Dim-Sum is one of the most well known Chinese words amongst Westerners. Traditionally, Chinese housewives would serve tiny, steamed dumplings as breakfast to their husbands (or houseguests). They said these dumplings were made with great love and care for the husband, visitors or for restaurant patrons and they called these dumplings "Dim-Sum" or literally translated, "from the heart". Another not so well known name for this favorite Chinese treat is" Yum-Cha" which in Cantonese, means to "drink tea." Chinese people like to start the day with a cup of Chinese tea and even today, some tasty dumplings or "Dim-Sum".

The combination of tea and dim sum has long been a part of the way of life for Chinese people, especially those residing in Guangdong Province (southern part of China, previously known as Canton).

Need some pointers on "Yum-Cha" Hong Kong style?

1) (Very) local restaurants

Find your own table and secure a seat. First, tell the waiter (if he or she is looking your way!) what kind of Cha (Chinese tea) you want. Normally, people drink a milder "Po-Lay" (a kind of red tea) or a slightly stronger "Sau-May" (closer to green tea). For the heart-conscious, (why are you even considering dim sum anyway?) "Tik-Guan-Yum" or "iron Buddha" is said to help lower cholesterol and tastes somewhat like a combination of the two mentioned above.

Waitresses (normally middle-aged women who won't speak a word of English) push metal trolleys around displaying their wares. They used to call out the names of the dim sum they served, but now the names are normally displayed on plastic cards on the front of the trolley. Whatever the method or sales tactic, chances are good you still won't be able to figure out what is inside these little" dumplings" at first glance, so you had better take a close look at what's inside the round bamboo basket before you commit yourself to the sale.

Though restaurants in this rank are usually cheap, the hygiene conditions may sometimes leave something to be desired. Worth the experience alone, the shouting waitresses and constant chitchat of the patrons may prove to be too much for you. If so, maybe it is time to look up-market to what we will call our category 2 -- "Some better restaurants". Before you leave Hong Kong though, a traditional dim sum is something not to be missed. Click to see a list of restaurants we recommend in this category.

We recommend that if you are not a very adventurous traveler, you should stick to these types of restaurants, as they are generally cleaner and not as noisy as the ones previously mentioned. Furthermore, the price, service and the quality of the food are more than acceptable. Click to see a list of the restaurants we recommend in this category.

The service and food quality is superb, but this will also be reflected in the prices you will pay. (You can ask for their house specialties if are feeling adventurous and want to try some new types of Dim-Sum). Their chefs will normally put a twist on the traditional dim sum (they do have to try and justify their prices you know!) buy adding something not traditionally used in dim sum or by combining flavors not normally found together.

Some businessmen use these high class restaurants to entertain their clients or talk business. Click here for a list of restaurants we recommend in this category.