Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
A Beginner's Guide To Eating Dim Sum
By
Nell Casey
Published Dec 8, 2016
Modified Dec 8, 2016
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Nell Casey
Published Dec 8, 2016
Modified Dec 8, 2016
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Video by Jessica Leibowitz
The rattling carts stacked with steaming baskets of dumplings and buns, the clink of lids atop fragrant pots of tea, the decoration of the bill denoting each of the many rounds of dishes: dim sum is a feast for all of the senses.
But for a first timer, the system for navigating all the sensory overload can be confusing. Dim sum restaurants don't always offer a menu unless it's for kitchen items like soups, rice and noodles. Dumplings often hide their contents inside opaque wrappers, and shy persons might feel awkward asking a million questions about what's inside.
Fear not! With a little pre-meal research you can determine the types of dishes you might want to eat and with our explainer video filmed at Manhattan Chinatown's Jing Fong, guided by Eric Chung, you can go forth with confidence.
Let's go yum cha!
Tagged
Chinatown
dim sum
gothamist films
how to
jing fong
original
Nell Casey
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
Why NYC restaurants are playing coy about sustainability
Though it has multiple benefits, the practice remains popular for one basic reason: it saves money.
By
Samantha Dady
Published Oct 26, 2026
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Food
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.
By
Hannah Frishberg
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
By
Robert Sietsema
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
By
Robert Sietsema
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .