Delivery Dim Sum 101: Which Dishes to Order and Which to Avoid

Some people might tell you to avoid ordering dim sum at home altogether, because you’ll miss out on the social experience and the presentation of the dishes… but we are not those people. We are people who believe that when you want dim sum, you should have dim sum, no matter where you are! It’s true that some of the more delicate dishes don’t hold up well when ordered as takeout, but if you choose wisely, you can enjoy a delicious dim sum meal from the comfort of your own home without sacrificing texture or flavor. Consider this your introduction to the art of ordering takeout dim sum.

 

Siu Mai (Pork Dumplings) Siu Mai pork dumplings One of the most popular dim sum orders, Siu Mai is also a great takeout option. It’s a little denser than some of the other steamed dumplings on the menu, so it holds its shape and texture really well and doesn’t need to be eaten right away.

Our takeout verdict: Order

 

Chai Sui Bao (BBQ Pork Buns) Chai Sui Bao Pork buns These sticky and delicious pork-filled buns somehow become even more sticky and delicious when devoured from the takeout box, plus nobody will glare at you when you skip the chopsticks and eat them with your fingers.

Our takeout verdict: Order

 

Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings) Xiao Long Bao Soup Dumplings A classic dim sum order, Xiao Long Bao are served filled with piping hot broth, so you can simultaneous slurp up the tasty broth while chewing on the tender rice dumpling and meat filling. Sadly, these dumplings really need to be eaten fresh from the kitchen, and not many are tough enough to survive the journey from the restaurant to your door.

Our takeout verdict: Avoid  

 

Potsticker Dumplings Potsticker Dumplings Depending on the filling, these dumplings might have different names, but for clarity, we’re referring to any of the pan-fried variety. While they might lose a little bit of the crunchiness as a delivery order, the overall texture holds up very well. Top tip: to make these a little extra crunchy at home, just toss them in a hot frying pan for a minute or two.

Our takeout verdict: Order  

 

Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings)

Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings

Har Gow is often known as the king of dim sum, and we consider it a can’t-miss option even when ordering takeout. The shrimp filling is juicy but not soupy, so you can order them with little risk of them drying out on their way to you.

Our takeout verdict: Order

 

Lo Bak Go (Turnip Cake)

lo bak go

Depending on the restaurant, these iconic cakes will either be made with turnips or radish. Either way, though, one of the best things about this dish is the slight crunch of the exterior which comes from being heated on a sizzling hot grill just before serving. They are still tasty at home, but you’ll miss out on the full experience.

Our takeout verdict: Avoid

 

Fung Zao (Chicken Feet)

Fung Zao Chicken Feet

Whether or not you’re brave enough to order this controversial dish is entirely up to you, but there’s no doubt that chicken feet are delicious, whether enjoyed in a restaurant or from home.

Our takeout verdict: Order

 

Sesame Prawn Toast Sesame Prawn Toast This dim sum starter may be deep-fried, but it’s also surprisingly delicate, and we’ve found that it loses its charm and risks becoming soggy or oily when ordered as a takeout option.

Our takeout verdict: Avoid  

 

No Mai Gai (Lotus Leaf Wraps)

No Mai Gai Lotus Leaf Wraps

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction that comes from unwrapping these tasty rice parcels to reveal the steaming filling inside, and the lotus leaf conveniently serves as insulation to keep your order piping hot until it arrives at your home.

Our takeout verdict: Order

 

Cheong Fun (Steamed Rice Rolls)

cheong Fun Steamed Rice Rolls

 

We absolutely love Cheong Fun, but when packaged up as a takeout order, the delicate rice paper wrapping can turn to mush, which means you’re missing out on the texture and also the beautiful presentation of the dish.

Our takeout verdict: Avoid

 

 

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