Dim sum is a beloved tradition in many cultures, and for good reason. These small, bite-sized dishes are the perfect way to sample a wide range of flavors and textures in one meal.
Philadelphia is no exception when it comes to the popularity of dim sum, with a variety of restaurants offering this delicious cuisine throughout the city.
Whether you're in the mood for steamed dumplings, fried or baked buns, or savory meat dishes, you're sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds in Philadelphia.
Many of these restaurants offer a unique and authentic atmosphere, making for an enjoyable dining experience.
But with so many options, it can be difficult to know where to start. That's why we've put together a guide to the best places for dim sum in Philadelphia, highlighting some of the top spots that are definitely worth checking out.
From the traditional to the modern, we'll explore the best dim sum restaurants in the city, providing you with the information you need to make the most of your dining experience. So, whether you're a seasoned dim sum enthusiast or a newcomer to this delicious cuisine, read on to discover some of the best places for dim sum in Philadelphia.
1. Buddakan
Buddakan is a must-visit for dim-sum lovers.
This upscale Asian restaurant offers an innovative menu, including tea-smoked spare ribs, flavorful soup dumplings, and a dim-sum sampler.
The service is exceptional, and the atmosphere is chic and swanky.
Don't miss out on the creative drinks and the delicious desserts. Buddakan is the perfect spot for a date night or a family dinner.
2. Bing Bing Dim Sum
Bing Bing Dim Sum is a cozy and lively spot that serves Chinese small plates with a Jewish twist.
The fusion menu is creative and delicious, with unique takes on traditional dim sums. The staff is friendly and attentive, making for a great dining experience.
The atmosphere is fun and lively, perfect for a night out with friends or a casual date. Prices are a little on the higher side, but the quality of the food and drinks make it worth it.
If you're looking for a unique twist on dim sums, Bing Bing Dim Sum is definitely worth a try.
3. Spice C
Spice C is a must-visit spot for dim sums. The hand-drawn noodles are a standout dish, and the spicy pork dan dan noodles are fantastic.
The sesame chicken is done perfectly, and the fried pork dumplings are a must-try.
The crab rangoon is also delicious. The service is attentive, and the staff is friendly.
Spice C is a great place to enjoy traditional Chinese cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
4. Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House
Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House serves delicious dim sums at reasonable prices. This casual Chinatown restaurant is known for its hand-pulled noodles that are added to soups and stir-fries.
The menu offers a variety of noodle dishes and dumplings that are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
The portions are generous, and the food is prepared fresh. The service is friendly, and the staff is attentive. The restaurant is cash-only, but there is an ATM inside.
If you're in the mood for some authentic Chinese cuisine, Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House is definitely worth a visit.
5. Unit Su Vege
Unit Su Vege is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious vegetarian and vegan dim-sum in the city. The menu offers an extensive range of meat substitutes that are well-integrated into their dishes.
The flavors are fantastic, and the quality of food never suffers, even when the restaurant is busy. The fried sesame balls and golden potato knishes in sweet and sour sauce are must-try items.
The restaurant is also gluten-free and offers an affordable lunch menu. The service is excellent, and the atmosphere is perfect for a casual dinner or lunch after exploring the city.
BYOB is allowed, and the staff is happy to open the bottles for you. Highly recommended for anyone looking for tasty vegetarian Chinese food.
6. Nom Wah Philadelphia
Nom Wah Philadelphia is a hip and easygoing Chinese eatery that serves a wide range of dim sums and tea.
The restaurant has a classic decor that is not overdone, and the ambiance is relaxed. The service is friendly and responsive, and the food comes out fast.
While the menu could be more extensive, the quality of the dishes they do have is impressive.
The pork soup dumplings are a must-try, and the spring rolls are delicious too. The restaurant is a great place for a date, and the prices are affordable.
7. Dim Sum & Noodle
Dim Sum & Noodle is a fantastic place for dim sums and other delicious Asian cuisine. The food is reasonably priced, and the portions are good.
