My love for Cantonese dim sum started at Tim Ho Wan in Waikiki three years ago. Ever since then, I’ve been frequenting many dim sum restaurants in Flushing and Long Island. Dim sum is a popular Chinese brunch that consists of small plates of food, often served with a variety of Chinese teas. This pairing is so significant that the act of having dim-sum at a restaurant is called “Yum-Cha” (饮茶 yǐn chá – literal translation “drink tea”) in Hong Kong or in areas where Cantonese is spoken. Therefore, it is typical that, the moment you are seated, the waiters will greet you and take your tea order. While there are many different types of Chinese teas that can be enjoyed with dim sum, some pairings are particularly delicious and complementary.
Green tea (绿茶 Lǜchá) is a light and refreshing tea that pairs well with many types of dim sum dishes. The subtle flavors of green tea don’t overpower the delicate flavors of dishes like steamed dumplings (蒸饺 Zhēng jiǎo) or rice rolls (肠粉 Cháng fěn) , making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter tea.
Oolong tea (乌龙茶 Wūlóngchá) with its fruity and floral notes, is a great choice for pairing with dim sum dishes that have a more savory flavor profile. Dishes like siu mai (烧卖 Shāomai) or chicken feet (凤爪 Fèng zhuǎ) have strong flavors that can be balanced out by the delicate sweetness of oolong tea.
Pu-erh tea (普洱茶 Pǔ’ěr chá) a fermented tea that has a rich and earthy flavor, is a perfect match for dim sum dishes that have a heavier, greasier flavor profile. Dishes like turnip cakes (萝卜糕 Luóbo gāo) or fried sesame balls (煎堆 Jiān duī) can benefit from the cleansing properties of pu-erh tea, which can help to cut through the richness of the food.
Black tea (红茶 Hóngchá), while less commonly consumed with dim sum in China, is still a great choice for those who prefer a stronger tea. Its bold and robust flavor can stand up to the strong flavors of dishes like steamed buns (蒸包 Zhēng bāo) or deep-fried shrimp (炸虾球 Zhà xiā qiú).
In conclusion, Chinese teas are a staple of Chinese culture and a pertinent part of any dim sum dish.
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