DIM SUM the Chinese Tapas

Dim Sum at Jing Fong

As travel increased along the "Silk Road", teahouses sprang up to accommodate traders and businessmen.  Farmers from the local area would also stop in after long hours of working in the fields.  Many centuries passed before it was discovered that tea was a digestive aid, and snacks began to be offered.  Today, Dim Sum is a Chinese staple consisting of various steamed dishes, dumplings, meatballs and other goodies.

Dim Sum Cart with a variety of dishes

At restaurants that are known for their Dim Sum, carts with various dishes are wheeled around and diners select the dishes they want.  The bill is on the table and the server marks the bill with what you have selected.

Dim Sum is served in a steamer basket or small bowl, and each dish has three or four pieces.  In some restaurants you are given a menu with pictures and descriptions so you have some idea about what you are eating.  The server will tell you what the dish is, but there is often a language barrier and they just end up saying "fish"  or  "shrimp"  or "meatball - pork".

Chicken Feet

At our recent trip to Jing Fong in New York's Chinatown, we treated Brian to his Dim Sum experience.  As usual, he was eager and willing to try everything.  The only thing that looked better than it tasted to us was the chicken feet.  Too boney!

Like Tapas, you sample many different dishes. I recommend not filling up on dishes from the first cart that comes by.  The carts will keep coming and you will have the opportunity to experience authentic Chinese food.

And hopefully, your tea leaves will predict health and happiness to come.