Dim sum, literally means "point heart" in Cantonese, originated in the Canton region of China. They are traditional Chinese delicacies meant to be nibbled at and washed down with tea. One can find huge crowds of people at dim sum teahouses and restaurants from early morning to late evening. These gathering places play an important role in the social lives of the community.
In large places, dim sum are kept hot in bamboo steamers with lids and wheeled around on rolling carts by waitresses. To place an order, you either wait for the waitress to stop at your table or catch her attention. She then lifts the lids to show what's underneath. All you do is point, nod your head or say what you want and if there's something you want that she has, she serves the dim sum in the bamboo steamers.
Dim sum ranges from steamed, translucent dumplings to sweet egg tarts to stir-fried green vegetables with oyster sauce. Although neither Cantonese nor Mandarin is my first language, I've compiled a list of pronunciations (aka lingo) of the most popular dim sum delights. For your benefit as well as mine.
Having dim sum is a true Chinese experience that everyone should try. It gives you a glimpse of what Chinese truly enjoy and value- good food, family and tradition.
(English- Cantonese- Mandarin)
Steamed Dim Sum
BBQ Pork Bun- Char Siu Bao- Cha Shao Bao
Chinese Chive Dumpling- Gow Choy Gau- Jia Chai Jiao
Chiu Chow Dumpling- Ciu Chow Fun Guok- Chao Zhou Fen Jiao
Pork Dumpling- Siu Mai- Shao Mai
Pork Rib with Salted Black Beans- Jing Pie Gwut- Zhen Pai Guo
Rice Lotus Leaf- Naw Mai Gai- Nao Mi Ji
Rice Noodle Roll (Shrimp, BBQ Pork)- Churn Fun- Zhen Chung Fun
Shrimp Dumpling- Ha Gau- Xia Jiao
Deep-Fried Dim Sum
Crispy Fried Squid- Yau Yu Sou
Flaky Taro Dumpling- Woo Gok- Yu Jiao
Glutinous Rice Dumpling- Hom Soi Gok- Xian Sui Jiao
Shrimp Toast- Ha Daw See- Ciang Su Xia Daw See
Spring Roll- Chun Guen- Chun Juan
Sweet Dim Sum
Black Sesame Seed Roll- Gee Mar Guen- Zhi Ma Juan
Egg Custard Tart- Don Tot- Dan Tak
Sesame Seed Ball- Jun Dui- Jian Dui
Steamed Sponge Cake- Ma Lai Gough- Xhen Song Guao
Silky Tofu with Syrup- Dou Fu Fa
Water Chestnut Cake- Ma Tai Gough- Ma Tii Guao
Others
Braised Chicken Feet- Fung Zao
Congee/ Rice Porridge- Juk- Zhou
Stir Fried Chinese Broccoli- Kai Lan
Turnip Cake- Lok Bak Go
Tea- Cha
Jasmine tea- Heung peen- Mo li hua cha
Oolong tea- Wu lung cha
Chrysanthemum tea- Kok fa cha
Green tea
Pu-erh tea
Other scented flower teas
Date: 11/23/2010