If you’re on the hunt for the perfect food experience that takes you on a journey through the culinary delights of the East, then look no further. The city of Boston, with its rich blend of cultures, offers a great selection of dining experiences, and the spotlight is currently on dim sum. This traditional Cantonese brunch, comprising a variety of bite-sized dishes served with tea, has found a home in the heart of Boston. Here’s your guide to the best dim sum in Boston.
“I’m not a glutton, I’m an explorer of food.” – Erma Bombeck
What is Dim Sum?
Dim sum, translated as ‘touch the heart,’ is a Cantonese tradition that dates back to the times of the Silk Road. It was a culinary offering for weary travelers stopping at teahouses. Today, it has evolved into a full-fledged dining experience, with a plethora of small dishes typically served from breakfast to late-brunch hours. It’s perfect for enjoying a cup of tea, and it’s an experience that truly touches the heart.
Dim sum includes a variety of dumplings, buns, rolls, and other dishes. You can find everything from steamed rice buns filled with savory pork or sweet red bean paste, to crispy scallion pancakes, barbecued ribs, fried chicken wings, meatballs, and even exotic dishes like preserved eggs and chicken feet. There’s something for every adventurous palate.
Boston’s Chinatown: The Hub of Dim Sum
Boston’s Chinatown, the third-largest in America, is the epicenter of the city’s dim sum culture. Since its founding over a century ago, this ethnic Chinese enclave has embraced dim sum in local dining. The neighborhood boasts a number of restaurants trading in traditional table-to-table cart service for à la carte menus. This shareable feast is perfect for enjoying with family and friends. Let’s explore some of the best dim sum places in and around Boston.
1. Empire Garden Restaurant
The Empire Garden Restaurant is housed in a 113-year-old theater, offering a unique dining experience. It serves an array of dim sum dishes, with Beijing-style duck being a standout option. It’s one of the few restaurants in Boston offering this particular dish, making it a must-visit for duck lovers.
Address: 690 Washington St, Boston, MA
Phone: 617-482-8898
Open: Daily 9 AM – 9 PM
Website: [empiregardenboston.com](http://empiregardenboston.com/)
2. Hei La Moon
Hei La Moon is a popular spot in Boston for dim sum, offering free parking on weekends. Its dim sum is always hot, fresh, and abundant, served in rolling carts. The atmosphere is festive, thanks to the large glass windows that let in plenty of natural light.
Address: 88 Beach St, Boston, MA
Phone: 617-426-6688
Open: Daily 8:30 AM – 11 PM
Facebook: [Hei La Moon](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hei-La-Moon/136253333089999)
3. Winsor Dim Sum Cafe
Winsor Dim Sum Cafe is a highly-rated dim sum joint in Chinatown. It offers a wide variety of dim sum dishes, freshly made to order. This cozy eatery is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Address: 10 Tyler St, Boston, MA
Phone: 617-338-1688
Open: Daily 9 AM – 10 PM
Website: [winsordimsumcafe.com](http://winsordimsumcafe.com/)
4. Great Taste Bakery and Restaurant
Great Taste Bakery and Restaurant is a unique spot in Chinatown, offering both a Chinese bakery and a dim sum restaurant. You can grab some baked goods while waiting for your dim sum, making it a win-win dining experience.
Address: 61-63 Beach St, Boston, MA
Phone: 617-426-6688
Open: Daily from 7 AM; dim sum begins at 8 AM
Website: [bostongreattastebakery.com](http://bostongreattastebakery.com/)
5. China Pearl Restaurant
China Pearl Restaurant is an old favorite for dim sum, offering a large variety of dishes. Known for its molten custard bun, China Pearl provides a delightful dim sum experience. Despite the competition, it continues to charm its customers with its traditional offerings.
Address: 9 Tyler St, Boston, MA
Phone: 617-426-4338
Open: Daily from 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Website: [chinapearlboston.net](http://chinapearlboston.net/)
6. Chau Chow City
Chau Chow City, known as a late-night munch destination in Boston, offers a wide variety of dim sum. Open until 4 AM on most days, it’s the perfect spot for late-night foodies. The shu mai, har gao, egg tarts, and pork baos are some of the must-try items on the menu.
Address: 695 Washington St, Boston, MA
Open: Daily until 4 AM
Website: [buborchacha.com](http://www.buborchacha.com/)
7. New China Pearl
Located a little outside of Boston, New China Pearl offers a wide variety of dim sum options. It may be a drive from the city, but the free parking and large dining space make it worth the trip. It’s the perfect place to indulge in shu mai, har gao, egg tarts, and pork baos.
Address: 288 Mishawum Rd, Woburn, MA
Phone: 781-932-0031
Website: [newchinapearl.com](http://newchinapearl.com/)
8. Bubor Cha Cha
Bubor Cha Cha is known for its festive interior and top-notch dim sum. The molten custard bun is a standout, offering a unique twist on the traditional dim sum dish. Its creative and delicious offerings make it a must-visit spot in Chinatown.
Address: 41 Beach St, Boston, MA
Phone: 617-482-3338
Website: [buborchacha.com](http://www.buborchacha.com/)
9. Jo Jo Taipei
Jo Jo Taipei in Allston offers a unique Taiwanese take on dim sum brunch. It’s known for its ba-wans, gua baos, and the classic steamed xiao long bao. It’s a great place to experience a different side of dim sum.
Address: 103 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA
Phone: 617-254-8889
Website: [jojotaipei.com](http://www.jojotaipei.com/)
10. Shangri-La
Located in Belmont, Shangri-La offers a unique dining experience. It’s known for its traditional Taiwanese brunch menu, featuring dishes like ba-wans, fried dough and soy milk, gua baos, and steamed xiao long bao. It’s a little out of the way, but it’s worth the trip.
Address: 149 Belmont St, Belmont, MA
Phone: 617-489-1488
Website: [shangrilabelmont.com](http://shangrilachinese.com/)
Dim Sum: A Unique Culinary Adventure
When it comes to the best dim sum Boston has to offer, the city is brimming with mouth-watering options. From the bustling streets of Chinatown to the suburbs of Belmont, there’s a dim sum restaurant waiting to take you on a culinary adventure.
Whether you’re a seasoned dim sum veteran or a curious first-timer, the city’s dim sum scene offers something for everyone. So go ahead, embark on this gastronomic journey, and discover the rich flavors and textures of the best dim sum in Boston