The staff is friendly and accommodating, making the dining experience enjoyable. The restaurant offers takeout and dine-in options, making it a convenient choice for any occasion.
The menu has a wide variety of options, including vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. The restaurant is clean, and the decor is charming, adding to the dining experience.
If you're in the mood for some delicious dim sums or other Asian cuisine, Dim Sum & Noodle is the place to be.
8. Sang Kee Peking Duck House
Sang Kee Peking Duck House is a Chinatown classic that has been serving up Hong Kong-style eats since 1980. The restaurant is a no-frills landmark for Chinese cuisine, with a focus on fresh and delicious dim sums.
The Peking Duck is a must-try, with its crispy skin and tender meat. The menu also offers won ton noodle soup with roast pork, fried shrimp dumplings, fat noodles and pork, and other tasty dishes.
The portions are large and perfect for sharing family-style. The full bar is a nice touch, with reasonable prices for beers and cocktails.
The service is efficient and prompt, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or dinner before a show at Franklin Music Hall. For those looking for authentic Chinese food in Philly, Sang Kee Peking Duck House is definitely worth a visit.
9. Chinatown Square
Chinatown Square is a bustling food hall in the heart of the city. With a plethora of Asian-inspired food stalls, it's the perfect spot for dim-sum lovers.
The food hall has a mix of traditional and fusion dishes, ensuring there's something for everyone.
The atmosphere is lively and fun, making it a great spot for groups to gather and enjoy a variety of cuisines.
The seating is ample, and the prices are reasonable. It's a must-visit spot for foodies looking for a unique dining experience.
10. Heung Fa Chun Sweet House
Heung Fa Chun Sweet House is a Chinese and dessert restaurant that serves delicious dim sums. The menu offers a variety of options, including steamed dumplings, sticky rice, and sesame balls.
The staff is friendly and the prices are affordable. The restaurant is small and mostly for takeout, but there is a small bar top seating area for a quick bite.
Customers recommend trying the special tofu dessert and the black bean sesame paste soup. The restaurant only accepts cash for orders under $15.
If you're looking for a quick and tasty dim-sum meal, Heung Fa Chun Sweet House is worth checking out.
11. Yi Pin Restaurant
If you're looking for delicious dim sums in a great atmosphere, Yi Pin Restaurant is the place to go.
This Sichuan restaurant in Chinatown offers a diverse menu with each dish bursting with flavor. The staff is friendly and the service is excellent.
Yi Pin Restaurant is perfect for a night out with friends or a family gathering. Don't forget to try the spicy dishes if you can handle the heat.
Yi Pin Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic Chinese dining experience.
12. Lau Kee Restaurant
Lau Kee Restaurant is a new Cantonese-style dim-sum place that offers solid food at a good value.
Compared to other places in Chinatown, it is cleaner, quieter, and usually has no line or wait.
Their roast pork, roast duck, and chicken are all quite good. The service is great, and the food is authentic and delicious.
If you're looking for a quick and tasty dim-sum experience, give Lau Kee a try.
13. Han Dynasty
Han Dynasty offers delicious and authentic dim sums with customizable spice levels.
The service is fast and friendly, and the staff is attentive to customers' needs. Although the prices are not cheap, the high-quality food is definitely worth it.
The restaurant also offers a great selection of drinks to complement the meals.
Whether it's a casual lunch with friends or a formal office outing, Han Dynasty is a great place to enjoy some tasty dim sums.
14. DanDan Rittenhouse
DanDan Rittenhouse is a must-try for dim-sum lovers. The menu offers a balanced mix of Dim Sums and Entrees, with great taste and portion size.
The Dan Dan noodles are slightly spicy with a great flavor, while the Farmers dry pot lamb has a sweet taste and a great Sichuan peppercorn flavor.
The cocktails are original and tasty, and the service is wonderful.
Authentic Chinese cuisine is served in a modern and clean space, making it a great spot for Asian food enthusiasts.
