Are you a dim sum lover looking for the best spots to indulge in Toronto? Then look no further!
Whether you’re a dim sum connoisseur or just getting started on your dumpling journey, this guide will offer tons of valuable information for everyone. From traditional Cantonese-style restaurants to modern fusion spots, we’ve rounded up the top dim sum places in Toronto to suit every taste and budget.
So grab your chopsticks and let’s dive into the delicious world of dim sum in the city!
What Makes a Great Dim Sum Dish?
Dim sum, the beloved Cantonese cuisine that has taken the world by storm, is a true art form. The delicate steamed dumplings and buns, filled with a wide variety of savory and sweet fillings, have the power to transport us to a world of culinary bliss.
But what makes a dim sum dish truly perfect?
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First and foremost, a perfect dim sum dish must have the perfect texture. The dumpling or bun should have delicate, slightly chewy skin that gives way to a moist and flavorful filling. The filling itself should be well-seasoned and well-balanced, with a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
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Next, a perfect dim sum dish should have a visually appealing appearance. The dim sum should be beautifully presented and artistically plated, with a visually pleasing balance of colors and shapes.
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The filling is also very important for perfect dim sum. It should be well-seasoned, and not too greasy.
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Another important element of a perfect dim sum dish is the steaming method. The dim sum should be steamed to perfection, with just the right amount of heat and steam to cook the filling and skin without making them soggy.
Where to Find the Best Dim Sum in Toronto
Get ready for some serious dim sum cravings, because we’re about to take you on a tour of the top places to get the best dim sum in Toronto!
Rol San Restaurant
“Each mouthful is a gastronomic adventure.”
Rol San Restaurant has been a staple in the Toronto dim sum scene since it opened its doors in 1994. The restaurant has stayed true to its roots and hasn’t changed its formula much over the years, which is a testament to the quality of the food they serve.
Rol San also offers a wide variety of classic dim sum dishes at incredibly affordable prices. You can find everything from shrimp dumplings and meatballs to spring rolls, all expertly and deliciously prepared.
Aside from dim sum, their congee is also a must-try. The congee comes out thick and packed with flavor, and it’s the perfect warm pick-me-up on a cold winter day. The century egg and pork congee is particularly noteworthy and is a favorite among regulars.
The service at Rol San is fast and efficient, and the preparation time for your meal is quick. This makes it a great spot for a quick lunch or dinner, or even takeout. It’s worth noting that tips are automatically added to the bill, so keep that in mind when you’re paying.
Pricing: Starts at $5.75
Customer Feedback:
Pros
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Dim sum is delicious and hot, with creative dishes like stuffed minced shrimp inside the eggplant
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Tables are large to accommodate many dishes
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Short waiting time
Cons
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Payment is only accepted in VISA or cash form, and a 15% gratuity fee is added to the bill
Location: 323 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2E9, Canada
Google Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars (3,532 reviews)
Dim Sum King
“ Where dim sum reigns supreme”
Located near the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto’s bustling Chinatown is the understated Dim Sum King. It serves a wide variety of dumplings and a full Chinese menu, making it a great spot for a satisfying and delicious meal.
One of the standout features of Dim Sum King is its deep-fried dumplings which are renowned in the area. They have a crispy exterior and a flavorful filling, making them a must-try for any dim sum lover.
What makes Dim Sum King unique is that they are one of the few dim sum establishments in Toronto that continued to serve patrons by dragging a trolley cart full of food around. This allows customers to have an authentic dim sum experience, instead of ordering from a menu you can just select what you want from the cart and begin eating right away.
The food at Dim Sum King is always hot and delectable, and the restaurant offers a wonderful selection of dim sum. From shrimp dumplings and meatballs to spring rolls and buns, there is something for everyone. The staff is friendly and attentive, making for a great overall dining experience.
Pricing: Starts at $5.20
Customer Feedback:
Pros
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Dim sum is juicy and tasty, lightly battered, and not soaked in oil
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Reasonable prices, easy ordering process with pictures on the menu
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Managers and servers are very friendly and take care of customers
Cons
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Service staff have limited English (but still get the job done)
Location: 421 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 2W4, Canada
Google rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars (2,740 reviews)
Mother’s Dumplings
“The most decadent dim sum experience possible”
Mother’s Dumplings is a Northern Chinese dim sum restaurant located in Toronto that offers a unique dining experience for you and your loved ones to try.
