Last Updated on 26/04/2023 by iEat&Eat Team
Discover the ultimate guide to finding the best dim sum in Singapore! Whether you’re in the mood for a dim sum buffet, high tea, pushcarts, or even dim sum for dinner, we’ve got you covered. From Michelin-starred dim sum to affordable options, we’ve rounded up all the best dim sum restaurants in Singapore. It’s worth noting that most food and beverage establishments offer delivery now, so check your favourite dim sum spot’s website for takeaway or delivery options.
It’s important to keep in mind that everyone’s definition of the “best” dim sum in Singapore is subjective. You might be searching for traditional dim sum offerings, or maybe it’s the restaurant’s atmosphere that matters most to you. Perhaps you’re interested in experiencing a dim sum pushcart, which can be hard to come by in Singapore. Additionally, finding kid-friendly dim sum spots can be a challenge, but fear not – we’ve got recommendations for every type of diner. Whether you’re in the mood for har gau, xiao long bao, or other dim sum delights, our guide has got you covered!
The debate over whether it’s “dim sum,” “tim sum” (which sounds the same when spoken aloud), or “yum cha” is ongoing. But in reality, they all refer to the same thing: bite-sized portions of steamed or fried dumplings, as well as small dishes that are typically enjoyed with Chinese tea.
Although the pandemic has brought changes, dim sum buffets are still available in Singapore. While the setup may be different, the “buffet” concept generally means you can order an unlimited amount of dim sum dishes from the menu or a la carte, all for a fixed price. The dim sum will either be served to your table or available on the buffet counter. Check out our recommendations for some of the best dim sum buffets in Singapore.
1. Hai Tien Lo
Website | Level 3, Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore, 7 Raffles Boulevard | +65 6826 8240 | [email protected]
Hai Tien Lo, located in the Pan Pacific at Marina Bay, offers a blend of authentic Cantonese cuisine and modern fusion twists. Their weekend dim sum buffet is priced at $73 for adults and $36.50 for kids. Guests can opt for the 11:30 am seating and enjoy a dim sum breakfast, or go later for lunch and savour barbecued meats such as Crispy Barbecued Pork Belly and Deep-fried Crispy Cod with Sesame Seeds in Pomelo Sauce.
The restaurant’s menu boasts other notable dishes, including Poached Dumplings with Prawn and Chicken in Chilli Oil, Deep-fried Banana Fritters with Prawn Paste and Sesame, and Baked Hokkaido Cheese Tarts. In addition, Hai Tien Lo offers a weekday dim sum buffet priced at $63 for adults and $31.50 for kids.
2. Man Fu Yuan
Website | 80 Middle Road, Level 2, InterContinental Singapore | +65 6825 1008
If you’re in search of a delectable dim sum buffet featuring a wide variety of dishes, look no further than the Man Fu Yuan weekend dim sum buffet. With an endless selection of over 40 dishes, this buffet has received rave reviews. Some of the dim sum highlights include crispy prawn bean curd roll with wasabi mayonnaise, wok-fried radish cake with X.O. chilli sauce, and honey-glazed pork belly.
The service here is impeccable, with attentive staff who will refill your Chinese tea and suggest dim sum options to suit your preferences. The price for the dim sum buffet is $68++ per adult (minimum two diners) and $34++ per child (aged 6 to 12 years old). If you’d like to add some bubbly to your feast, you can opt for unlimited Prosecco for 90 minutes at $38.80++ per person.
3. Madame Fan
Website | The NCO Club, 32 Beach Road, Singapore 189764 | +65 6818 1921
Madame Fan is a high-end Chinese restaurant, boasting several private rooms, and is led by renowned restaurateur Alan Yau, who is also behind the world-famous Hakkasan. The dining tables here are smaller than the typical Chinese restaurant, creating an intimate atmosphere in the low-lit, opulent, red-and-black dining room.
On weekends, you can enjoy a cocktail and dim sum brunch priced at $98 per person (with cocktails available for an additional cost). On weekdays, the restaurant serves a classic dim sum lunch buffet priced at $78 per person, which includes a range of dim sum dishes and modern Cantonese plates. However, please note that baby chairs are not available here, as it is considered to be a more upscale setting that may not be suitable for loud children.
4. Peach Garden
Website | 301 Upper Thomson Rd, #01-88 Thomson Plaza, Singapore 574408 | +65 6451 3233
For those seeking a delectable dim sum buffet in Singapore, The Peach Garden Group has numerous outlets scattered throughout the island. The group comprises one fine-dining restaurant, two classic Chinese restaurants, and two Chinese casual dining concepts, all renowned for their dim sum offerings. Each outlet frequently offers its own dim sum promotions, ensuring that there is always something new to try.
For instance, Peach Garden Miramar has an a la carte buffet with unlimited orders from over 20 signature dim sum dishes, priced at $38++ per person from Monday to Thursday and $40++ per person on Fridays, weekends, and public holidays. Meanwhile, Peach Garden Chinatown Point provides a dim sum high tea buffet for a minimum of three people, starting from $28, between 3 pm and 5 pm. Lastly, Peach Garden Thomson features traditional push carts during their afternoon dim sum service, with different dishes served every week to ensure that you always have something new to sample.
5. Cherry Garden
Website | Mandarin Oriental, 5 Raffles Avenue, Marina Square, Singapore 039797 | +65 6338 0066
Cherry Garden, located in the Mandarin Oriental Singapore Hotel, boasts a Feng Shui-inspired design and serves modern Cantonese cuisine. The restaurant’s dim sum menu features popular dishes such as Crispy Wasabi-Aioli Prawns with fresh mango and tobiko, Steamed Juicy Pork Xiao Long Bao, and the delectable Steamed Kurobuta Char Siew in Fluffy Bao. If you’re looking for great value, be sure to try their weekend dim sum buffet priced at $108 per adult, with children aged 7-12 years old paying 50% of the adult price, and lucky little ones aged 6 and under dining for free!
6. Jade at The Fullerton Hotel
Website | 1 Fullerton Square Singapore 049178 | +65 6877 8188
The stunning Jade restaurant, located in The Fullerton Hotel, boasts a delightful duck egg blue colour scheme and exquisite forest bird wallpaper. During the week, guests can enjoy dim sum lunch sets starting from $52, featuring a multi-course meal that includes soup and other dishes such as Wok Fried Rice and Black Bean Fish with Salted Egg. On weekends, you can indulge in Jade’s Weekend Yum Cha buffet priced at $55 per person, with a minimum requirement of two diners.
7. Peony Jade Restaurant
Website | 100 AM, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Level 2, AMARA Singapore, 088539 | +65 6276 9138
Peony Jade Restaurant is renowned for its exceptional Szechuan and Cantonese cuisine, including a weekend dim sum brunch buffet that highlights delicious dishes such as fragrant Pandan Liu Sha Bao in a light green hue, Deep-fried Prawns in Creamy Yolk, and Roasted Duck mains. For families with children, the Piggies Char Siu Bao is a must-try dish. Priced at $7.50 for three bao, these treats feature honey-glazed BBQ pork inside a bao that is adorably decorated to look like little pigs.
8. Yan Ting
Website | 29 Tanglin Road, Level 1U, The St. Regis Singapore, Singapore 247911 | +65 6506 6887
Yan Ting, located in the St. Regis Singapore, is an elegant restaurant that is known for its outstanding dim sum offerings. We particularly love the cosy booth seats, which provide a more intimate dining experience. If you’re looking for a dim sum brunch that is perfect for families with young children who need to stick to their post-lunch nap times, Yan Ting’s dim sum brunch is a great option. Priced at $138, the brunch includes tea, and you can upgrade to include Champagne, wine, and beer for $208.
Highlights from the menu include Steamed Crystal Shrimp Dumplings with Caviar and Hong Kong-style Pan-fried Radish Cake, as well as Cantonese dishes such as Traditional Braised Pig Trotter with Egg and Black Vinegar. Additionally, Yan Ting offers a dim sum lunch set menu on weekends only for $80 per person, featuring must-try items such as Mushroom Dumplings with Truffle, a Barbecued Combination Platter, and Braised Shunde Fish Tofu.
9. Jia He Chinese Restaurant
Website | 1 Farrer Park Station Road, #01-14-16, One Farrer Hotel Connexion, Singapore 217562 | +65 6694 8988
Looking for a sophisticated dim sum brunch buffet that’s available on both weekdays and weekends? Look no further than Jia He Chinese Restaurant. Their dim sum brunch menu, priced at $45.80++ for 2-3 people, or $38++ for 4 or more people, includes unlimited servings of dim sum, one serving of heart-warming soup, four mains, and two desserts, only available on weekends and public holidays. Children aged 5-12 years old can enjoy the same menu for $25++. If you’re in the mood for a weekday dim sum buffet, you can reserve a session from 11 am to 2:30 pm.
Whether you crave Steamed Fresh Prawn Dumplings, Baked Mini Egg Tartlets, or the Classic Steamed Siew Mai, you can satisfy your dim sum cravings here. Their in-house dim sum chef meticulously handcrafts each dim sum item, ensuring that you’ll enjoy fresh and high-quality dishes. Don’t miss their signature Steamed Bak Kut Teh Xiao Long Bao, which is limited to one serving per table. Since they only take reservations, be sure to call ahead and let them know if you’re bringing children along.
10. Min Jiang
Website | 22 Scotts Road, Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore 228221 | +65 6730 1704
Nestled within the refined Goodwood Park Hotel, Min Jiang is a restaurant that specializes in Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine, making it an excellent choice for those who seek the traditional dim sum pushcart trolley experience. With Master Chef Chan Hwan Kee at the helm for the past 10 years, guests can savour handcrafted dim sum such as the Steamed Pumpkin Ball and Deep-fried Homemade Squid Tofu with XO Sauce.
The restaurant also offers creative dim sum dishes like the Min Jiang Land and Sea Quartet, featuring a rabbit-shaped Steamed Prawn and Carrot Dumpling, a Deep-fried Pork ‘Char Siew’ and Pine Nuts in Glutinous Pastry fashioned like a carrot, alongside Steamed Squid and Sea Cucumber Dumplings formed to resemble a sea cucumber. Min Jiang is one of the best upscale dim sum restaurants in Singapore, offering a unique dining experience that is sure to impress.