Chinese Tradition for Dim Sum

Dim Sum, one of the most popular Chinese foods, comprises of an innumerable assortment of steamed dishes, dumplings, and other goodies, which are analogous to hors d'oeuvres, the hot and cold delicacies served at all French restaurants.

Literally meaning "to touch your heart", Dim Sum foods are best known for their rich quality and competitive pricing, and are usually enjoyed by people as their favorite brunch. The Chinese tradition of Dim Sum was introduced to the Western Countries in the 19th century by the Chinese immigrants from the Canton region. In fact, it is the Chinese Dim Sum that is thought to have inspired the whole idea of 'brunch', a large mid-morning meal often linked with drinking tea.

The foods that are usually served as a part of a typical dim sum lunch are either deep-fried or steamed. The deep-fried delicacies include Wu Gok, a kind of a taro turnover, and mini spring rolls of different varieties. At times, a dim sum lunch might also include special lip-smacking goodies, such as the shrimp dumplings wrapped in seaweed and topped with a dollop of salmon caviar!

The steamed delicacies served as a part of the Chinese dim sum include a large variety of foods, ranging from steamed pork spareribs and Char Siu Bao, steamed buns with roast pork, to Har Gau, the very delicious shrimp dumplings with a translucent skin. Besides these steamed or deep-fried delicacies, a dim sum lunch also includes a dessert and green tea. For dessert, egg custard tarts are usually served, but if you are lucky, you may have a choice between a mango and an almond pudding.

The Chinese Dim Sum dishes usually vary from one restaurant to another. Other Chinese dishes that are often included in a dim sum lunch at some Chinese restaurants include the flower scallion rolls, also called 'Hua Juan', vegetarian and non-vegetarian pot-stickers, sesame seed balls, shrimp toast, Shu Mai, spareribs, Cantonese spring rolls, Taro Croquette, and steamed Chicken's feet. Thus, if you really want to experience the flavor of traditional Chinese cuisine, visit the nearest Chinese restaurant and try the delicious Dim Sum lunch. (chinatownconnection)

See also :
Hanamasa
Sour Sally