Buns & Baos: The 11 Best Dim Sum Places in Singapore
Singapore’s dim sum scene not only includes traditional Chinese offerings but also incorporates influences from other cultures such as Malay, Indian, and Peranakan.
From bustling hawker stalls to elegant restaurants, Singapore offers an array of dim sum options that cater to every palate. So whether you’re a dim sum connoisseur or a novice, let’s explore the best dim sum places in Singapore!
How much does dim sum cost in Singapore?
Dim sum prices in Singapore vary widely by dining venue. At hawker centres and food courts, you can find dim sum for as low as S$2 to S$5 per portion.
Casual restaurants typically charge S$5 to S$10 per dish, with a meal costing around S$20 to S$30 per person.
High-end restaurants may have significantly higher prices, ranging from S$10 to S$20 or more for a single dish. For all-you-can-eat dim sum buffets, prices can vary from S$25 to S$60 or more per person, depending on the restaurant’s quality and reputation.
How We Picked
1. Yum Cha Restaurant
Address:
- Yum Cha Chinatown: 20 Trengganu Street (Off Temple Street) #02-01 Singapore 058479
- Yum Cha Changi: 6 Changi Business Park Ave 1 #01-33 ERS BizPark @ Changi Singapore 486017
Contact:
- Yum Cha Chinatown: Tue to Fri: 10.30am 9pm / Closed on Mondays (except public holidays) / Weekends & Public Holidays: 9am – 9pm
- Yum Cha Changi: Tue to Fri: 7am – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm / / Closed on Mondays (except public holidays) / Weekends & Public Holidays: 7am – 3pm, 6pm – 9pm / Closed from 3pm-6pm daily
- Yum Cha Express: 9am – 9pm daily
Hours:
- Yum Cha Chinatown: Weekdays: 10.30am – 9pm / Closed on Mondays (except public holidays) / Weekends & Public Holidays: 9am – 9pm
- Yum Cha Changi: Weekdays 11am – 3pm, 530pm – 10pm / Weekend- 9am-3pm, 6pm to 9pm
Yum Cha Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Chinatown since 2000, effortlessly captures the essence of traditional dim sum dining with a nostalgic ambiance of marble tables and wooden chairs. As a regular visitor, I can confidently say Yum Cha stands out as the best Chinese restaurant in town.
From the moment you step into Yum Cha, the charm of a bygone era greets you, complemented by the inviting aroma of freshly steamed dim sum. The extensive menu boasts over 60 varieties, blending classic recipes with modern twists, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Personal favorites include the Xiao Long Bao and the Fish Roe with Siew Mai, both epitomizing the restaurant’s dedication to authentic flavors.
Yum Cha’s culinary prowess doesn’t stop at dim sum. Their Seafood Horfun and Peking Duck are must-tries, offering rich, savory experiences that highlight the chefs’ versatility. Modern creations like Mango Prawn Sesame Fritters and Pan-fried Pork Pancake add a delightful contemporary touch, making each visit a new adventure.
The ambiance at Yum Cha is equally commendable. Whether in the bustling Chinatown location or the more modern Changi Business Park branch, the red accents and concrete walls create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. This blend of tradition and modernity is a testament to Yum Cha’s enduring appeal.
A special mention goes to their High Tea Buffet, a fantastic deal at $32.80++, allowing diners to indulge in unlimited dim sum from 3 pm to 6 pm. It’s an experience not to be missed, perfect for a leisurely afternoon with friends or family.
Yum Cha’s commitment to quality extends beyond their restaurants with Yum Cha Express, offering convenient delivery and catering services. Whether dining in or ordering out, Yum Cha consistently delivers on taste, quality, and experience. For anyone seeking an exceptional Chinese dining experience, Yum Cha is, without doubt, the top choice.
Pros
- Offers dim sum buffet
- Takeout
- Reservations
- Private Dining
- Highchairs Available
- Serves Alcohol
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Table Service
- National Day promo
Cons
- No promos at the present
Customer Reviews
“Ok this Yum Cha was yummy. However it’s not in the Santa grand hotel like Google says, it’s a couple of doors down the street. Value for money tasty food, all day service. Just a tip if you’re looking for other places that serve similar food search for dim sum.” — Dani Travel
“We were recommended this place on a previous visit to Singapore and took the time to find it again. I am pleased to say it lived up to our recollection – excellent choice of freshly prepared dishes served as they are ready (don’t be alarmed when they arrive separately).” — Martin
2. Summer Pavilion
Address: 7 Raffles Ave., Singapore 039799, 1/F The Ritz-Carlton Millennia (Google Maps)
Contact: +6564345286
Hours: Daily, 11.30 AM to 2.30 PM and 6.30 to 10.30 PM
Summer Pavilion, a Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant in Singapore, is led by Chef Cheung Siu Kong who has 25 years of culinary mastery. With authentic Cantonese flavours at its core, it offers a dining experience for discerning palates.
