The best dim sum restaurants to visit in Singapore

Known for its creative spins on popular dim sum classics, Kai Garden uses only the finest ingredients to produce dishes that are both visually stunning and delicious. Go for the siew mai, steamed then pan-fried with a Japanese-inspired glaze to discover a new way to enjoy the pork dumpling. The traditional pork bun is transformed into a pan-fried squid-ink charcoal bun served on an aromatic hot plate of spring onions, levelling up your usual dim sum fare. If you prefer to keep it traditional, its signature steamed custard bun with a molten lava centre of sweet custard and savoury egg yolk will surely satisfy your taste buds.

Adding to your Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant options, Shang Palace celebrates the elegance and dynamism of Cantonese cuisine by crafting traditional favourites with today’s palate in mind. Experience a harmonious blend of old and new as the restaurant transforms the classic deep-fried glutinous rice dumpling into a carrot-shaped delicacy, while adding a touch of innovation to the crispy bean curd skin roll by incorporating foie gras and scallop.

With its chic and stylish ambience, 5 on 25 is an upscale dim sum restaurant in Singapore that exudes a sophisticated mix of romance and nostalgia. The contemporary décor and subdued lighting create an intimate setting, making it an ideal place for a sumptuous dining experience. The dim sum menu is equally luxurious, featuring delicacies such as scallop siew mai and fried bird's nest with Sri Lankan crab meat. For a truly indulgent experience, try its weekend dim sum club with free-flowing Champagne, exclusively available on weekends.

Take a trip to Cassia for a relaxing dim sum lunch. Here, Chinese executive chef Alan Chan beautifully marries modernity and tradition in his creations. Start off with a hearty bowl of congee filled with South African fresh abalone and dried scallop. Then, savour its steamed crystal dumplings filled with sweet mushroom and fragrant black truffle; and charcoal powder bun generously stuffed with sweet barbecued Iberico pork and black truffle. Seafood lovers can go for the succulent lobster encased in a thin dumpling skin and steamed until soft. 

Apart from classic yum cha offerings, Hong Kong masterchef Lap Lai has curated a selection of innovative creations. Highlights include juicy steamed scallop dumplings finished with a dollop of caviar and gold flake; and crispy deep fried beef spring roll accompanied with satay sauce. Don’t miss out on the restaurant’s signature baked chicken mango tart too—a sweet and savoury dish comprising tender chicken and sweet mango chunks encased in a buttery pastry. 

At Ju Signatures, executive dim sum chef Wong Kok Shyong serves up a range of handcrafted dim sum dishes with an innovative twist. Head down and dig into plates including the wok-fried chilli crab served in a mantou tureen; and succulent prawn dumplings deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Of course, traditionalists can also savour traditional offerings, like the Hong Kong-style char siew pau filled with honey-glazed barbecue pork, and pan-fried carrot cake. 

Known for its beautiful interiors and authentic Cantonese cuisine, diners will find themselves returning for the culinary team’s signature dim sum and dishes that are presented with a modern flair. For brunch, order the crispy wasabi-aioli prawns that are topped with chunks of mango and tobiko (flying fish roe). The selection is wide but do remember to have the pan-fried A4 Miyazaki Wagyu sirloin with garlic barbecue sauce and sautéed vegetables—it’s a treat you won’t want to miss.

This casual dining establishment under the Crystal Jade Group is a favourite of many for its sumptuous variety of xiao long bao as well as delicious Shanghainese cuisine and provincial treats that warm the heart. An order of the steamed Shanghai xiao long bao is always a must for its exquisite pleated skin that easily gives way to an umami-packed broth and flavourful meat. No meal here is complete without an order of its signature Szechuan dan dan la mian, tossed in a rich spicy-sour sauce to pique the palate.

Head to this fine-dining restaurant, helmed by acclaimed Chinese executive chef Ku Keung, for an exquisite experience that exemplifies a seamless marriage of Cantonese fare and international flavours. Must-haves include the London duck pancake roll that also boasts the right balance of tender, crunchy and crispy textures. The succulent braised dong po pork belly, which is slowly cooked for eight hours, is a luscious treat that is best savoured with a side of mantou buns.

This stalwart of Cantonese cuisine is helmed by chef Ben Zeng, who has over 25 years of culinary experience. His enticing menu is designed to be a unique and delicious showcase of Cantonese dishes, including the ever-popular dim sum offered on the à la carte lunch menu. There are offerings for every craving—those with a penchant for classic flavours can opt for the steamed prawn dumplings and steamed xiao long bao with minced pork, while those looking for more contemporary adaptations can go for the likes of steamed charcoal barbecue pork buns with black truffle.

