Top 5 Dim Sum Restaurants In London

A brief look at some of the best restaurants in London for Dim Sum, by Anastasia Hancock. 

While Dim Sum is historically a morning to lunchtime dish in China, these tasty morsels have got Londoners so hooked that we’re demanding morning, noon and night. And although Dim Sum is traditionally served with tea, these little steamed parcels of deliciousness are also the perfect accompaniment to a cocktail or two. Here are my Top 5 restaurants in London to go for sum great dishes.

Asia de Cuba (pictured above), St Martin’s Lane
For a real treat, head to Asia de Cuba’s dim sum brunch party which is held on the first Sunday of every month. It’s not cheap, but the quality of the perfectly crafted steamed dumplings is unrivalled. The menu also features a top-notch ceviche menu. Couple this with a tantalising cocktail list featuring mouth-watering raspberry caipirinhas, elegant champagne cocktails, Asia de Cuba’s speciality rums and an excellent live Cuban band, and the result is a pretty perfect Sunday afternoon. With its signature quirky décor and first-rate service dim-sum days here are not to be missed. Make your reservation using the calendar below.

Cocochan (pictured above), Marylebone
Experience the authentic yet unique flavours of hand-made dumplings and dim sums at Cocochan restaurant and bar. All the dim sum and dumplings are made from scratch, by in-house Chinese dim sum chef – share these tasty traditional dim sums in the vibrant Marylebone surroundings with your friends or family after shopping spree after nearby boutiques. There are also special offers on Sun / Mon / Tuesdays.

Yauatcha (pictured above), Soho The hedonist’s choice for dim sum offers three pages of sumptuous dim sum: fried, grilled, baked and steamed. Each perfect package is exquisitely presented and popping with flavour. The blue swimmer crab shui mai is a favourite and the spicy pork Szechuan wonton is a treat like no other in London. Very much at the top end of the market Yauatcha’s laid back style belies absolute quality in the kitchen, not to mention one of the best pastry chefs in town; one for a special occasion.

HKK (pictured above), the City of London
The latest high-end Chinese restaurant to get the gluttorati chattering is HKK. Its 15-course dinner tasting menu at £95 a head is no snip but food here is worth every pound. Diners enjoy a procession of modern Cantonese food, each one so perfectly crafted that the price is - almost - forgotten.

Opium (pictured above), Chinatown
Hidden behind ‘the Jade Door’ lies Chinatown’s newest hideaway, Opium. This dim sum parlour boasts a tea menu to enjoy alongside a small but perfectly formed steamed dim sum menu, or for those who enjoy something a little stronger, the mixologists offer crafted Chinese cocktails. The latest in a raft of speakeasies opening over the capital, it also gives drinkers the chance to take a seat at ‘the Bartender’s Table, where guests can sit and immerse themselves in the theatre of drinks-making’.