Diners can enjoy curated set menus or à la carte options for lunch and dinner, perfect for various occasions, including business meetings, family gatherings, and special celebrations.
Lunch includes a delightful array of dim sum. Many diners go for the fried lobster roll with prawn puree, a tasty combination of tender lobster encased in a crispy vermicelli shell.
Located in the Ritz-Carlton Millennia, Summer Pavilion benefits from its proximity to the central business district, making it an ideal choice for office workers.
Pros
- Michelin-starred restaurant
- Upscale dining experience
- Great ambience and location
Cons
- Pricier menu
- Strictly by reservation
Customer Reviews
Was most impressed by the serving portions and uber attentive service
“5-star experience all round! From decor and ambience to food, service and dinnerware, was a really pleasant and satisfying experience. Was most impressed by the serving portions and uber attentive service – the staff were very familiar with the menu and always topping up tea, replacing plates and even asked if we needed parking coupons before we even thought of it.”
– JS Lim, Google Reviews
Everything was just impeccable
“Came here for a birthday cum belated father’s day lunch and everything was just impeccable. thank you for the great service and we really enjoyed most of the food. highly recommended, most deserving of that Michelin star!”
– Adeline A, Google Reviews
3. Cassia
— From jacintalee8
Address: 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098297, Capella Hotel (Google Maps)
Contact: +6565915045
Hours: Daily, noon to 2 PM and 6.30 PM to 10 PM
Under the leadership of Chinese Executive Chef Alan Chan, Cassia aims to showcase authentic Cantonese flavours at their finest.
Some must-tries include the wok-fried garlic prawn and the crystal dumplings with their fusion of sweet mushroom and fragrant black truffle. The restaurant aims for diners to taste the freshness of the ingredients.
Stepping inside, diners will be greeted with interiors by André Fu. He drew inspiration from the historic spice routes of Southern and Western regions for his design.
Cassia’s setting provides guests with a sense of seclusion, away from the bustling city centre, while remaining conveniently accessible to Sentosa’s top attractions.
Pros
- Secluded and private location
- Imaginative set menus
- Fresh, quality ingredients
Cons
- Pricier menu
- Strictly by reservation
Customer Reviews
Great atmosphere, good food
“Went for dim sum lunch. Great atmosphere, good food. Service was prompt and attentive.”
– Chris, Google Reviews
The gold flakes truffle Cha siew Bao is the best char siew bao I’ve had
“What an amazing restaurant located at the heart of Capella. I had a wonderful lunch with my family and friends with 5 stars professional service, attention to guests and scrumptious dim sum. The gold flakes truffle Cha siew Bao is the best char siew bao I’ve had. $12 for two pieces, it’s kinda pricey but the quality of ingredients, ambience and service were top-notch. They serve set lunch too, quite worth it.”
– Mavis Chuah, Google Reviews
4. Sum Dim Sum
Address: 161 Jln Besar, Singapore 208876 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6588189161
Hours: Monday to Friday, 11.30 AM to midnight; Saturdays and Sundays, 10.30 AM – 1 AM
Sum Dim Sum in Jalan Besar offers a unique take on traditional dim sum. While not as cheap as hawker fare, many diners don’t mind the slightly higher price for the added comfort of air-conditioned dining.
Established in 2019, Sum Dim Sum is a father-son venture inspired by their shared love for dim sum. The son, now the head chef, continues his father’s dream of handcrafting dim sum using a treasured family recipe that carries their legacy and passion.
The XL prawn dumplings with their bright blue hue made from butterfly pea flowers are an Instagram-worthy dish for those who like their dim sum dainty as well as delectable.
Sum Dim Sum also does island-wide delivery, with free delivery for a minimum order worth S$100.
Pros
- Affordable dim sum
- Free island-wide delivery with a minimum spend of S$100
- Accessible location
Cons
- Could get easily filled up
- Narrow seating spaces
Customer Reviews
Each dish was prepared differently with either a unique texture or taste
“Highly recommend this delicious Dim Sum place! This is a hidden gem down the road from the other dim sum eatery which I shall not mention its name. The service and food quality here cannot be compared! Each dish was prepared differently with either a unique texture or taste, everything we ordered tasted amazingly great!! The service from the manager was efficient and polite, she offered tables at level 2 where seating was more comfortable. We will definitely be back again!”
– Charlyn, Google Reviews
Serves excellent dim sum and main courses
“I never knew Sum Dim Dum serves excellent dim sum and main courses as well. We used the ShopBack voucher, for $60, we paid only $42. It was really value for money. Before I had the impression that this place was like a second option when its nearby competitor Swee Choon was full, but I was wrong. Deserves a try. We tried the chilli oil dumpling, cereal chicken, moonlight Horfun, tofu hot plate, blue pea dumpling, mango sago, and osmanthus jelly.”
– Les Wong, Google Reviews
5. Cherry Garden
— From khwymisa
Address: 5 Raffles Ave., Singapore 039797, 1/F Mandarin Oriental (Google Maps)
Contact: +6568853500
Hours: Daily, noon to 2.30 PM and 6.30 PM to 10.30 PM
Cherry Garden offers an eclectic menu of authentic Cantonese cuisine with a modern twist, emphasising fresh, seasonal ingredients. It has a well-balanced wine list and a diverse selection of Chinese teas to complete the dining experience.
Guests will step through an enchanting antique doorway to see the restaurant’s feng shui-influenced design. The interior decor creates an ambience reminiscent of a splendid Oriental residence.
The restaurant uses premium ingredients like baby abalone and steamed Iberico pork ribs. The steamed Kurobuta char siew pau is a must-try for its tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork and sweet and savoury sauce.
Pros
- Modern twist on traditional dim sum
- Accessible location
- Impressive Old World ambience
Cons
- Pricier menu items
- Brunch buffet available only on weekends
Customer Reviews
Worth every dollar as we got served with really great tasting and executed food
“Had a great Weekend Dim Sum Buffet Lunch offered by Cherry Garden. Worth every dollar as we got served really great tasting and executed food. Every dish was Great! My favourite was their rendering of my favourite Sweet and sour pork was spot on. Crispy on the outside, tender & soft inside, everything in this dish was balanced. Top-notch service was provided by their attentive service staff (Especially Jennie & Joy) too. A Cantonese Restaurant to return to over and over again. Great Team!”
– Chua Bernard, Google Reviews
The wasabi prawns were definitely a hit and so were the baby abalone Siew Mai
“Very nice dim sum buffet lunch. At 88++ for adults. It’s nice they serve everything in tiny dishes so you can really try at least half the menu without much effort. The wasabi prawns were definitely a hit and so were the baby abalone siewmai. Will be more than happy to come back again in the future. Service is also wonderful and prompt.”
– Randall, Google Reviews
6. Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant
Address: 317 Outram Rd, Singapore 169075, 4/F Holiday Inn Atrium (Google Maps)
Contact: +6531382531
Hours: Wednesday to Friday, 11.30 AM to 3 PM and 5.30 PM to 9.30 PM; Saturdays and Sundays, 11.30 AM to 1 PM, 1.15 PM to 3 PM and 5.30 PM to 9.30 PM
Xin Cuisine Chinese Restaurant merges contemporary and traditional elements, offering large gathering spaces and private rooms for its customers’ special or business events.
Head Chef Chan Kung Lai, formerly of Tack Hsin Restaurant and Lei Garden, has led the restaurant to earn accolades, such as stars from Tatler Dining’s Singapore’s Best Restaurant Guide and a prestigious spot on Wine & Dine Magazine’s Top Restaurants list.
There are classic favourites like steamed BBQ pork bun and the shrimp dumpling with fish roe (har kow). There’s also the diced chicken wrapped with egg white in broth, which is quite impressive with its creative presentation as a blossoming pomegranate.
The restaurant also offers exclusive rooms for social or business gatherings. Guests can enjoy à la carte or set menus for any occasion, along with a BYOB option without corkage fees.
Pros
- Creative dim sum presentation
- Multi-awarded restaurant
- Convenient location
Cons
- Closed every Monday and Tuesday
- Strictly by reservation
Customer Reviews
Siew Mai and fried beancurd roll with prawn are especially good
“The dim sum is absolutely amazing! Siew Mai and fried beancurd roll with prawn are especially good!”
– Wang Tsai Ping, Google Reviews
Able to feel the texture and taste of each well-flavoured component in the fillings
“Operating since 1990, this 32-year-old restaurant still serves great authentic Cantonese Cuisines, especially their Dim Sum dishes … with bold flavours. Like their Yam Dumpling with Chicken & Seafood fillings shaped like a Duck (Able to feel the texture and taste of each well-flavoured components in the fillings after bitting through the crispy crust).”
