Seattle’s dim sum scene centers on the International District, where spots like Jade Garden and Dim Sum King have been filling tables for years.
This list covers 9 of the best, from classic Cantonese cart service to Din Tai Fung’s famous xiao long bao.
Here’s what to order at each one.
1. Hong Kong Bistro (International District)
Hong Kong Bistro on Maynard Avenue is a go-to for dim sum when you want everything hot, fresh, and made to order. The menu is big, but a few picks make the decision easy.
Start with the Cantonese-style Pork & Shrimp Shui Mai, then add the Steamed Chive and Shrimp Dumplings, wrapped neatly and full of flavor.
Don’t skip the House Special Baked BBQ Pork Buns, which balance savory and sweet in a way you keep thinking about.
If you want something more filling, order the Beef Chow Fun. It comes with smoky wok flavor, chewy noodles, tender beef, and crisp veggies, and it hits especially well late at night.
Add the Peking Duck if you’re going bigger.
For drinks, the Iced Hong Kong Milk Tea is a classic, and the Mango Freeze with Coconut Milk & Sago works well as a cool finish.
What to order: Pork & Shrimp Shiu Mai, Steamed Chive & Shrimp Dumplings, Beef Chow Fun, Peking Duck, House Special Baked BBQ Pork Buns, Iced Hong Kong Milk Tea, Mango Freeze with Coconut Milk & Sago
Address: 507 Maynard Ave S #511C, Seattle, WA 98104
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2. Jade Garden Restaurant (International District)
Located in the heart of Seattle’s International District, Jade Garden Restaurant is a beloved spot for hearty Chinese food. The outside looks a little worn, but inside the room stays busy, with friendly staff and quick service.
You will scan the QR code to browse the menu, then it’s all about comfort-food favorites and shareable plates.
Start with the Steamed Jumbo Prawn Dumplings, Pork Shiu Mai with Chinese Mushroom, and the Pan Fried Prawn and Chive Dumplings. Add Egg Rolls if you want something crisp in on the side.
The Pork Bun is especially good, always praised for its perfect seasoning and texture. Even the rice tastes better than it needs to.
If you want one dish to anchor the meal, order the Prawns in Lobster Sauce Cantonese Style. It comes out fresh, full of flavor, and cooked properly, and it can make the whole visit.
Service is quick and attentive – truly a great choice for a satisfying meal!
What to order: Steamed Jumbo Prawn Dumplings, Pork Shiu Mai with Chinese Mushroom, Pan Fried Prawn and Chive Dumplings, Steamed Custard Creamy Buns, Egg Rolls, Prawns in Lobster Sauce Cantonese Style
Address: 424 7th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
3. Dim Sum King (International District)
Dim Sum King, a charming family-owned restaurant in Seattle’s International District, has a unique pricing model where you pay by the piece. It’s a budget-friendly way to build your own spread, especially if you want to try a few things without committing to full orders.
The place gets busy, particularly in the morning, so expect a bit of a crowd. Start with the Steamed BBQ Pork Bun, which comes soft and fluffy with sweet, juicy pork inside. Order the Steamed Shrimp Dumplings for a classic pic, then go for the Pot Stickers with chicken and ginger when you want something more savory.
Save room for dessert. The Custard Bun and the silky Egg Tart both go down easy, and the Crispy Fried Sesame Ball is a fun finish. Everything here is tasty and hits the spot!
What to order: Steamed BBQ Pork Bun, Pot Sticker, Custard Bun, Shrimp Dumpling, Crispy Fried Sesame Ball, Egg Tart
Address: 617 S Jackson Street, Seattle, WA 98104
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4. Diamond Bay Restaurant (International District)
Diamond Bay Restaurant in Seattle’s CID is a strong pick for Cantonese food, especially Dim Sum.
The dining room is huge and banquet-style, so the place handles groups and busy weekends without feeling cramped.
Service runs quick and efficient, and prices stay reasonable for how much food can hit the table.
Peking Duck is worth ordering, coming moist and savory, and it’s the kind of dish that makes a return visit easy to justify.
The Chef Claypot section is another highlight that features a variety of favorites, such as the Sand Ginger Chicken Claypot (our top pick), Spicy Beef and Tofu Claypot, Sizzling Oyster Claypot, and Lemongrass Pan-Fried Seabass Claypot.
If you want something more filling, try the Congee And Rice Claypot, especially the Asian Swamp Eel Claypot, plus choices like Preserved Meats Claypot or Spare Ribs With Black Bean Sauce Claypot.
Round out the table with Honey BBQ Pork Ribs, Wok-Tossed Green Beans, and Crispy Roasted Pork.
