BEST DIM SUM IN NYC

Gather Together to Share a Dish at the Best Dim Sum in NYC

There’s a reason dim sum is such a popular choice, but it can be a bit overwhelming to find the best dim sum in NYC when you’re faced with so many different options. Dim sum lovers probably know that the the name translates roughly into “touch the heart,” which is exactly what most of these little bite-sized servings do in the dim sum eateries.

While most of the time dim sum is used as a brunch-type meal served alongside tea, there’s never a bad time to enjoy the best dim sum in NYC, especially when some of the locations stay open until midnight. The dim sum trend began in the early 20th century, and we’ll even introduce you to one of the original dim sum eateries in this post. We’ve compiled some of the absolute must-haves for dim sum lovers in New York City, and we’re totally sure you’d love to share some small plates with us at any of the following locations.

Best Dim Sum in NYC #1: Golden Unicorn

Experience One of NYC’s Five Best Restaurants 

• Must Try: Siu Mai with Shrimp, Egg Tarts
• Neighborhood: Chinatown

Elegant and upscale might be more of your flavor when you’re searching for the best dim sum in NYC, and if that sounds like you, check out the Golden Unicorn. The ambience with the classic deep red mixed with dazzling gold coloring, the incredible food, and the attentive service also landed the Golden Unicorn the title of one of NYC’s Five Best Restaurants as named by the Food and Wine Magazine. No big deal, considering they’re the only Chinese restaurant to have landed a spot there.

Another reason Golden Unicorn provides some of the best dim sum in NYC is due to its size. As dim sum is popular, so are the restaurants to enjoy them, and the Golden Unicorn is conveniently spread over many floors in an office building. That being said, the earlier you arrive, the closer you are to the kitchen, and the fresher your food is when it hits the table. The general mood here is also approachable and consistent, so you can expect very similar experiences each time. 

Photo Courtesy San Francisco Prince Street Pizza

Best Dim Sum in NYC #3: Nom Wah Tea Parlor

Visit Chinatown’s Oldest and Longest Running Restaurant

• Must Try: Fried Shrimp Balls, Rice Roll with Fried Dough
• Neighborhood(s): Chinatown (Original), NoLita

You can’t get some of the best dim sum in NYC if you don’t go to the oldest continuously running restaurant in Chinatown, and that would land you right on the front doorstep of Nom Wah’s Tea Parlor. Originally opened back in the 1920’s as a bakery and tea parlor, Nom Wah’s has traveled far on its journey, even expanding to a location as far out as Philadelphia. 

Apart from the expansion in locations, the original tea parlor hasn’t physically changed too much throughout the years. It’s become something of an institution and maintains its vintage looks with valuable, delicious food. You won’t, however, see any carts with rushed servers running around here, and some of the options can be a little pricier than other establishments that also offer up some of the best dim sum in NYC.

Photo Courtesy of Google My Business 

Temporarily Closed

Best Dim Sum in NYC #5: Jing Fong

Check Out the Largest Banquet Hall (after COVID)

• Must Try: Bean Curd Pork Roll, Durian Pastry Puffs
• Neighborhood(s): Chinatown (original), Upper West Side

Another sleek, classy option for the best dim sum in NYC brings us to none other than Jing Fong. Established back in 1978 in a Chinatown that hadn’t firmly found its footing just yet, the original founders ended up needing additional help to keep the restaurant afloat. Once some new ownership came to help in the late 80’s, Jing Fong became a top spot for dim sum and banquet halls.

In 1993, the restaurant then moved to its current location at 20 Elizabeth Street that takes up over 20,000 square feet. That’s enough for 800 seats, and ever since its expansion, it has unquestionably held onto its title as one of the best dim sum in NYC options. The restaurant underwent another renovation back in 2014, and it almost feels like they do dim sum the way it’s supposed to be done. You might even love the banquet hall enough to book a wedding or special event there!

Photo Courtesy of  Google My Business 

Best Dim Sum in NYC #7: Asian Jewels

Sneak Yourself a Little Midnight Snack

• Must Try: Dungeness Crab, Jellyfish with Black Vinegar
• Neighborhood: Flushing

When in Queens, have a taste of the best dim sum in NYC over at Asian Jewels Seafood Restaurant. Also praised for their consistency, they offer some highly authentic Cantonese cooking. They’ve held on to their location at 39th Avenue for a long time, and the sweeping dining room is worth paying a visit just to see. You might not always see the dim sum cart running around, so sometimes, the earlier the better. However, if you want to avoid some of the crowd, there’s never a bad time to grab their signature Dungeness crab that’s steamed, stir-fried, and served with Japanese eggplant and garlic.

Be aware of the potential for overcrowding on the weekends in the morning, which is always expected when it comes to dim sum. However, with Asian Jewels offering an evening service running until midnight every night, you can enjoy the best dim sum in NYC long after your bedtime and well into the midnight snack territory. We know we’d allow a few extra calories for some pork and shrimp crystal dumplings right before bed every once in a while.

Photo Courtesy of Google My Business

Best Dim Sum in NYC #9: Red Farm

Taste Farm-to-Table Fresh

• Must Try: Shrimp and Snow Pea Leaf Dumplings, Scallion Pancake with Applewood Smoked Bacon
• Neighborhood(s): West Village (Original), Upper West Side

Not only does Red Farm produce some of the best dim sum in NYC, you can also pay them a visit if you’re ever out in London. That’s quite a feat for dim sum master chef Joe Ng, alongside Chinese food expert Ed Schoenfeld. The main goal at Red Farm is to bring sustainability to modern and inventive Chinese food, and the tastes and flavors brought along by the dim sum offerings show just how much time and effort is put into each dish!

It also doesn’t hurt that they brought in restaurant designer Jun Aisaki to embolden the farm-to-table vision in the 1828 townhouse that’s used as the dining room. The classic farmhouse feel only highlights the menu options that offer some of the best dim sum in NYC. We never pass up an opportunity to enjoy some crunchy vegetable and peanut or shrimp and snow pea leaf dumplings, but we also venture onto the mains portion of the menu more often than we care to admit. Regardless of what you choose, the freshness is evident in every bite with anything you get from Red Farm.

We totally get it if you still have a hard time trying to figure out just where to find the absolute best dim sum in NYC, but trust us — it’s hard to pick just one! No matter where you go, even if it’s a place off our list, you’re bound to have a one-of-a kind I’m sum experience you wouldn’t find anywhere else. 

If you’re on the West Coast, be sure to check out Stretchy Pants’ Chinatown Food Tour in San Francisco. 

You don’t have to take our word for it, either! Have a look around for yourself, and be sure to let us know your choice for the best dim sum in NYC down in our comments!

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