– Chua Bernard, Google Reviews
7. Jade
Address: 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178, 1/F The Fullerton Hotel (Google Maps)
Contact: +6531298330
Hours: Daily, 11.30 AM to 3 PM and 6.30 PM to 10:30 PM
Located in the historic Fullerton Hotel Singapore, Jade is a 120-seat restaurant that lives up to its gemstone namesake, offering exceptional Chinese cuisine. This dim sum buffet is led by Chinese Executive Chef Leong Chee Yeng.
Its menu features unique dishes like abalone-filled steamed siew mai and brown sugar char siew buns that are crispy and tasty without being overly greasy.
It’s also a recommended brunch date place, thanks to its weekend yum cha offer where guests can order 15 items from the menu, covering signature dim sum, appetisers, soups, mains, and dessert.
Pros
- Reasonable rates
- Offers weekend yum cha
- Gorgeously decorated place
Cons
- Could be hard to book
- Weekend yum cha requires a minimum of two diners
Customer Reviews
The food is amazing, the staff are very accommodating
“This was our second visit to this restaurant. This time, we were celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary, I have to say we were treated with the utmost respect. The food is amazing, the staff are very accommodating and knowledgeable as they knew we had visited before almost a year to the date. Thank you all at the Jade for making our visit a special occasion.”
– Angela Compton-Pocock, Google Reviews
The standard is like Chinese Fine Dining but at an affordable price
“$58++ per pax for 15 dishes is worth it, the standard is like Chinese Fine Dining but at an affordable price! Will be back to try other dishes!”
– Benson Lee, Google Reviews
8. Asia Grand Restaurant
Address: 252 North Bridge Rd, #03-22B Fairmont Singapore (South Tower), Singapore 179103, 1/F Raffles City (Google Maps)
Contact: +6568870010
Hours: Daily, 11.30 AM to 3 PM and 6 PM to 10 PM
Asia Grand has become the go-to for corporate events, family gatherings, and festive celebrations with its seven private rooms and a spacious dining area for nearly 200 guests.
Founded by Hong Kong natives Andy Chau, Jacky Ma, and Danny Sin, the restaurant aims to bring authentic Cantonese cuisine to Singapore.
Its menu features unpretentious traditional Cantonese dishes with a strong Hong Kong influence. Signature dishes include dim sum, Peking duck (must-try for the crispy skin), suckling pig, and black pepper cubes.
Pros
- Simple traditional Cantonese cuisine
- Central location
- Can accommodate large gatherings and events
Cons
-
- Not ideal for intimate dining
- Slightly pricey menu
Customer Reviews
Food is perfectly done classic Cantonese food
“Can’t gush more about their service. Little things like offering to cut the cake we brought for a birthday celebration, asking if we wanted to pack the leftovers before we even had to ask, random staff actually looking over to smile and say goodbye while we were walking out after dinner, and that old school culture of staff treating customers like family is something we don’t encounter much anymore these days… Food is perfectly done classic Cantonese food. Peking duck generously yielded enough for a table of 10 to eat at least two rounds for everyone. Really keen to go back and try their dim sum.”
– Jasmine Yeong, Google Reviews
Every item didn’t disappoint but special mention to the dim sum, Peking duck and vinegar pork
“We called 1 day in advance and were thankful to be given a table outside the restaurant at the corridor. We were worried that service would be slow since we were “out of sight” but on the contrary, the staff were all super friendly and helpful. It’s our first time there and we are a group of 4 pax. We ordered the set lunch menu at $188++ adding an additional Peking duck and vinegar pork and it’s way too much food for us. The portion is very generous that we had to take away the fun. Every item didn’t disappoint but special mention to the dim sum, Peking duck and vinegar pork. We will definitely be back for more!”
– Woei Lin, Google Reviews
9. Hai Tien Lo
Address: 7 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039595, 3/F Pan Pacific (Google Maps)
Contact: +6568268240
Hours: Daily, 11.30 AM to 2:30 PM and 6 PM to 10 PM
Hai Tien Lo specialises in Cantonese cuisine, adding a contemporary touch to tradition. It boasts an award-winning menu that combines classic dishes from age-old recipes and innovative new Cantonese creations.
The kitchen is helmed by Chef Ricky Leung, a Hong Kong native who honed his skills in his homeland and brings over 30 years of culinary expertise. He has worked in prestigious award-winning Chinese restaurants in Singapore.
Chef Ricky’s signature dishes are rooted in old-world Cantonese cuisine and meticulously prepared to capture the essence of premium ingredients like lotus roots and Wagyu beef cheeks.
The menu includes steamed charcoal barbecue pork buns with black truffle and Teochew-inspired dishes like steamed freshwater fish with chilli and minced garlic. But a crowd fave is the aromatic Stewed Eight Treasure Wagyu Beef Cheeks served in a clay pot.