Housed within the beautifully conserved The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, a meal at Jade Restaurant is always a treat as the culinary team, headed by executive chef Leong Chee Yeng, serves authentic Cantonese cuisine that is matched with quality hospitality. The weekend yum cha remains popular with gourmands, thanks to its wide array of contemporary and classic offerings. Standouts include the xiao long bao brimming with an umami-packed bak kut teh broth; steamed siew mai filled with meaty abalone; and crispy lobster encased in a crisp dumpling.

Madame Fan is the brainchild of revered restaurateur Alan Yau, who wanted to introduce a new era of Chinese dining in Singapore through modern interpretations of Cantonese classics. These dishes, crafted by executive Chinese chef Pak Chee Yit, are pleasantly paired with East-meets-West cocktails. Since the restaurant’s inception, it has also been the go-to place for dim sum creations that are prepared in the traditional style but made much more enticing with the use of contemporary ingredients. The weekend dim sum menu includes seafood spring rolls with flavours of kumquat and wasabi, as well as wild mushroom dumplings with black truffle.

If you're having a hard time deciding what to order during yum cha, Man Fu Yuan's weekend dim sum buffets are an excellent option for you. Kick off your meal with their famous crispy soft shell crab, seasoned with Sichuan green pepper and garlic, or the poached prawns with Chinese herbal broth and wine. From the wok-fried radish cake in X.O. chili sauce to the charcoal custard lava bun, you're bound to find a dim sum dish that truly captures your taste buds.

Since its opening in 1988, the popular restaurant has gathered a loyal following with customers returning for its delectable Cantonese staples and, of course, the popular dim sum selection served during lunch. Classic flavours star in the expansive menu, and these include the baked barbecue pork buns, deep-fried beancurd skin rolls with shrimp, and steamed crab meat and egg white dumplings, which are elevated with premium ingredients.

Yan Ting stands out in Singapore with its refined approach to Cantonese cuisine, whipped up by a team of talented master chefs experienced in traditional culinary techniques. On weekends and public holidays, gourmands flock over for a taste of their delectable dim sum delights, which are paired with free-flow drinks (from tea to champagne). It’s always good to start with the specially-crafted delights—options are aplenty with the likes of steamed pork and shrimp dumplings topped with abalone, and steamed crystal shrimp dumplings crowned with foie gras for a contemporary twist.
 

Head to Mott 32 for an exquisite dim sum experience featuring classic dishes with a twist. Look out for its signature Iberico pork with soft quail egg and black truffle siew mai; and its crispy triple cooked Wagyu beef short rib. A must order is its applewood roasted Peking duck—aged for 42 days and roasted with applewood in a brick oven, this duck offers a crisp skin over juicy and flavourful meat (pre-order necessary). 

For an authentic dim sum experience, head to Min Jiang and indulge in modern and classic handmade yum cha dishes served in traditional pushcarts. Look forward to all-time favourites, including glutinous rice with chicken, mini egg tart, and steamed spareribs. Diners looking to try something new can opt for creatively presented dishes, including its deep-fried ‘hedgehog’ chicken bun.

Head to Wan Hao and indulge in classic Cantonese delicacies, including authentic yum cha, curated by dim sum chef Loh Kah Poh. Its extensive dim sum menu boasts classic handmade dishes with a contemporary twist. Standouts include its steamed shrimp dumpling with black truffle and cordyceps flower; Spanish Iberico pork char siew; and honey-glazed pork buns.  

Located in Chijmes, get to indulge in classic yum cha offerings at Lei Garden while overlooking a well-manicured garden. Priding itself on creating indulgent Chinese cuisine, its extensive dim sum menu allows diners to savour its authentic and Chinese delicate flavours. Savour classic dim sum delicacies including deep fried shrimp beancurd roll, pan fried turnip cake, and steamed pork dumplings.

Popular for its Cantonese fare, this establishment offers an extensive dim sum menu featuring classic creations. Here, dig into the likes of baked chicken tart, deep fried yam puffs, and congee with live lobster. For an additional cost, diners can also opt for premium dishes, including steamed lobster dumplings, roasted dark, and deep fried prawn rolls.

Long listed as one of the best Cantonese restaurants in Singapore, Imperial Treasure also boasts a traditional dim sum menu that is only available for lunch. Classics such as the prawn dumpling har gow and the pork and shrimp dumpling siew mai are delicate and tender, while the flesh of the chicken feet melts in your mouth with the slight kick of the black bean sauce.

You can rarely go wrong at Taste Paradise, and here, you can find both classic renditions and innovative twists on dim sum. While there is traditional steamed siew mai offered, you can also find a pan-fried version replete with a luxurious foie gras sauce. Elsewhere, prawn and mango are rolled and deep-fried for both sweet and savoury profiles to shock your palate, or indulge instead in a Wagyu beef tart. A bowl of comforting congee is never a bad idea, so treat yourself to the restaurant's premium versions with conpoy congee, scallop and prawn, and century egg.