What to order: Peking Duck, Chef Claypot, Congee & Rice Claypot, Honey BBQ Pork Ribs, Wok-Tossed Green Beans, and Crispy Roasted Pork
Address: 409 8th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104, United States
5. Top Gun Seafood Restaurant (Bellevue)
Seattle’s Top Gun Seafood Restaurant is a dim sum haven, known for its variety and authentic flavors.
The Beef Rice Noodle, with soft noodles and savory beef, is a crowd favorite. Classics like Shiu Mai and Pork Buns arrive well made, while the Cilantro & Shrimp Dumpling brings a brighter options into the mix.
Don’t forget to try the Baked Custard Buns with their sugary top and sweet custard filling.
Be prepared for peak hour crowds and limited parking, but the delicious food and prompt service make it worth the wait!
What to order: Beef Rice Noodle, Shiu Mai, Pork Buns, Cilantro & Shrimp Dumpling, Baked Custard Buns
Address: 12450 SE 38th Street, Bellevue, WA 98006
6. Harmony Palace (International District)
Harmony Palace in Seattle keeps dim sum approachable, with fair pricing, a comfortable dining room, and an extensive menu. Friendly service helps the meal move along, even when the table keeps ordering.
Fish Roe And Pork Shui Mai brings juicy pork with fish roe on top, while Shrimp Dumpling and Steamed BBQ Pork Buns stay consistent.
Shanghai Steamed Pork Buns and Malay Sponge Cake round out the tea-house style picks. Meanwhile, the Cantonese Boat Congee comes as a thick rice porridge with a mix of proteins like seafood or pork, plus garnishes like peanuts.
What to order: Fish Roe & Pork Shui Mai, Shrimp Dumpling, Steamed BBQ Pork Buns, Shanghai Steamed Pork Buns, Malay Sponge Cake
Address: 711 S King Street, Seattle, WA 98104
7. Triumph Valley (Renton)
In Renton, Triumph Valley sets itself apart with a full bar and daily dim sum in a luxurious setting. Located in a former steakhouse, this spot efficiently uses tablet ordering for quick service.
The Pan Fried Chives, Shrimp & Pork Dumplings are a must-try, featuring a well-balanced blend of flavors. The Crispy Shrimp Rice Rolls have a crunchy shrimp filling wrapped in smooth rice rolls. The Salted Egg Yolk Mochi goes in a different direction, with a savory center and a crisp shell.
Deep-fried items are crispy and freshly cooked, so arrive early to beat the queue for this genuine taste of southern China’s morning tea time.
What to order: Pan Fried Chives, Shrimp & Pork Dumplings, Crispy Shrimp Rice Rolls, D. Salted Egg Yolk Mochi
Address: 3750 East Valley Road, Renton, WA 98057
8. T & T Seafood Restaurant (Edmonds)
If you’re looking for a beloved dim sum spot with a family-friendly atmosphere around Chinatown, then T & T Seafood Restaurant welcomes you with open arms.
The Steamed Jumbo Prawns Dumpling is a reliable choice, offering authentic flavors. The Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Bean are tender, juicy, and perfectly complemented by the black bean sauce.
Don’t miss the Baked BBQ Pork Buns, which feature a sweet and savory filling encased in a soft, fluffy bun.
The bustling environment, complete with dim sum carts moving through tables, adds to the charm and keeps the energy up. With ample parking and wheelchair accessibility, it’s a convenient spot for families and groups.
What to order: Steamed Jumbo Prawns Dumpling, Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Bean, Baked BBQ Pork Buns, Deep Fried Taro with Portuguese Sauce, Eggs & Custard Tarts
Address: 22511 Hwy 99 #103, Edmonds, WA 98026
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9. Din Tai Fung (Downtown)
Some restaurant brands earn global recognition the slow, honest way: doing the same thing well, tens of times, in cities all over the world.
Din Tai Fung sits in that category, and the Seattle location at Pacific Place brings the same dumpling-first focus, plus private dining for group meals.
Kick things off with Cucumber Salad, crisp and refreshing with a gentle kick, then move to Shrimp And Kurobuta Pork Spicy Wontons in the house spicy sauce with garlic and green onion.
The Chicken Fried Rice is the easy “order one for the table” move, while the String Beans With Garlic adds a savory, garlicky break between dumplings.
Dessert belongs to the famous (and crowd-favorite) Chocolate And Mochi Xiao Long Bao, filled with a chocolate truffle and served hot.
Address: 600 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
Looking to explore the different cuisines Seattle has to offer? Check out our best Seattle restaurants list for some amazing suggestions.