They offer a variety of Chinese cuisine, but regulars know to order the namesake specialty, which is rolled and folded around the clock by a devoted crew in the kitchen. The boiled pork and dill dumplings alone would provide you with a filling meal, but there are plenty of other options to choose from.
One of the things that set Mother’s Dumplings apart is the use of fresh and finest ingredients in all of their dishes. They’re quite proud of the fact that everything on their menu is 100% natural and healthy for their customers. They don’t use any artificial flavorings, preservatives, or chemicals to improve the taste of their food.
Pricing: Starts at $11.25
Customer Feedback:
Pros
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Clean, spacious, and inviting restaurant with a glass window to watch dumplings being made
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Vegetarian options available
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Sweet assorted buns available for dessert
Cons
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Wonton soup can be too watery
Location: 421 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2G6, Canada
Google rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars (2,459 reviews)
Dumpling House Restaurant
“The tastiest, finest authentic dim sum around”
If you’re looking for the best pan-fried dumplings in Chinatown, Toronto, then you must go to Dumpling House Restaurant. This small, red-painted dining room in Toronto’s west Chinatown is a must-visit for dim sum lovers, and with good reason.
One of the things that set Dumpling House Restaurant apart from other dim sum restaurants is the fact that people can see the staff rolling, pleating, and filling flour-dusted wrappers through the tiny front window. This is a sign that customers will get fresh and delicious dumplings.
In addition to its famous pan-fried dumplings, Dumpling House Restaurant also offers a wide selection of typical Chinese cuisine that has something for everyone. The quality and reliability of their service is a top priority for the restaurant, making for a great overall dining experience.
Eating at Dumpling House is always a full-sensory experience, with the hot sizzle of frying dumplings in the background and the delicious aroma of Chinese cuisine filling the air. The restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere, paired with its delicious and authentic dim sum, make it a must-visit for anyone looking for a satisfying and memorable meal.
Pricing: Starts at $13.99
Customer Feedback:
Pros
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A Chinatown staple with top quality, homestyle dumplings
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Chicken and beef dumplings are outstanding
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Great servers and staff
Cons
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Only accepts cash, but there’s an ATM inside with a $2.75 fee.
Location: 328 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2E7, Canada
Google rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars (2,349 reviews)
Rosewood Asian Cuisine
“An affordable, all-you-can-eat dim sum option in Toronto”
If you are looking for an affordable, all-you-can-eat dim sum option in Toronto, look no further than Rosewood Asian Cuisine. This restaurant offers a unique and elegant dining experience, with a magnificent chandelier dangling from the ceiling, and the room can hold as many as 200 people across two floors. On the ground floor, there are eight seats at traditional dim sum tables with lazy Susans in the center.
Rosewood Asian Cuisine offers a wide variety of dim sum and even sushi options on the restaurant’s large menu. The dim sum here is pretty delicious, and the prices are reasonable.
Be sure to order some of their har gow, the shrimp are expertly wrapped in rice skin, creating a chewy texture that makes eating the entire thing in one sitting feel like a breeze.
The delicacies served at Rosewood Asian Cuisine are meticulously crafted with love and attention to every last detail. The cooking methods and ingredients are always wholesome and freshly prepared. The chefs have received overseas education to provide you with authentic Chinese flavor, with a special emphasis on authentic Fuzhou-style cuisine.
Pricing: Starts at $4.99
Customer Feedback:
Pros
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A wide variety of dishes are offered at a reasonable price, both a la carte and all you can eat
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Traditional restaurant with friendly staff and quick service
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Offers all-you-can-eat dim sum
Cons
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Thick Cheong fun/rice noodles
Location: 463 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G8, Canada
Google rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars (1,872 reviews)
Explore Toronto’s Dim Sum Paradise
In conclusion, it’s safe to say that Toronto is a dim sum lover’s paradise. With so many fantastic options to choose from, it can be tough to decide where to go.
But rest assured, the restaurants mentioned in this guide are all top-notch and offer a wide variety of delicious dim sum options.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore the best dim sum that Toronto has to offer. Your taste buds will surely thank you!