Dim sum is the Chinese version of brunch, where you feast on numerous small plates served between late morning and lunch.
These days, you can find dim sum at Chinese restaurants all around the globe. In Japan, it’s also called tenshin, and there are a number of specialty restaurants in Tokyo where you can enjoy this traditional Chinese meal.
Of course, on a trip to Hong Kong, you will find the finest dim sum restaurants; it is hard to pick one. In the Central Business Area of the city, there are more than 20!
This cherished Chinese tradition is more than a meal—it’s a social experience rooted in respect, sharing, and connection. Here’s our guide to navigating the dim sum table with poise and grace.
Dim sum, meaning “touch the heart,” is a communal affair where small plates of delectable dishes are shared among diners. This tradition, originating in southern China, emphasizes togetherness and respect for the group. To excel in this setting:
Share Generously: Always offer dishes to others before serving yourself. Use communal serving utensils, not your personal chopsticks, to maintain hygiene and show consideration.
Pace the Meal: Avoid ordering too many dishes at once. Select a few plates at a time, ensuring everyone enjoys a variety of flavors without overwhelming the table.
Tea: The Soul of the Dim Sum Table
Tea is central to the dim sum experience, often referred to as yum cha (drink tea). Mastering tea etiquette is key to demonstrating respect:
Pour for Others First: When the teapot is refilled, pour tea for your tablemates before filling your own cup. This small gesture reflects thoughtfulness and respect for the group.
The Two-Finger Tap: If someone pours tea for you, gently tap the table with your index and middle fingers as a silent thank you—a traditional gesture rooted in Chinese culture.
Signal for Refills: To request more hot water for the teapot, slightly lift or tilt the lid, signaling the server without interrupting the conversation.
Chopstick Etiquette: Handle with Care
Chopsticks are more than utensils; they carry cultural significance. Proper use demonstrates respect for the dining experience:
Avoid Pointing or Sticking: It is considered rude to point chopsticks at others or stick them upright in a dish.
Use Serving Chopsticks: When taking food from shared plates, use the provided serving chopsticks or spoons to avoid cross-contamination.
Rest Properly: When not in use, place chopsticks on the provided rest or beside your plate, never across the top of a bowl.
Navigating the Cart System
In traditional dim sum restaurants, servers push carts laden with steaming baskets of dumplings, buns, and other delights. Engaging with the cart system requires confidence and decisiveness:
Be Attentive: Watch for carts approaching your table and politely signal if you’d like to see the offerings. A friendly nod or raised hand works well.
Ask Questions: If unsure about a dish, ask the server for details. This shows curiosity and respect for the cuisine.
Act Promptly: In busy restaurants, carts move quickly. Make selections efficiently to keep the dining pace smooth for everyone.
Respecting the Dining Pace
Dim sum restaurants, especially in bustling cities like Hong Kong, often have a fast-paced atmosphere. To align with this rhythm:
Arrive Early: Early arrivals often enjoy fresher dishes and a more relaxed dining experience.
Be Mindful of Turnover: In busy venues, be considerate of table turnover. Enjoy your meal, but avoid lingering excessively when others are waiting.
Order Thoughtfully: Balance lighter dishes (like steamed dumplings) with heavier ones (like fried items) to maintain a harmonious meal flow.
Handling the Bill with Grace
When the meal concludes, handling the bill respectfully reinforces your professionalism:
Discuss in Advance: If dining with colleagues or clients, clarify who will cover the bill beforehand to avoid awkwardness.
Tip Appropriately: In the U.S., tipping is customary (15-20% of the bill), but in places like Hong Kong, it’s less common unless exceptional service warrants it. Check local customs to avoid over- or under-tipping.
Express Gratitude: Thank your server and tablemates for the shared experience, reinforcing the communal spirit of dim sum.
Cultural Sensitivity: The Key to Connection
Dim sum is a celebration of Chinese culture, and showing respect for its traditions fosters stronger relationships. Avoid interrupting conversations, maintain subtle body language, and refrain from direct eye contact during serious discussions, as it may be seen as confrontational in some Chinese settings. By embracing these cultural nuances, you demonstrate professionalism and build trust with your dining companions.
A Final Note
Dim sum dining is an opportunity to connect, share, and celebrate. By mastering these etiquette principles, you not only enhance your dining experience but also show respect for a rich cultural tradition. At the International Etiquette Centre, we’re passionate about equipping you with the skills to navigate any professional or social setting with confidence.
Ready to elevate your cross-cultural dining skills?
Elena Brouwer doesn’t just teach international protocol — she lives it, breathes it, and packs it in her suitcase wherever she goes. As the Director and Chief Etiquette Officer of the International Etiquette Centre, Elena transforms the sometimes-intimidating world of cross-cultural manners into something exciting, empowering, and — dare we say — fun.
Armed with a certification from the Protocol School of Washington D.C., and with teaching credentials from the University of Miami and Florida Small Business Development Centers, Elena has helped everyone from Fortune 500 leaders to young entrepreneurs feel confident at any table — whether it’s a boardroom in Tokyo or a café in Madrid. Her background? A global mosaic in itself: Chinese, Spanish, Irish, and Jewish roots, all wrapped up in a U.S. upbringing. Combine that with her bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, and you get someone who doesn’t just talk about cultural awareness — she embodies it.
Elena is also Florida’s Ambassador of Commerce At-Large (yes, it’s as cool as it sounds!). When she’s not speaking on global stages, she’s writing for major publications, quoted by the press, and mentoring future business leaders at the University of Miami. You might also find her at Toastmasters, polishing speeches — or hopping on a plane to discover what makes manners tick in yet another part of the world. So whether you need to navigate a royal reception or just figure out which fork to use at dinner in Paris — Elena’s got your back.
