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Diverse and exquisite, Dim Sum is a wonderful culinary gift that Hong Kong bestows upon the world. Not only popular in China, but Dim Sum is also renowned worldwide, especially in neighboring countries heavily influenced by Chinese cuisine.
Whether steamed, boiled, baked, or fried, the diversity and exquisite flavors of Dim Sum dishes will leave diners, even the most experienced food enthusiasts, pondering over their choices. Let's delve into the realm of 10 classic Dim Sum dishes of Chinese cuisine below!
1. Steamed Shrimp Dumplings
When talking about Dim Sum, one cannot overlook the steamed shrimp dumplings. It is a perfect harmony of delicious flavors and visually appealing aesthetics. Steamed shrimp dumplings can be considered the epitome of Cantonese cuisine. The light pink color of the shrimp peeking through the translucent dough is not only visually pleasing but also delightful to the taste buds. You can enhance the experience by dipping it in chili sauce.
2. Shumai
Shumai is one of the traditional Dim Sum dishes dating back approximately 800 years to the Yuan Dynasty. This dish is beloved throughout China, with various regional variations. The most popular is the Cantonese shumai, featuring a vibrant yellow wrapper filled with either orange-colored fish meat or crab roe. The filling is typically made with pork or shrimp, sometimes incorporating different types of mushrooms; served with soy sauce or chili oil.
3. BBQ Pork Bun
Unlike other traditional steamed buns, the dough of BBQ pork buns is soft, light, and smoother. The buns are steamed, revealing a layer of pale white dough, exposing the flavorful smoked pork filling that is both sweet and enticing. While there are baked versions of BBQ pork buns, the best ones are still the traditional hot and steamy ones.
4. Rice Rolls
Made from a thin mixture of rice and wheat flour, the inner layer is usually filled with shrimp, BBQ pork, or beef. When served, a sweet soy sauce is drizzled on top. This is a popular street food in Hong Kong, favored for its easy-to-eat nature, melting in the mouth instantly.
5. Egg Custard Bun
Splitting the bun reveals a luscious, flowing golden custard layer—a tempting allure of egg custard bun. The secret to achieving such a custard layer lies in the thickness of the outer dough and the steaming time.
6. Steamed Sponge Cake
Crafting the perfect steamed sponge cake is often described as simple—just whip the batter until it forms bubbles. However, it's not as straightforward as it sounds to achieve a cake that is both airy and delectable. Locally known as 'Malay Cake,' it is made from eggs, flour, brown sugar, and milk; offering a fragrant and enticing taste.
7. Black Bean Chicken Feet (Phoenix Talons)
Many Western travelers may hesitate to indulge in this dish. Chicken feet marinated in whole black beans are meticulously steamed with herbs and spices. The rich black bean flavor seeps into the tender yet chewy chicken feet, captivating even the most discerning palates.
8. Steamed Lotus Leaf Sticky Rice
Sticky rice mixed with mushrooms, scallions, a hint of ginger, soy sauce, and various spices, wrapped in lotus leaves with chicken and finely minced sausage, then steamed until the rice is evenly cooked, chewy, and infused with the aromatic essence of lotus leaves. This is a traditional Dim Sum dish. This steamed lotus leaf sticky rice is simple yet delicious and widely enjoyed. A packet of this sticky rice provides you with ample energy for a full day's work.
9. Fried Turnip Cake
Chinese turnip finely diced, mixed with rice flour and wheat flour, then fried. An authentic fried turnip cake should be soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. Sometimes, a bit of pork or minced sausage is added for extra flavor. In some regions like Fujian or Taiwan, people replace turnip with taro. For those in the southern regions and the Chinese communities abroad, consuming fried turnip cake during the New Year brings good luck.
10. Coconut Pudding Jelly
A fascinating dessert Dim Sum. There are various ways to prepare coconut pudding; it can be combined with red beans, agar jelly, or corn to enhance its deliciousness.
According to strippedpixel.com
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourNovember 24, 2015
