Dim sum, a culinary art form steeped in tradition, offers more than just a meal—it’s a vibrant social experience, a journey through flavour and culture.
In Vancouver, this experience is elevated, showcasing an array of restaurants that blend traditional techniques with innovative gastronomy.
Quick Recommendations: try Western Lake Chinese Restaurant or Pink Pearl Chinese Restaurant
We are delighted to guide you through the best dim sum destinations in Vancouver below!
1. Western Lake Chinese Restaurant
Western Lake Chinese Restaurant, near Victoria Drive in East Vancouver, is a hub for delicious, affordable Dim Sum. Notable dishes include their Steamed Prawn Dumplings and Deep Fried Stuff Pork Dumplings. They also offer Dim Sum Party Tray Combos, great for larger gatherings.
What to order: Steamed Prawn Dumplings, BBQ Pork Buns, Deep Fried Stuffed Pork Dumplings
Address: 4989 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC
Order Online: DoorDash | Uber Eats | SkipTheDishes
2. Pink Pearl Chinese Restaurant
Pink Pearl Chinese Restaurant in Strathcona is a special spot that brings back the classic charm of dim sum with its traditional push carts.
The restaurant’s dining space is impressive, with a main room that can easily seat over 250 guests. Despite its grand size, the ambiance feels warm and inviting, making it a great place for both large gatherings.
The dim sum selection is vast and delicious, offering a variety of bite-sized treasures.
Their Steamed Peanut Dumplings and Chicken Feet with Szechuan Sauce are must-tries for those seeking something sweet or spicy. The BBQ Pork Buns are a safer, yet delicious option for all tastes.
What to order: Steamed Peanut Dumplings, Steamed Chicken Feet with Szechuan Sauce, BBQ Pork Buns, Steamed Chicken Buns, Steamed Scallops Dumplings
Address: 1132 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC
Order Online: DoorDash | Uber Eats | SkipTheDishes
3. Sun Sui Wah
One of the city’s finest Chinese establishments, Sun Sui Wah originated in Hong Kong over 30 years ago and prides itself on flawless preparation and presentation of traditional Chinese cuisine.
This award-winning restaurant has also been featured on Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on Netflix.
This is a place to opt for the classics, and I highly recommend you try their fresh and tasty Siu Mai, soft yet savoury Baked BBQ Pork Pastry, and silky yet succulent Steamed Crystal Prawn Dumplings.
The Steamed Spare Ribs in Black Bean Sauce and the Steamed Creamy Egg Yolk Bun are both irresistible.
What to order: Siu Mai, Baked BBQ Pork Pastry, Steamed Crystal Prawn Dumplings, Steamed Spare Ribs in Black Bean Sauce, Steamed Bun with Sweet Egg Yolk, Deep Fried Eggplants with Shrimp Paste
Address:
-3888 Main Street, Vancouver, BC
-4940 No 3 Rd #102, Richmond, BC
4. Golden Swan Restaurant
Golden Swan is famous for its traditional Dim Sum served in a cozy setting. Their Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, Deep Fried Shrimp Spring Rolls, and Fried Sesame Balls are top choices. The crispiness of the sesame balls, paired with a sweet, chewy interior, is a delightful experience.
What to order: Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, Shrimp Paste Stuffed Eggplant, Deep Fried Shrimp Spring Roll, Deep fried Sesame Ball, Fresh Sliced Fish Congee
Address: 5380 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC
5. Empire Seafood Restaurant
Empire Seafood Restaurant in Richmond is renowned for its extensive Dim Sum menu. Their classic Baked Pork Buns, Har Gow, and Siu Mai are always reliable picks. The Steamed Chicken Feet with Chu Hou Sauce and Steamed Egg Yolk Buns are both tender and packed with flavour.
Tip: their dumplings were part of Tourism Richmond’s Dumpling Trail
What to order: Baked Pork Buns, Har Gow, Siu Mai, Steamed Chicken Feet with Chu Hou Sauce, Steamed Egg Yolk Buns
Address: Unit 200, London Plaza, 5951 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC
6. Chef Tony
In Richmond, Chef Tony’s fusion Dim Sum dishes are a creative twist on the traditional. Their Steamed Cuttlefish Ink Shrimp Dumplings and Shrimp & Matsutake Dumplings offer bold, umami flavours. The Steamed Bun with Salty Egg Yolk Lava is a perfect blend of salty and sweet.
