How to: dim sum
Order countless Chinese snacks until you can barely move, while hardly moving at all because you’re sitting at a turntable and only have to spin the disc to get your desired dish right in front of you. As far as we’re concerned, dim sum is the ultimate weekend activity, but for newbies it can be quite overwhelming. Follow these rules and your dim sum session will go off without a hitch.
Eat dim sum during the day
Perhaps the most important thing: there is no dim sum in the evening. At most good restaurants, you can only order dim sum at lunchtime. If you ask for the menu in the evening, it has suddenly disappeared. In China, this culinary spectacle traditionally takes place late in the morning, but lunch is also acceptable.
I’m saying this to prevent disappointment. Once, for example, I sent a friend to my favorite dim sum spot, Sea Palace, not knowing she would go there in the evening on a date. Without the lunch menu, the conspicuous boat by Amsterdam Central Station turned out not to be the most romantic setting.
Dim sum ≠ dumplings
The two words are often used as synonyms, but dim sum is not another word for dumplings. Dim sum is a style of eating in which you share lots of small dishes, somewhat like mezze or tapas. And yes, there are plenty of steamed and fried dumplings among them, but also many other fantastic dishes that you should definitely order.
Always order something you’ve never eaten before, even if you’re a seasoned dim sum customer. Broaden your horizons; in the worst-case scenario, you’ll eat something that’s less delicious—but luckily, the portions are small. Some of our favorites are radish cake, glutinous rice with meat steamed in lotus leaves, crispy noodles (thin noodles fried on top), and chee cheung fan (rice noodle rolls filled with meat).
Share fairly
All dishes are served so they’re easy to share, and that’s exactly the point. See something passing by that you want to put in your mouth? Put it in the small bowl you’re given as standard when you sit down, but don’t take more than one or two things at a time. Sometimes the portions are awkwardly divided—nine dumplings for eight people, for example—and then you have to fight for your share. The best thing about dim sum is that you can always order more. New round, new opportunities.
Come with a crowd
The more people there are, the more different dishes you can order without going overboard. Naturally, the dream is a round table with a turntable on it. Groups of around eight or more qualify for one. With fewer than four people, I don’t even bother cycling to the restaurant.
Bring an expert (bonus points if they’re Chinese)
The list of dishes you can choose from sometimes seems endless. It’s better to bring someone who can guide you through it effortlessly. Or even better: someone who orders everything for you. Pay close attention when someone else does all the ordering, though; before you know it, you’ll be an expert yourself. But the very best experience is to have one or more Chinese people at your table. Suddenly, there turns out to be a menu you can’t read, featuring extra-authentic dishes.
Look at the neighboring tables
Don’t have a Chinese dining companion? Then it’s time to copy your neighbors. See something delicious on the table next to you? All you have to do is point it out to the staff, and it will soon appear on your table.
Tea etiquette
Tea may be just as important as the food. As soon as you sit down, order a pot of Chinese tea. Is it empty? Turn the lid upside down so the staff can see that they need to bring a new one. When they do, it’s polite to say thank you by tapping the table with your bent index and middle fingers. Nothing bad will happen if you don’t do this. But if you do, everyone will immediately realize what kind of dim sum boss they’re dealing with.
Always pour tea for your table companions first. There are various rules about this, such as the youngest person at the table being responsible for serving everyone tea. Either way, it’s always rude to pour your own tea first. Tip: if you have a hangover, Chinese iced tea is the best thing in the world.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint
When you arrive at the table hungry, the urge to order everything is strong. I know. Still, try to start slowly so you’re not already full after five minutes. It helps to keep the number of fried orders to a minimum.
Always order dessert
Chinese cuisine may not be known for its desserts, and there are plenty of overly sweet, slippery varieties among them. But I always make sure I have room for light, still-warm sponge cake and, of course, custard buns.
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