Last Updated on 25/04/2023 by iEat&Eat Team
Due to early migrants from Hong Kong, dim sum has become a traditional comfort food in Singapore. Over the years, the dim sum culture in Singapore has evolved to include various styles such as Shanghainese, Sichuanese, and even a local touch.
Given Singaporeans’ love for dim sum, I conducted extensive research, tasting, and development to create a comprehensive guide to the best dim sum in Singapore. After all, who doesn’t love good dim sum? This endeavour also gave me the perfect excuse to indulge in my favourite liu sha bao (流沙包) to my heart’s content.
It’s important to note that some restaurants only serve dim sum during morning and mid-afternoon hours, switching to a different dinner menu later in the day. Be sure to check the available dim sum hours to avoid missing out on this delectable cuisine!
1. Hua Ting Restaurant 华厅餐厅
Website | 442 Orchard Road, Orchard Hotel, Level 2, Singapore 238879 | +65 6739 6666 | [email protected]
Hua Ting Restaurant 华厅餐厅, established in 1992 and headed by Hong Kong Masterchef Lap Fai, crowned Asian Cuisine Chef of the Year 2012 at the World Gourmet Series Awards, is a top-notch option for mid to high-range dim sum.
After trying all the different dim sum dishes, I have to say that Hua Ting has the best overall dim sum. Every single dish I tasted here was delightfully impressive, making it a popular spot that requires reservations to be made two days in advance.
The Signature Baked Mango Chicken Tartlet (S$6.60 for three pieces) and double-boiled Cantonese soups are delicious favourites, but the Salted Egg Custard Bun (S$4.20), or liu sha bao 流沙包, steals the show with its thick and creamy filling that has a hint of salty graininess, all enclosed in a smooth skin.
Be sure to ask for their homemade chunky XO chilli sauce to complement your dim sum, as it is simply irresistible!
2. Tim Ho Wan 添好运
Website | Multiple Locations | +65 6955 0188 | [email protected]
Tim Ho Wan 添好运, a Hong Kong-based dim sum restaurant, made its way to Singapore in 2013 and is possibly the most affordable Michelin-starred restaurant you’ll come across.
Despite having a limited menu, this eatery offers top-quality dim sum at very reasonable prices. In its early days in Singapore, the queue to get a table was insane, but with 11 outlets in Singapore and 46 worldwide, it’s now easier to secure a seat and indulge in some delicious dim sum.
The recipes used in the Singapore outlets are the same as those used in their Hong Kong restaurants, so you can rest assured that you’ll be experiencing authentic dim sum.
3. Peach Garden 桃苑
Website | +65 6252 9833 | [email protected]
Peach Garden 桃苑, established in 2002 at Novena Garden, was initially a meeting place for Cantonese cuisine enthusiasts. Due to its success, the restaurant has expanded, with multiple outlets now open across Singapore.
Peach Garden boasts a modern and chic ambience, incorporating a fusion of Asian cuisines, including Thai-style dishes. It is a suitable choice for both business and family gatherings, with its clean and attractive setting catering to a broad audience.
Among their must-try dishes are the fried liu sha bao, roasted pork belly, and XO chilli carrot cake, which are sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
4. Swee Choon 瑞春
Website | 191 Jalan Besar, Singapore, Singapore | +65 6225 7788
Swee Choon 瑞春, one of Singapore’s oldest and most prosperous roadside dim sum places, has managed to maintain its affordability despite recent price increases.
What sets Swee Choon apart is its unique operating hours, as it only opens at night, making it a popular spot for young people seeking a late-night supper fix. While it may not be suitable during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it remains a beloved option for post-clubbing supper-goers.
Most of the dim sum dishes offered are above average in quality, and the fried Swee Choon Mee Suah Kueh (S$2.40) is particularly intriguing. However, be aware of additional charges for appetizers and napkins.
5. 126 Dim Sum Wen Dao Shi 搵到食
Website | 126 Sims Avenue, Singapore 387449 | +65 6745 4869 | + 65 6746 4757
For years, I have been a frequent visitor of 126 Dim Sum Wen Dao Shi 搵到食 (or 126 Wan Dou Sek in Cantonese, which translates to “found something to eat”). This restaurant offers an extensive range of fried dim sum dishes, all at very affordable prices. The best part? It’s open 24 hours a day, every day.
