Dim Sum & Dumplings
"NYC's Chinese food scene is rooted in waves of immigration to Manhattan's Chinatown and later Flushing, Queens. Dim sum is a Cantonese tradition of small plates (dumplings, buns, rolls) served from rolling carts or ordered off menus, traditionally eaten for brunch. Soup dumplings (xiao long bao)—pork dumplings filled with hot broth—are the star. The dining experience is loud, communal, and fast-paced."
Logistics
Affordable
Vibe
Bustling, authentic
Duration
1-2 hours
Best For
Groups
The Backstory
Cantonese immigrants established Chinatown in the 1870s-1900s. Dim sum arrived in the early 1900s, with cart service becoming standard by mid-century. Flushing's Chinatown (Queens) exploded in the 1980s-90s with immigrants from mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, bringing regional diversity. NYC now rivals Hong Kong for authenticity.
Local Secret
"Go to Flushing for the most authentic, diverse Chinese food—Sichuan, Northern, Taiwanese, and more. Dim sum is traditionally eaten 10am-2pm on weekends. Soup dumplings (xiao long bao) require technique: bite a small hole, sip the broth, then eat. Carts are disappearing—most places now use order sheets. Bring cash; many spots don't take cards."