Dim sum: a traditional Chinese brunch of shared small plates, featuring dumplings and snacks, typically enjoyed with tea among friends and family.

A Brief History of Dim Sum
Originating in southern China's Guangdong region, dim sum culture emerged in Guangzhou's tearooms during the 19th century. Silk Road travelers helped spread this practice.

While evolving to include diverse influences, dim sum largely retains its traditional culinary form, enjoyed globally today.

Etiquette and Ordering
Begin your dim sum experience by selecting a tea; traditionally, the closest person pours for others first. Signal for a tea refill by propping the teapot lid ajar.

Order by flagging down passing food carts or marking desired dishes on a checklist menu for a unique dining experience.

What to Order
Dim sum offers diverse steamed, fried, or baked dishes, including seafood, meat, and vegetables. Popular choices are plentiful.

Shumai: Cup-shaped dumplings, typically filled with pork, shrimp, and vegetables.
Shrimp dumpling (har gow, xia jiao): A highly popular dim sum dish, featuring shrimp chunks in a thin, translucent wrapper, steamed in bamboo.
Soup dumplings: Broth and pork-filled, steamed Shanghainese dumplings, a dim sum staple.
BBQ pork buns: Fluffy white buns filled with sweet barbecue pork, steamed.


Where to Taste The Best Dim Sums in Maryland?
Want to taste authentic dim sum, visit Peter Chang in Maryland. Explore the dishes on Peter Chang Gaithersburg. They offer tapas-style Sichuan cuisine, created by Chef Peter Chang. Enjoy bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and signature dishes.

Dim sum, a traditional Chinese meal, offers a shared experience of diverse, delightful small plates. From its tea house origins to global popularity, it remains a cherished culinary tradition, perfect for communal enjoyment.