The ambience at 126 Dim Sum Wen Dao Shi is reminiscent of a 1980s Hong Kong stall, adding to its charm. Don’t forget to try their freshly-baked Egg Tarts (S$3.50 for three). Though not on the menu, these delightful treats have a light and airy custard with a hint of char, paired with a crispy crust that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
6. Victor’s Kitchen
Website | Sunshine Plaza. 91 Bencoolen Street #01-49, Singapore, Singapore | [email protected]
Victor’s Kitchen, one of the pricier hawker dim sum places, was once considered a great value-for-money option. However, prices have risen as it gained popularity.
To make up for the price hike, Victor’s Kitchen serves larger-sized dim sum portions and puts a unique twist on classic dishes, such as the Steamed Carrot Cake With XO Sauce. Due to its popularity, it gets extremely crowded during lunch and dinner hours, so it’s best to make a reservation or visit during off-peak hours.
Victor’s Kitchen has two locations, one in Chinatown Point and the other in Sunshine Plaza, allowing you to choose the outlet that best suits your needs and satisfies your dim sum cravings.
7. Yi Dian Xin Hong Kong Dim Sum 点心
Website | 1012 Upper Serangoon Rd, #1012, Singapore 534750 | +65 9168 5587
Yi Dian Xin Hong Kong Dim Sum 一点心 is the epitome of no-frills, fuss-free, and inexpensive hawker dim sum. Located along the popular midnight supper stretch of Upper Serangoon, it’s easy to miss this little corner shop amidst the massive crowds for Teochew mui right beside them.
Chef Foong, who originally worked at the Tung Lok restaurant group, has started his own small stall in Upper Serangoon.
Their Signature Salted Egg Custard Bun (S$3.80) and Steamed Prawn Dumpling (S$3.50 for three pieces) are both excellent choices and provide great value for their quality.
8. Fu Yuan Handmade Dim Sum 吉隆坡富园手工点心.包
Website | 710 Clementi West Street 2, Singapore 120710
Fu Yuan Handmade Dim Sum (吉隆坡富园手工点心.包) is a hidden gem of a dim sum spot in Clementi West, proving that the West of Singapore also has some fantastic food options. It shares the same coffee shop as the famous Ah Hoe Mee Pok.
The owner of the stall hails from Malaysia and travelled to Hong Kong years ago to master the art of making pau. He started his dim sum business over 30 years ago in Kuala Lumpur before moving it to Singapore in 2016.
Some must-try items on the menu include Fu Yuan’s signature Liu Sha Pau 流沙包 (S$1 each), the Ji Wo Pau 鸡窝包 (S$4 each), and Braised Meat Pau 扣肉包 (S$1.60 each). These delicious dim sum treats are all handcrafted using a secret technique that makes them simply irresistible.
9. S$1.30 Dim Sum
246 Hougang Street 22, Block 246, Singapore 530246
If you’re looking for a supper spot, make sure to add S$1.30 Dim Sum to your list. This popular brand can be found open 24 hours in many heartland areas around Singapore.
True to its name, every dish is priced at S$1.30, making it incredibly affordable. Even the baskets of dim sum and bowls of congee cost only S$1.30. It’s best to visit during off-peak hours to avoid the large lunch crowds.
If you’re in search of comfort food, try the Century Egg Pork Porridge (S$1.30). This dish is thick, creamy, and served in a substantial portion, making it both simple and satisfying.
For more modern variations of pau, don’t miss out on their Custard Pao (S$1.30 for two pieces) and Coffee Pao (S$1.30 for two pieces).
10. Kun Shu Food Stall (根叔美食世家)
74 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, Toa Payoh Vista Market, #01-03, Singapore 310074 | +65 8556 7133
Hidden in our hawker centres are stalls that offer the best dim sum. Kun Shu Food Stall (根叔美食世家) provides good-quality Hong Kong dim sum at affordable prices.
Named after its owner, Chef Lam Kun, affectionately known as Uncle Kun, this stall offers unique dishes that are worth trying. Originally from Hong Kong, Uncle Kun has been in the F&B industry since he was 13 years old. He worked at Shangri-La Hotel’s Shang Palace and was the head chef and consultant of Mouth Restaurant for 15 years before retiring. In 2003, he opened his own stall at Toa Payoh Vista Market, restless at home.
You must try their signature dish, the Oblong Lor Mai Kai 长形糯米鸡 (S$4.30), which can only be found here in Singapore. Uncle Kun includes a generous amount of expensive ingredients in this unique lor mai kai, such as chicken, salted egg, Chinese sausage, dried shrimp, dried scallops, and mushrooms.
Kun Shu Food Stall’s dishes are almost comparable to those of Cantonese restaurants, so it’s worth visiting if you’re in the area.