You dim sum, you lose some
We all know and love dim sum as a go-to staple that satisfies the whole family, but if you’re looking to really give your little ones a meal to remember, here are some of the cutest spots in town! As a fun, alternative take on the most quintessentially Hong Kong tradition, these yum cha joints take regular char siu baos or har gows to a whole new level.
Mamas, papas, kiddos, and visiting guests alike are in for a treat with these quirky buns that are definitely out of the ordinary! So if you’re known to Instagram your food, you’ll definitely live up to the camera-eats-first ethos at these photo-worthy meals. These 5 restaurants are outdoing themselves by inserting a healthy dose of creativity in their dishes. Oh, and lots of these dishes require participation, mamas, so get those chopsticks out and enjoy some hands-on fun over dim sum…
If you’re looking for dim sum that’s not only Instagrammable but also tastes incredible, Dim Sum Icon is a winner. Known for their creative twists on traditional dim sum, Dim Sum Icon has previously collaborated with the Little Twin Star Concept and is now changed to Kobitios theme.
One of our personal favourites is the Kobitos Steamed Rice Roll With Chili Sauce, and don’t worry if you’re not a fan for spicy food as the spicy sauce is on the side so you can control the amount you want.
Kiddies (and adults alike) will have a good laugh poking and squeezing the Gudetama “pooping” Chocolate Buns – a fun dim sum experience like no other!
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 11am – 11pm
Dim Sum Icon (Central), B/F, Century Square, 1 D’Aguilar Street, Central; 2807 1682
Dim Sum Icon (Tsim Sha Tsui), Shop L308, 3F, The ONE, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2885 1345
When it comes to adorable and unique dim sum, we would look no further than Yum Cha, home of the famous “vomiting” custard buns! With locations in Sheung Wan and Tsim Tsa Tsui, Yum Cha is easily accessible whether side of the harbour you’re on. They also have incredibly attractive offerings for lunch and dinner (pro tip: try the truffle e-fu noodles and the salt and pepper squid!) that you can order alongside the famous (or infamous?) custard buns. The delicious char siu bao (BBQ pork buns) even look like the three little pigs! Not only is a meal at Yum Cha engaging and totally Instagram friendly, it tastes wonderful too – this may be the one time you and your kiddos would want to play a bit with the food before you eat it!
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday
Lunch: 11:30am – 3pm and Dinner: 6 – 10:30pm
Yum Cha (Central), Nan Fung Tower, 2/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Rd Central, Central; 3708 8081
Yum Cha (Tsim Sha Tsui), 3/F, 20-22, Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; 2751 1666
The happiest place on earth just became the most edible! Head over to the Disneyland Hotel and book yourself in for a whimsical dim sum experience at their signature Chinese restaurant, Crystal Lotus. Besides their menu with classic options, try their signature Disney Dim Sum. Our kiddos favourite has to be the Three Little Pigs barbecue bun, the Little Green Men pork and vegetable bun and the Olaf steamed red bean bun (for all you Frozen lovers out there!).
Although you may be able to find a better char siu bao elsewhere, the adorable buns make up for that with their uber cuteness and you’ll get plenty of photo ops! All to see the littles smile, right mamas?
Reservations are strongly recommended as Crystal Lotus is usually quite busy.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday
Lunch: 12 – 2:30pm and Dinner: 6 – 10pm
Crystal Lotus, Disneyland Hotel, Lantau Island; 3510 6000
Contemporary Chinese with a modern twist… that’s what you’re going for when you bring the squad to Social Place. Touting no MSG and using rice bran oil instead of regular cooking oil, Social Place is all about bringing you the freshest quality ingredients with added playfulness. Resembling the actual ingredients inside the dishes, you’re going to love the Truffle Shiitake Buns which are shaped to look a lot like mushrooms and the “Pears” cream soup stuffed dumplings which look like miniature pears. You’ll definitely be doing a double take as these realistic morsels of food take on new flavours and looks.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday
Lunch: 11:30am – 3pm and Dinner: 6 – 10pm
Social Place, 2/F, The L. Place, 139 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong; 3568 9666
Mama always told us not to play with our food, and yet here we are with cute little eateries set up to do just that. While the adults fill up their bellies with delicious yum cha, the little ones are able to have their own fun with the colourful creations put together with that friendly, familiar face of our favourite cartoon chum, Hello Kitty!
The iconic pink bow is found on each menu item from the traditional har gao shrimp dumpling to the lotus paste buns and even the mango pudding for desserts don Hello Kitty’s face. With kiddies or not, this will bring laughs to the whole table. Not to mention the endless Insta opportunities!
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday
Lunch: 11:30am – 3:30pm and Dinner: 6 – 10pm
Hello Kitty, Lee Loy Mansion, 332 – 338 Canton Road, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong; 8202 8203
Featured image via Pinterest