Let’s talk dim sum! You know you love it. These little small plates of heaven are made to be shared with friends and family since a couple of plates go a long way. As a child who grew up in a Cantonese family, I had dim sum almost every Sunday. Traditionally, dim sum used to be reserved for the weekends only, where we would get together with the extended family for some tapas style dining. Now, it’s transcended to the rest of the week and it can be enjoyed any day.
In the olden days, dim sum was associated with tea drinking (yum cha)…probably why every restaurant that offers dim sum also offers tea. Some of the dishes are a bit oily so the tea acts as a counter to help you digest. It is an old tradition that has been passed down for centuries in China, so I am very happy to see it flourish here in the States.
Chinatown has a plethora of dim sum spots, and it may be hard to choose so here are my recommendations. Read on and find out more.
5. Triple Crown
Triple Crown is located in the old part of Chinatown, right on Wentworth. It has gone through multiple renovations but is a popular spot to go for dim sum. It is on the second floor with large windows in the front of the room. With many fun decorations adorning the walls, you get the feeling of being in an Asian household. The food comes hot. You can bet you’ll be full afterwards, especially if you order the delicious sticky rice. It is addictive, filling, and full of flavor. Share it with friends and get other dishes as well.
Sticky Rice at Triple Crown// Photo: @vansventures
FAB TIP: During weekdays, if you go between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., you can get 20% off your dim sum.
{Location}
Triple Crown
Chinatown || 2217 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 842-0088
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Rating: 3 Fabs}
4. New Furama Restaurant
New Furama, contrary to what its name indicates, is the original of the group. It has a long history of serving some awesome dim sum. On the weekends, you can get the full experience. The servers push carts filled with dim sum around the restaurant. All you have to do is point to which one you want and the servers will mark it down on a handy little sheet which eventually becomes your check. Although many places do not offer the carts anymore, it used to be the norm at dim sum restaurants. The experience of chasing down that one dish you want becomes a game and makes the meal merrier.
Xiao Long Bao at Furama// Photo: @vansventures
FAB TIP: Go during the weekend for the experience of ordering off the push carts.
{Location}
New Furama
Chinatown || 2828 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 225-6888
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Rating: 3 Fabs}
3. Dolo
Dolo, one of the newer additions to Chinatown, has a chandelier lit interior and private rooms for larger parties. They have their own little parking lot so you can take as much time you need for your meal without worrying about parking fees. They offer a lot of fun dishes, but my favorite is the stuffed tofu, especially since it is so photogenic. Not only are the colors beautiful, the flavors are also very colorful. The tofu comes with different components so you will get bouncy, smooth, and soft textures all in one.
Steamed Tofu Stuffed at Dolo// Photo: @vansventures
FAB TIP: It is a small parking lot so be careful if you have a large car.
{Location}
Dolo
Chinatown || 2224 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL || P:(312) 877-5117
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Rating: 3.5 Fabs}
2. Cai
Cai sits right on top of the Citibank in Chinatown. It is a deceivingly large space that can hold banquets and various celebrations. They can cater to large parties with no problem. They offer dim sum and traditional Chinese dishes. When I go there for dim sum, I love getting the Iron Goddess of Mercy Tea and numerous dishes. My new favorite from Cai is the sticky rice cake! It is a roll of sticky rice that is fried to give the outside a wonderfully crunchy skin. The sticky rice on the inside is a chewy texture but full of flavor. I like to pair mine with their house made chili oil for an added kick!
Sticky Rice Cake Sticks at Cai// Photo: @vansventures
FAB TIP: They validate for the parking lot across from Citibank.
{Location}
Cai
Chinatown || 2100 S Wentworth Ave, 2F, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 326-6888
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Rating: 3.5 Fabs}
1. MingHin
MingHin was one of the first restaurants in the new wave of restaurants to redo their interior for a more modern look. This was a hit amongst the younger generation of diners. Now, they see huge lines every weekend as patrons wait to get in for some dim sum. If you manage to get in, be ready for a treat! There are so many options to choose from. My most memorable dish from there is the congee (rice porridge). It is the most comforting on cold days. One item not on the dim sum menu is the Macau style pork belly. Instead of a savory dip, it comes with sugar, which is surprisingly addictive. Don’t believe me? Give it a try yourself!
Preserved Egg and Lean Pork Congee at Minh Hin// Photo: @vansventures
FAB TIP: You can request private rooms for your parties of 3 or more.
{Location}
Ming Hin
Chinatown || 2168 S Archer Ave, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 808-1999
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Rating: 4 Fabs}
What is your favorite dim sum spot in the city? Favorite dish? Let us know in the comments.
Until the next venture!
With love,
Van
Note: These meals were not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.
