10 Weird Dim Sum Dishes People Are Freaked Out By & 10 Classic Ones Everyone Orders
Have You Tried These Dim Sum Dishes Before?
What attracts people to dim sum is the fun communal aspect of it and the ability to try so many different dishes all at once. And while variety is a good thing, there are some dim sum dishes that tend to scare people off. If you're not familiar with Chinese cuisine or snacks, dishes like chicken feet or steamed ribs might confuse you. Here are 10 weird dim sum dishes most people aren't familiar with and 10 classic ones that always hit the spot.
Photo by Cormac Lawler from Manchester & stu_spivack on Wikimedia Commons
1. Chicken Feet
We're pretty sure just hearing the word 'chicken feet' raises red flags for many people. It doesn't sound appealing in the slightest. However, this is actually a very common and popular dim sum delicacy in Asian countries. If you're ever feeling adventurous enough to try it, do your best to ignore the visuals and just prepare yourself for plenty of bones and very little meat.
2. Durian Mochi
The moment people see or hear the word durian, it has them running away. This infamous fruit, known for its wildly pungent smell and taste, isn't exactly popular among most crowds. And just because it's in mochi form doesn't make it more approachable.
3. Lotus Leaf Sticky Rice Wraps
While sticky rice is delicious, the sight of it being wrapped up in leaves confuses people. It generally has them wondering, "Are you supposed to eat the leaves too?" Well, the answer is no. They've just been steamed in them to make it more fragrant. In the future, just think of the leaves as packaging for the rice.
4. Tripe
Tripe, which is the lining of a cow's stomach, is definitely a dish that tends to scare people away. And now that you know what it is, there's a chance we just made it worse. Not only does it look unappetizing with its gelatinous appearance, but it also has a bit of an acquired texture too. It's kind of chewy but has a bite to it at the same time.
Kent Wang from Austin, TX on Wikimedia
5. Turnip Cake
If it's your first time reading this item off a dim sum menu, we can only assume you're pretty confused. Turnip and cake mixed together? Is this a savory or sweet dish? Well, we can tell you that cake is a bit of a misleading word. This is a savory, pan-fried snack that mixes radish and a flour mixture together to create a concoction that tastes best when dipped in a spicy and savory sauce.
6. Rice Rolls
No, we're not talking about sushi. Whenever rice is made into another form, it tends to deeply confuse people. Whether it's chewy like rice cakes or a liquid like rice drinks, there's a bit of apprehension toward trying them. We can see why some people stay away from rice rolls then, a popular dim sum dish. They just don't understand what it is!
7. Water Chestnut Cake
Water chestnut cake is definitely not your typical cake. One look is all it takes to realize this is something entirely different. Looking like jelly cubes that are mixed with crunchy chestnut bits, the taste and texture of this cake might shock some people. It's certainly not a flavor or texture profile most are familiar with.
8. Tofu Pudding
Does the thought of putting tofu and pudding together in one bowl scare you? This is something that might sound off-putting to people, but if you think about it, the silky texture and plain taste of tofu should work well in a dessert! Besides, this dish isn't what you think it is. Chinese tofu pudding consists of silken tofu soaked in a sweet and gingery syrup.
9. Taro Puffs
Have you ever considered putting taro in a savory dish? Well, even if you haven't, the Chinese have! Taro puffs do have a wild appearance that doesn't look incredibly tasty, but with one bite, you'll learn to appreciate taro. Fried until crispy on the outside, the inside is loaded with so much taro filling, you'll be shocked by how well this combination works.
10. Steamed Pork Ribs
Steaming ribs might seem like a crime, but trust us, this dim sum dish is worth trying! Though the bland appearance and seemingly tough meat might put you off from it, Chinese-style ribs will give you a different taste experience. These ribs aren't fall-off-the-bone, but they're always coated in an addictive sauce that will leave you wanting more.
1. Har Gow
One of the most recognizable dim sum dishes, we wouldn't be surprised if you told us this was one of your favorites. Har gow is essentially juicy shrimp wrapped up in a chewy, clear wrapper. There isn't a whole lot of flavor on its own, but when dipped into a salty and savory sauce, it's absolutely delicious.
2. Siu Mai
Next to har gow, siu mai is another iconic and beloved dim sum dish. They don't look like the most conventional dumplings, but that's what they are. These are traditional; they're steamed with a meaty, ground pork mixture that is so satisfying to bite into.
3. Egg Tarts
Who doesn't love a good egg tart? These are a dim sum favorite. Egg tarts are sweet Chinese pastries that have a buttery, flaky crust wrapped around a creamy egg custard. It's the best way to end any dim sum meal on a high note.
4. Soup Dumplings
Be careful! This dim sum dish should come with a warning sign. These aren't your typical dumplings - they're loaded with extra hot broth inside, ready for slurping. Each bite turns out so flavorful and rich thanks to the added soup, just be careful you don't burn your tongue.
5. BBQ Pork Buns
A classic at any dim sum restaurant, BBQ pork buns steal the show at every table. The bun itself is nice and fluffy while the pork inside is cooked in a savory and sweet char siu sauce that's irresistible. We can almost guarantee one won't be enough for you.
6. Sesame Balls
Though these Chinese treats might not seem like much, their chewy texture and red bean filling make them impossible to stop eating. When they're served fresh, sesame balls have such a lovely bite to them. Not to mention, they're only mildly sweet, which is perfect for those of you who don't love too much sugar in your desserts.
7. Fried Squid Tentacles
What's not to love about fried squid tentacles? These ones served at dim sum places are essentially the Chinese take on calamari! And if you love calamari, you know how good these fried snacks can be.
8. Steamed Custard Buns
Light, fluffy, and airy, steamed custard buns have the softest outer shell. These buns could double as pillows if they wanted to! And when filled with a mildly sweet custard, it's a tasty pairing you can never go wrong with. It's a great final bite to have during your dim sum outing.
9. Mango Pudding
When in season, mango desserts reign supreme. And if you've never had the luxury of trying mango pudding at dim sum places, you definitely need to. Perfectly capturing the essence of this tropical fruit, it's an easy-to-enjoy dessert that isn't too heavy yet satisfies the palate.
stu_spivack from Dim sum restaurant Yank Sing in San Francisco on Wikimedia
10. Spring Rolls
If you prefer enjoying something a bit more familiar, we're sure you'd be happy to see spring rolls on the dim sum menu. After all, who doesn't love a crispy, meaty spring roll? In dim sum restaurants, there are so many different types to try, the most popular one being filled with shrimp. You definitely want to dip it in the sauce though - that savory soy sauce makes it!
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