Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Po Lin Vegetarian Restaurant
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Dining Local
DIM SUM
Dim sum are Cantonese tidbits consumed with tea for breakfast or lunch. The term literally
means 'to touch the heart' and the act of eating dim sum is referred to as yum cha, meaning
'to drink tea'.
In the postwar period, yum cha was largely an activity of single males, who met over their
breakfast tea to socialise or exchange tips about job-seeking. Soon yum cha became a family
activity.
Each dish, often containing two to four morsels steamed in a bamboo basket, is meant to
be shared. In old-style dim sum places, just stop the waiter and choose something from the
cart. Modern venues give you an order slip, but it's almost always in Chinese only.
However, as dim sum dishes are often ready-made, the waiters should be able to show you
samples to choose from.
