Best Dim Sum in Boston

Dim Sum in Boston

Dim sum is a traditional Chinese meal made up of small plates of dumplings, buns and other snack dishes. Similar to the way that the Spanish eat tapas, the dishes are shared among family and friends.  

Boston's Chinatown boasts a number of great places to eat Dim Sum.  Many Dim Sum restaurants deliver small plate on a cart and diners select the dishes they'd like as the carts pass through.  

Others provide a menu where you select your dishes from a menu and they are delivered to your table.  Often you are given a sheet of paper and you check off your  selections. 

There are several great dim sum restaurants in Boston that you can check out. Here are some of tour favorites:

China Pearl - Quincy

Once located in the heart of Chinatown, (now in Quincy) China Pearl is a popular and well-regarded dim sum spot. They offer a wide variety of dim sum dishes, including classics like shrimp dumplings and pork buns, as well as more unique options like crispy taro turnovers.

Hei La Moon - Boston

Hei La Moon is known for their large dining area and extensive dim sum menu. They offer a range of dishes, from steamed buns to pan-fried dumplings, and their prices are reasonable.

Winsor Dim Sum Cafe - Boston

This small, unassuming restaurant in Chinatown serves up some of the best dim sum in Boston. Their menu is relatively small, but everything is made fresh to order and is incredibly tasty. Be sure to try their soup dumplings - they're a must-try!

Empire Garden - Boston

Located in the Theater District, Empire Garden is a large, modern restaurant that offers both traditional and modern dim sum dishes. They have a huge menu, so there's something for everyone, and their weekend dim sum brunch is especially popular. Some places will even give you dim sum to-go!

Gourmet Dumpling House - Boston

While not exclusively a dim sum restaurant, Gourmet Dumpling House in Chinatown is known for their delicious, made-to-order dumplings. Their pan-fried pork dumplings are especially popular, but be sure to try their steamed buns and soup dumplings as well.

Waku Waku Ramen - Boston

Another area favorite is Waku Waku Ramen, which is located just a few doors down from Winsor Cafe and across the street from China Pearl.  This hip corner joint with a modern flair serves up some seriously good ramen bowls.  

China Pearl Quincy

Dynasty - Boston

Dynasty is new on the Boston dim sum scene and has been getting solid reviews.  Get ready to enjoy hundreds of beef, seafood, duck, pork, and vegetarian dishes. Open every day at 9:00AM for Dim Sum brunch. It's also  open from 9AM until 4AM every day so if you are looking for late night grub, they've got you covered.   Enjoy 18 fabulous piping-hot soups, from the standard Wonton & egg drop to the unusual and adventurous.

Great Taste - Boston

At Great Taste in Chinatown, diners order off of a menu, no carts. In addition to dim sum, they feature great noodle plates, wonton soup, etc.

Joyful Garden - Watertown

Great Cantonese style food and variety that will please those looking for dim sum and traditional Chinese food.

Mings - Malden

Mings festures Chinese cuisine including dim sum & fresh seafood served in a large, bustling dining room.

If you are looking for more family-friendly restaurants in Boston, check out our handy guide to family fun.  Make a day of it and explore the oodles of open spaces at a variety of Boston Parks or visit one of many great Boston Museums. 

Be sure to check out our Boston Events Calendar for more great ideas on fun things to do with kids in Greater Boston all year long.

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Stacey Sao has been the Managing Director of the family-friendly events and activities website, BostonCentral for almost 20 years.  She continues to enjoy discovering and exploring new places to visit in the Greater Boston area.