Dim Sum in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur has a fantastically cosmopolitan food scene influenced by Malaysia’s mixed cultural heritage. Malay, Chinese, Indian and many delicious fusions can be found in restaurants and street stalls across the city. Whatever your tastes, no trip to KL is complete without tucking into some freshly prepared Dim Sum.
Meaning ‘a little touch of heart’, Dim Sum originated in the 19th-century tea houses of China’s southern Guangdong province. Located on the silk route, the province bustled with traders and the tea houses were popular stop off points. Keen to maximise profits, the owners began to serve small, bite-sized snacks alongside their tea and thus a tradition was born.
Dim Sum made its way to Malaysia with southern Chinese migrants in the 17th century. Malaysia’s own food culture was still being formed and these delicate steamed, fried and baked snacks were readily adopted by the locals.
How to Eat Dim Sum
Dim sum still retains its own unique traditions and table etiquettes that continue to be observed today. Here is a quick guide:
- Tea is a must – tea is an integral part of the Dim Sum experience and helps you fully appreciate the unique flavour profiles of different Dim Sum.
- Order a little at a time – it’s tempting to order everything all at once, but Dim Sum should be taken slowly. The best approach is to order three items at a time and finish them before trying any more.
- And be adventurous – the essence of a great Dim Sum meal is in the variety of dishes, so take a chance and experiment. Take a look at what your fellow diners are eating, especially if they're local.
- Take it slowly - each Dim Sum is different so take time to appreciate the individual flavours of each one.
Our Journey through Malaysia includes a Dim Sum lunch at Marco Polo Restaurant Kuala Lumpur.