Protip: Make a reservation to secure your table, because this place fills up fast.
What to order: Steamed Cuttlefish Ink Shrimp Dumplings, Shrimp & Matsutake Dumplings, Steamed Bun filled with Salty Egg Yolk Lava, Black Truffle Pork & Shrimp Dumplings, Steamed Ground Beef Ball on Watercress
Address: Unit 101 – 4600 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC
7. Neptune Palace Seafood Restaurant
Another classic Vancouver eatery that stands out for great tasting Dim Sum is none other than Neptune Palace Seafood Restaurant.
Located on Marine Drive, and boasting a large dining hall dotted with twinkling crystal chandeliers, Neptune Palace is the perfect spot for big group gatherings.
Their Shrimp and Pork Shao Mai Dumplings are juicy and enhanced with truffle. The Rice Rolls with Chinese Donuts & Pork Floss are a spicy and soft delight. Also, their Beef Meatballs with Tangerine Peel are a tender, flavourful choice.
What to order: Shrimp and Pork Shao Mai Dumplings, Rice Rolls wrap with Chinese Donuts & Pork Floss, Beef Meatballs with Aged Tangerine Peel, Neptune Shrimp Dumplings, Deep Fried Shrimp Rolls
Address: Unit 308 – 470 SW Marine Dr. Vancouver, BC
Order Online: DoorDash | Uber Eats | SkipTheDishes
8. Kirin
Kirin’s modern interior complements its Northern Chinese and Cantonese Cuisine. Their Steamed Prawn and Sakura Farm Pork Dumpling with Flying Fish Roe is a flavour explosion.
Also, try the special Steamed Pureed Egg Yolk in Cuttlefish Ink Dough Bun – black in colour but filled with savoury, custardy egg yolk.
What to order: Steamed Prawn and Sakura Farm Premium Pork Dumpling with Flying Fish Roe, Steamed Pureed Egg Yolk in Cuttlefish Ink Dough Bun, Steamed Prawn Dumpling, Chicken Feet Steamed in Black Bean Sauce
Address:
-1172 Alberni St, Vancouver, BC
-555 12th Ave W, Vancouver, BC
Order Online: Uber Eats
9. Dynasty Seafood Restaurant
Dynasty Seafood in Vancouver is a chic, upscale choice for Dim Sum. Their Steamed Shrimp Dumplings and BBQ Pork Buns are must-tries. Each shrimp dumpling has delicate, yet sturdy skin, while the pork bun is pillowy with a delicious filling.
For a unique choice, opt for the Steamed Black Truffle Dumpling, offering a rich, mushroomy flavour.
What to order: Steamed Shrimp Dumpling, Steamed BBQ Pork Bun, Deep Fried Squid Tentacles, Steamed Black Truffle Dumpling, Steamed Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf
Address: 777 W Broadway St 108, Vancouver, BC
10. Jade Dynasty
Jade Dynasty in Chinatown offers a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere for All Day Dim Sum since 2005. Try the Crystal Prawn Dumplings with hefty shrimp portions or the Steamed Siu Mai, a delightful mix of tobiko, pork, mushroom, and shrimp.
Don’t miss the Baked Mini BBQ Pork Buns, known for their soft bun and tangy sauce. End your meal with their Steamed Almond Flavor Sponge Cake, a perfect sweet finish.
What to order: Jade Dynasty Crystal Prawn Dumplings, Steamed Shiu-Mai with Tobiko, Pork, and Mushroom, Jade Dynasty Baked Mini BBQ Pork Buns
Address: 137 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC
That rounds up our walk down the serene and beautiful Silk Road to amazing Dim Sum, and we hope you have a blast trying out every one of these fabulous spots.
Looking for more food spots? Well, take a look at our picks of the best restaurants in Vancouver!
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.