For the uninitiated, eating dim sum can be a little mystifying. At its most basic, Chinese dim sum dishes are essentially small plates, like tapas, usually aimed at the brunch crowd, and are definitely meant to be shared. Whether your family consists of a significant other or you and your best mates, dim sum lets everyone order exactly what they want and taste what everyone else ordered. Restaurateurs wheel around the dining room with airplane-style carts full of tempting treats. The challenges lie in choosing well, pacing yourself, and not letting your eyes do all the ordering—it’s easy to get infatuated to the point of post-meal sticker shock.
Dim sum is certainly more strategy-oriented than most meals. Don’t be scared, though. Just have a plan and work it. Here’s an example of a perfectly planned dim sum meal that’ll keep your stomach, wallet and family happy.