Pros
- Classic Cantonese cuisine with a modern twist
- Open for dine-in, island-wide delivery, and self-collection
- Offers a weekend brunch buffet
Cons
- Pricier menu
- Could be hard to book
Customer Reviews
Value for money, given the high standard service and high quality of food
“We were here for the CNY dim sum brunch buffet. There are yusheng, two one-time serving chef recommendations, two appetizers, four one-time serving mains, unlimited dim sum and one-time dessert. All at a cost of $99++. I would say this is very value for money, given the high standard of service and high quality of food. The staff are very attentive and the service is good. The food is all of good quality. The yusheng has both smoked salmon and fried silverfish. All the desserts are very good.”
– Wai Chan, Google Reviews
Love the fried rice
“The dim sum is nice. Love the fried rice.”
– Eros Ng, Google Reviews
10. Swee Choon
Address: 183/185/187/189, Jalan Besar, 191/193, Singapore 208882 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6562257788
Hours: Mondays and Wednesday to Sunday, 7 AM to 4 PM
Swee Choon is a beloved Singaporean institution that’s been around since 1962. It offers affordable and handcrafted dim sum, with daily deliveries.
Its dim sum is made to satisfy sweet, savoury, and must-have-now cravings with its dine-in and hot food delivery options. Besides dim sum, the menu features a wide selection of freshly made steamed, fried, and baked offerings.
Swee Choon offers comfortably familiar fare. Many still go for its signature dish of steamed dumplings filled with pork and flavorful broth that’s ideally enjoyed with vinegar and ginger.
To accommodate as many diners as possible, the restaurant uses a virtual queue system. The average waiting time is around 30 minutes, but table reservation only lasts for a maximum of 5 to 10 minutes.
Pros
- Wide range of affordable dim sum classics
- Simple, fuss-free dining experience
- Convenient location
Cons
- Closed on Tuesdays
- Deliveries between 10 AM and 1 AM only
- Can get easily packed
Customer Reviews
Loved the variety of dim sum and dishes they served and
“Swee choon has 90+ tables spanning 4 shops spaces and opens until late, a great place to get supper with friends. Fried items were fried upon order and food was served fast. Loved the variety of dim sum and dishes they served and everything tasted decent! Highly recommend the fried eggplant with pork floss as it tastes light and crispy, sour & spicy soup is also pretty good.”
– Deborah L, Google Reviews
Don’t miss the fresh Cheong fan!
“Great Dim Sum at Swee Choon! When you arrive, remember to get a table number if it is busy! The service is very friendly and the food very delicious! Don’t miss the fresh Cheong fan!”
– Brendan Hong, Google Reviews
11. JU Signatures
Address: 4 Maju Avenue, Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 556682 (Google Maps)
Contact: +6588767498
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 9 AM to 2.30 PM and 5.30 PM to 9.30 PM; Saturdays and Sundays, 8.30 AM to 5 PM and 5.30 PM to 9.30 PM
JU Signatures, led by Chef Wong, boasts three decades of culinary expertise. He also earned a Michelin Plate recognition for his mastery of Chinese cuisine, especially dim sum.
The restaurant’s mission is to unite people over authentic dim sum and Cantonese wok-fried dishes in a contemporary setting. It aims to bridge tradition with modernity via imaginative dishes and creative plating.
Diners can indulge in Hong Kong-style char siew pau with honey-glazed barbecue pork and classic pan-fried carrot cake. Those who want to capture Instagram-worthy dishes can do so with the Yuan Yang Love Swans with Golden Lychee Ball.
Pros
- Multi-awarded head chef
- Affordable dim sum
- Creative plating
- Accessible location
Cons
- Closed on Mondays
- Not a very extensive dim sum menu
Customer Reviews
Food is affordable and so much better than many other dim sum places in the same price range
“This is the best dim sum place in the area. Food is affordable and so much better than many other dim sum places in the same price range. I really enjoyed everything that we ordered. Service is also very good. Will definitely be back again, and also try more dishes! Highly recommended! Safer to make a reservation as it can be crowded at certain times and the place is quite small.”
– Kevin Tan, Google Reviews
They have the best Teochew Mooncake in Singapore
“Saw these mooncakes in NEX Serangoon mooncake festival booth. They have the best Teochew Mooncake in Singapore. Crispy layer skin with the Orh Nee! For me, the best is Orh Nee with Egg Yolk and the very special Salt egg lava purple sweet potato mooncake. Compared to others, their mooncake is not so sweet, which is not heavy for us.”
– HY Yew, Google Reviews