From it’s early beginnings along the Silk Road, Dim Sum has been a staple in Chinese Culture. Dim Sum, literally meaning “touch the heart” was originally a snack created for weary travellers.

Nowadays it is a full fledged meal and often served as brunch in almost every Chinese restaurant in the world.  Staff push carts around the restaurant with the days offerings as the kitchen makes them. One of the great things about Dim Sum is that it comes out in small portions allowing you to try a few different dishes.

The downside? You want to try everything on the menu and always end up ordering too much! I was happy to get the chance to try Pearl Court with a few friends. Dim Sum is not a solo adventure!

Pearl Court does a great job of preparing the traditional Dim Sum elements with out over steaming or using too much oil! The result is that you don’t feel sick or overly full even after having more than your fair share of bite sized delicacies!

If you’ve never experienced Dim Sum, here are just a few of Dim Sum’s traditional offerings:

Har Gow or Siu Mai (pictured above) – two of the most common steamed dumplings you’ll find offered at Dim Sum. They are steamed and served in the bamboo steamer baskets. Most restaurants will give you four per serving so they’re both great dishes to share.  Har Gow is usually filled with shrimp and Siu Mai is usually filled with pork or beef.

Bao are steamed wheat flour buns that are usually filled with BBQ pork.  I love breaking them apart and watching the steam come out of them before chowing down!

Chicken Feet – also known as phoenix claws they are deep fried, steamed and saucy.  I’ve yet to try this delicacy myself but I know a lot of people that name this as their favourite dim sum dish!

Cheong Foon – Steamed Rice Noodle that is filled with shrimp or beef and rolled. They pour a generous amount of sweetened soy sauce table side. This is my all time favourite thing to order at dim sum!

Lastly,  dòuhuā – Tofu Curds in sweet clear syrup.  There are a lot of Dim Sum options for dessert like sesame balls or mango pudding but I love ordering this. Sometimes, they completely sell out before I get to dim sum so I like to grab a bowl whenever it comes out.

Thanks again to Pearl Court for an amazing Dim Sum experience!  Can’t wait to visit you guys again!