4 favorite dim sum spots

There’s nowhere we’d rather be in the afternoon than at a large round table at the local Chinese restaurant, enjoying a huge amount of dim sum.

Dim sum: mysterious Chinese snacks with difficult names. Contrary to what many people think, it isn’t synonymous with dumplings, although you can certainly eat those during a dim sum session. But don’t forget the steamed buns, chee cheong fun and radish cake. Or sticky rice with different types of meat, steamed in lotus leaves.

At most Chinese restaurants, dim sum can be ordered until 4:00 p.m. It isn’t dinner, after all, but a meal eaten in China at the end of the morning. It’s accompanied by lots of tea, so always order a pot of that too.

Amsterdam
We wrote about it before, because Sea Palace is by far our favorite when we go for dim sum. You can hardly miss this floating restaurant next to Centraal Station. The food is just as impressive as the appearance of this Chinese restaurant. Another favorite is Oriëntal City on Oudezijds Voorburgwal. But many more people enjoy eating here, so don’t be surprised if you have to queue for half an hour.

Sea Palace
Oosterdokskade 8
Open: daily from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (dim sum until 4:00 p.m.)

Oriëntal City
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 177-179
Open: daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (dim sum until 4:00 p.m.)

The Hague
Full Moon is located in the heart of Chinatown. You won’t find koi carp or busy drawings on the walls here. At this restaurant, you can enjoy all-you-can-eat dim sum in a modern setting. As you’d expect from Chinese restaurants, the service is fast and efficient. In no time, your table will be filled with delicious dishes and you can start enjoying the feast.

Full Moon
Gedempte Burgwal 24-26
Open: Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Utrecht
The tastiest dim sum in Utrecht can be found (conveniently enough) at the station. On the edge of Hoog Catharijne, overlooking Moreelsepark, you’ll find Chinese restaurant Tai Soen. From Chinese locals to Utrecht residents and day-trippers: everyone comes here. Immerse yourself in all the clichés and enjoy everything the dim sum menu has to offer.

Tai Soen
Godebaldkwartier 27
Open: daily from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (dim sum until 4:00 p.m.)

Rotterdam
When Gault Millau and Michelin recommend a restaurant, it’s often worth a visit. And that’s exactly the case with Asian Glories. This Rotterdam gem is a must-visit for every dim sum fan. Sink into the comfortable chairs and start ordering from the extensive menu.

Asian Glories
Leeuwenstraat 15
Open: daily except Wednesday from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.