Dim sum in steamer baskets (Photo: Getty Images)
Cover Dim sum in steamer baskets (Photo: Getty Images)

Find delectable dim sum at Mini Tanker, Ming Ren Xuan, Chef Heng Dim Sum, and more

When it comes to dim sum, the Malaysian dining scene is of no shortage. From outdoor eateries lining laneways to casual fine dining restaurants, you’ll be able to find dim sum in any corner of the peninsular. 

If you’re stuck in a cyclical debate about what to eat, dim sum proves a delectable solution with its ability to cater to every palate and every craving. Whether you’re an early bird in search of savoury breakfasts or a night owl looking to satisfy late-night dumpling hankerings, we’ve put together a list of the best dim sum spots across Malaysia to streamline your options. 

Read more: The best dim sum in Malaysia, according to chefs

Petaling Jaya
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Photo 1 of 2 Restaurant Sing Pao Dim Sum (Photo: Instagram / @rikscapades)
Photo 2 of 2 Steamer brimming with dim sum choices (Photo: Instagram / @rikscapades)

Unlike the majority of dim sum haunts, Restaurant Sing Pao Dim Sum opens exclusively at night. The restaurant defines a classic Malaysian dim sum experience, situated along the roadside with wooden steamers warming a myriad of options. If you find yourself craving char siu baos and fried radish cakes at midnight, pay this Old Klang Road eatery a visit. 


Restaurant Sing Pao Dim Sum

Address: A-16, Jln Klang Lama, 58000 Kuala Lumpur


Chinese   |   Damansara Kim
Tatler Asia
An assortment of dim sum (Photo: Mini Tanker)
Above An assortment of dim sum (Photo: Mini Tanker)

Specialising in traditional Cantonese cuisine, Mini Tanker houses Chinese rotisserie, sizzling wok dishes, and an impressive selection of dim sum. The Damansara Kim restaurant elevates dim sum plates, incorporating opulent ingredients like truffle and abalone. If you’re in the mood for more substantial plates, order its signature roast duck thigh or seafood curry noodles. 


Mini Tanker

Address: 48, Jalan SS 20/10, Damansara Kim, 47400 Petaling Jaya


Chinese   |   $ $ $ $   |   Bangsar South
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Photo 1 of 2 Siu mai (Photo: Oriental Treasure)
Photo 2 of 2 White lotus salted egg yolk hedgehog buns (Photo: Oriental Treasure)

Oriental Treasure’s menu is a showcase of contemporary dim sum dishes. While patrons will be able to find well-known plates, the restaurant’s skillset lies in highlighting premium ingredients and unconventional flavour combinations. White lotus salted egg yolk buns, deep-fried meat and tangerine peel dumplings, and basil chicken feet are just some of its notable offerings. 

Don't miss: 8 restaurants and cafés to explore in Bangsar South


Oriental Treasure

Address: Unit 1-2 & 1-3, 1st Floor,The Sphere.1, Avenue 1, 8, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar South, 59200, Kuala Lumpur


Chinese   |   $ $ $ $   |   Kuala Lumpur City Centre
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Photo 1 of 2 Blue shrimp dumplings (Photo: Instagram / @mingrenxuan)
Photo 2 of 2 Dim sum and main dishes (Photo: Instagram / @mingrenxuan)

Must Try

  • Steamed Wild Empurau Fish
  • Steamed Water Prawn with Chinese Rice Wine in Egg White
  • Grilled Australian Lamb Rack with Spicy Cumin and Garlic

At the forefront of Ming Ren Xuan is a passion for fine Chinese cuisine. Each dish is immaculately presented and steeped in elegance. Black truffle har gow is one of its mainstays, best served alongside steamed spinach dumplings, deep fried carrot dumplings, and blue shrimp dumplings. 


Ming Ren Xuan

Address: Avenue K, L3-5, Level 3, 156, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur


Ipoh
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Hong Kong chee cheong fun (Photo: Instagram / @yuenx2)
Above Hong Kong chee cheong fun (Photo: Instagram / @yuenx2)

Operating since the 1970s, Restaurant Sun Kim Aik is a widely loved dim sum haunt in Ipoh. The restaurant upholds a traditional steamer-to-table approach, allowing diners to choose from a freshly steamed selection. It proves a favourite among locals, with its har gow being especially sought after. 


Restaurant Sun Kim Aik

Address: 297, Main Road, Jalan Lahat, Menglembu, 30200, Ipoh


Chinese   |   $ $ $ $   |   Bukit Bintang
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Photo 1 of 2 Dim sum variety at Li Yen (Photo: Li Yen)
Photo 2 of 2 Glutinous rice dumplings (Photo: Instagram / @ritzcarltonkualalumpur)

Must Try

  • Baked Crispy BBQ Pork Pancakes
  • Roasted Crispy Pork
  • Chicken Simmered in Bouillon
  • Signature Desserts

While The Ritz-Carlton’s acclaimed Chinese restaurant is best known for bigger plates, its dim sum selection should not overlooked. Curated by an expertly trained dim sum chef, Tan Tiong Guan, each plate offers refinement hard to come by elsewhere. Alongside familiar bites like steamed chicken feet in black bean sauce and crab roe siu mai, Li Yen specialises in innovative dim sum dishes including deep fried avocado rolls, steamed dumpling with pine nuts, and bamboo shoot har gow. 


Li Yen

Address: Level 2, The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur, 168 Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur


Melaka
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Photo 1 of 2 Chef Heng Dim Sum’s offerings (Photo: Instagram / @chong.kai.9)
Photo 2 of 2 Dim sum at beloved Melaka restaurant (Photo: Instagram / @chong.kai.9)

Offering some of the best dim sum in Melaka, Chef Heng Dim Sum has deservedly become a local breakfast institution. While its menu is equipped with traditional dim sum plates, some dishes draw inspiration from Melakan delicacies. Its pan-fried eggplant flooded with sauce made in-house is a must-have. 

See also: 5 essential local dishes to try in Melaka


Chef Heng Dim Sum

Address: 313, Jalan Gajah Berang, 75200 Melaka


Penang
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Tai Tong Restaurant’s menu items (Photo: Instagram / @llhoneylinll)
Above Tai Tong Restaurant’s menu items (Photo: Instagram / @llhoneylinll)

Tai Tong Restaurant is an established dim sum eatery located in central Georgetown. The restaurant stays true to its heritage, offering beloved dim sum classics. Opening at daybreak, this spot fills up early with swarms of early risers queuing for its signature plates. Find crispy carrot cake, chicken feet and salted egg yolk custard buns here. 


Tai Tong Restaurant

Address: 45, Lebuh Cintra, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang


Kuchai Lama
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Photo 1 of 2 Dim sum selection at Restaurant Phang Key (Photo: Instagram / @ahsohinthekitchen)
Photo 2 of 2 Fried dim sum (Photo: Instagram / @ahsohinthekitchen)

Nostalgic, unassuming, and unfussy, Restaurant Phang Key offers some of the best dim sum in Taman Gembira. With seating located across the street from its kitchen, the restaurant provides a truly alfresco dining experience. Plates are down-to-earth and uncomplicated, best paired with its selection of homemade beverages. Standout dishes include handmade steamed fishballs, lo mai gai, and chee cheong fun. 


Restaurant Phang Key

Address: 65, Jalan Lazat 1, Taman Bukit Indah, 58200 Kuala Lumpur


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