2015's Best Dim Sum: Jade Dragon

The dim sum menu at City of Dreams’ signature Chinese restaurant is not particularly large, nor is the presentation of the dumplings overly extravagant. But it’s our belief that when it comes to that most traditional of Cantonese indulgences, the inherent character of the ingredient must shine through without distraction, and this restraint is translated into some of the most elegant and enjoyable dim sum to be had in both Hong Kong and Macau.

Yes, there is the occasional use of gold leaf to top the perfectly plump, pristine har gow, the use of white truffle for another, or sometimes a dumpling wrapper tinted a rich shade of jade with vegetable juice. But nothing is ever over-adorned or over-worked, allowing the bite-sized creations to speak their own language. Witness the evenly coloured baked Australian M8 wagyu beef puff, with its paper-thin petals of flaky pastry layers. Or a house speciality of kegani crab xiaolongbao, a glorious specimen that hits the mark over and over: thin, tender yet elastic wrappers that safely encase a filling of rich, buttery crab juices and crabmeat. With a dab of vinegar and a thread of ginger, this is as sublime as it gets. The aforementioned shrimp dumplings, that hallmark of Cantonese yum cha, are one of the best renditions we’ve had for a long time.

Chef Tam Kwok-fung’s skills are reflected in some of the more elaborate offerings, such as bean-curd rolls; usually served in a basic superior stock thickened with corn starch, here they come bathed in an umami-packed sarcodon mushroom consommé. Clean, simple, elegant: the very essence of Jade Dragon. 

Jade Dragon, 2/F, The Shops at the Boulevard, City of Dreams, Estrada do Istmo, Cotai; +853 8868-2822

Runner-up: The whimsical creations at yet another Macau establishment – The Eight at Grand Lisboa – inject fun into yum cha. The goldfish-shaped prawn dumplings, in particular, go down swimmingly well. 

See more 2015 Best Of award recipients:

Best Interior Design
Best Front of House
Best Cocktails
Best Brunch
Best Pastry Chef
Best Wine List
Best Sommelier
Best New Chef
Best New Restaurant, Readers' Choice