Guide to the Best Michelin-Starred Dim Sum Around the World (2025)
Dim sum, a beloved culinary tradition originating from Cantonese cuisine, has gained global recognition for its delicate flavors and intricate craftsmanship. From Hong Kong to Tokyo, Michelin-starred restaurants are elevating dim sum to an art form. Here’s a curated guide to the best Michelin-starred dim sum experiences around the world, complete with highlights, unique features, and website links for more details.
1. Lung King Heen (Hong Kong)
Location: Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong
Highlights: The first Chinese restaurant in the world to earn three Michelin stars, Lung King Heen is renowned for its exquisite dim sum, including its signature pineapple pork buns and steamed shrimp dumplings. The restaurant offers stunning views of Victoria Harbour, making it a perfect blend of culinary excellence and ambiance.
Why Visit: A must-visit for dim sum enthusiasts seeking a luxurious dining experience with a focus on traditional Cantonese flavors.
Website: Lung King Heen (https://www.fourseasons.com/hongkong/dining/restaurants/lung_king_heen/)
2. Wu You Xian (Shanghai, China)
Location: South Maoming Road, Shanghai
Highlights: Shanghai’s first Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant, Wu You Xian specializes in xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). Chef Chen Lina meticulously crafts 28 varieties of xiaolongbao, including flavors like hairy crab, abalone, and truffle. The restaurant’s dedication to quality and innovation has earned it a loyal following.
Why Visit: Experience the artistry of xiaolongbao, where each dumpling is a masterpiece of flavor and texture.
Website: Wu You Xian (https://www.wuyouxian.com/)
3. Tim Ho Wan (Hong Kong)
Location: Multiple locations, including Sham Shui Po
Highlights: Known as the "world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant," Tim Ho Wan offers affordable yet exceptional dim sum. Signature dishes include baked BBQ pork buns and steamed egg cake. Despite its humble setting, the restaurant has earned a Michelin star for its consistent quality.
Why Visit: A budget-friendly option for those seeking Michelin-starred dim sum without breaking the bank.
Website: Tim Ho Wan (https://www.timhowan.com/)
4. Yan Toh Heen (Hong Kong)
Location: InterContinental Hong Kong
Highlights: This two-Michelin-starred restaurant is celebrated for its refined Cantonese cuisine, including a stellar dim sum menu. Highlights include har gow (shrimp dumplings) and siu mai (pork dumplings), served in an elegant setting with panoramic harbor views.
Why Visit: Perfect for a sophisticated dim sum experience with a focus on premium ingredients and impeccable service.
Website: Yan Toh Heen (https://www.hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com/dining/yan-toh-heen/)
5. Din Tai Fung (Taipei, Taiwan)
Location: Multiple locations, including Xinyi Road
Highlights: While not Michelin-starred in Taipei, Din Tai Fung’s Hong Kong branch has earned a Michelin star for its xiaolongbao. The restaurant is famous for its precise folding technique, ensuring each dumpling has exactly 18 pleats.
Why Visit: A global icon for xiaolongbao, offering a consistent and high-quality dim sum experience.
Website: Din Tai Fung (https://www.dintaifung.com.tw/en/)
6. Ming Court (Hong Kong)
Location: Cordis Hong Kong
Highlights: This two-Michelin-starred restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional dim sum. Signature dishes include truffle-infused siu mai and lobster dumplings. The restaurant’s innovative approach has made it a favorite among food enthusiasts.
Why Visit: Ideal for those looking to explore creative interpretations of classic dim sum.
Website: Ming Court (https://www.cordishotels.com/en/hong-kong/ming-court)
7. Summer Palace (Singapore)
Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
Highlights: A one-Michelin-starred restaurant, Summer Palace is known for its luxurious dim sum offerings, such as steamed scallop dumplings and baked BBQ pork buns. The restaurant’s elegant decor and attentive service enhance the dining experience.
Why Visit: A top choice for dim sum lovers in Singapore, combining tradition with sophistication.
Website: Summer Palace (https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/singapore/dining/summer-palace)
8. Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine (Singapore)
Location: ION Orchard, Singapore
Highlights: This one-Michelin-starred restaurant offers a mix of Teochew and Cantonese dim sum, including delicate har gow and crispy spring rolls. The restaurant is also known for its festive dim sum menus during Chinese New Year.
Why Visit: A great spot for exploring regional variations of dim sum in a refined setting.
Website: Imperial Treasure (https://www.imperialtreasure.com/)
9. Fook Lam Moon (Hong Kong)
Location: Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Highlights: A Michelin-starred institution, Fook Lam Moon is famous for its high-quality dim sum, including steamed pork buns and shrimp dumplings. The restaurant has been a favorite among celebrities and business elites for decades.
Why Visit: Experience the legacy of a Hong Kong culinary icon with a focus on traditional flavors.
Website: Fook Lam Moon (https://www.fooklammoon.com/)
10. Yum Cha (Tokyo, Japan)
Location: Ginza, Tokyo
Highlights: While not Michelin-starred, Yum Cha’s Hong Kong branch has earned recognition for its innovative dim sum. The Tokyo location offers a similar menu, featuring creative dishes like matcha-flavored dumplings and truffle-infused siu mai.
Why Visit: A unique fusion of Japanese and Cantonese culinary traditions, perfect for adventurous diners.
Website: Yum Cha (https://www.yumcha.com/)
Tips for Enjoying Michelin-Starred Dim Sum
Reservations: Book in advance, especially for popular spots like Lung King Heen and Wu You Xian.
Seasonal Specials: Look out for limited-time menus, such as crab roe dumplings during autumn.
Dress Code: Most Michelin-starred restaurants recommend smart casual attire.
For more details, refer to the official websites or booking platforms of the respective restaurants. Enjoy your culinary journey through the world of Michelin-starred dim sum!
