yolk custard buns and stir-fried crispy milk puffs.

There is no menu or ordering sheet here.

Diners choose their dim sum from the display towers located at the counter.

Sun Hing Restaurant, G/F, 8 Smithfield Rd, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong; +852 2816 0616