The best cheap dim sum in Hong Kong

Kung Fu Dim Sum is a casual dim sum chain with several locations across Hong Kong that serves up traditional dim sum items like shrimp dumplings, pan-fried and steamed buns, and hearty steamed rices with various toppings. While you can find most of your dim sum classics on Kung Fu Dim Sum's menu, some of their signature items include their crispy sticky rice with chicken, and deep fried flour dough rice roll with shrimp paste. 

Mong Kok is one of the best locations in Hong Kong for great bites, so it’s no surprise that this neighbourhood has a few dim sum restaurants that fit the bill. One of our favourites in the area is Dim Dim Sum, a spacious venue that dishes out endless bamboo baskets full of delicious morsels, such as rice flour rolls, deep fried dumplings with wasabi filling, and their generously sized xiao long bao. Aside from the dim sum classics, the stuffed eggplant with spicy Sichuan numbing sauce is also worth a try.

At One Dim Sum, you can get dim sum that starts as low as $20 and tastes like a million bucks. With various plump dumplings like Chiu Chow-style dumplings, steaming hot buns like steamed Malaysian sponge cake, crispy tidbits like fried shrimp wontons, and many more; the menu at One Dim Sum will leave you spoilt for choice.

Ding Dim 1968 is a casual dim sum joint located only a stone’s throw away from Tai Kwun. The kitchen here is helmed by masters that have over 50 years of experience, so you know you’re in good hands. If you’ve never had dim sum and you’re not sure what to order, Ding Dim 1968 has a few set menus that offer some of the must-trys, such as har gao (shrimp dumplings) and siu mai (pork dumplings), along with other options that are perfect for a first introduction to dim sum.

In case you couldn't tell from their name, Veggie Kingdom is a  restaurant that specialises in creating Chinese vegetarian dishes, which also include dim sum. Aside from classic dim sum options like turnip puffs and vegetable dumplings, this venue also creates vegetarian-friendly alternatives to shrimp dumplings, BBQ pork buns, and siu mai.

If you need somewhere to grab a quick bite while in Prince Edward, Let’s Yum Cha is the go-to spot. This no-frills dim sum restaurant offers all kinds of steamed and fried items; some of the crowd favourites at this place include the tripe in satay sauce, black gold steam buns filled with custard, and crispy tofu in lobster soup. If you’ve still got space for more, try Let’s Yum Cha’s mochi desserts, which are stuffed with red bean paste and decorated to look like adorable little mice.

The interior of Sky Cuisine might seem like a quintessential banquet hall, but we promise their dim sum won’t topple your budget. From chicken feet braised in black bean sauce or stuffed bean curd rolls in soup to lotus seed paste buns or glutinous rice with abalone wrapped in lotus leaves, Sky Cuisine’s menu has got all that and dim sum. Additionally, Sky Cuisine’s menu has a range of soya braised dishes, like marinated duck tongue, goose wings and webs, and pork trotters with ginger sauce, for those looking to try something different.

Sun Hing is a humble little dim sum joint in Kennedy Town that’s made for night owls, as it opens everyday at 3am and closes at 4pm. Unlike most dim sum restaurants where customers pick and choose off the menu, Sun Hing will steam a large amount of their dishes, and their servers will go to each table asking if there are any takers once the dim sum is ready. The leftovers are then stacked together on a side table, where customers can later go back to take what they want to eat.

Despite being situated on Tai Mo Shan – Hong Kong’s highest peak – Duen Kee Tea House is definitely worth a visit if you want to experience a truly traditional dim sum meal. Everything here is self-service, from picking up and washing utensils to fighting off other patrons to grab your favourite dish. The restaurant only opens from 6am to 2pm, so make sure you get there early.

Featuring supremely scrummy baos and dumplings, Yum Cha also boasts quality ingredients and serves their dim sum in cute presentations. It’s the place to hit up if you want to enjoy Chinese classics alongside a casual vibe. Don’t miss out on the little buns shaped like pigs and podgy faces. We recommend the barbecued piggy buns, hot custard buns, and apple egg tartlets.