Oahu, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant surf culture, also hides a delicious secret: incredible, authentic dim sum hidden away from the tourist traps. Forget the fancy hotel restaurants; this is about diving headfirst into local favorites, where the tea is strong, the carts are plentiful, and the prices are unbelievably reasonable. Get ready to embark on a culinary treasure hunt to uncover Oahu’s best-kept dim sum spots, where the real flavors of Chinese-Hawaiian culture come alive.
Finding the Heart of Dim Sum: More Than Just Food
Hunting for dim sum on Oahu isn’t just about eating; it’s an experience. It’s about navigating bustling streets, sometimes venturing into unassuming plazas, and embracing the organized chaos of a traditional dim sum hall. Forget pristine white tablecloths and hushed tones; these are places where families gather, friends catch up, and the clatter of dishes is music to the ears. The anticipation, the shared plates, the lively conversations – it all contributes to the authentic experience. It’s about stepping into a different world, a world of steaming bamboo baskets and shared joy.
A Diamond in the Rough: Fook Yuen Seafood Restaurant
One spot that consistently tops the list for dim sum aficionados is Fook Yuen Seafood Restaurant, nestled in the heart of McCully Shopping Center. Don’t let the exterior fool you; what awaits inside is a dim sum paradise. Fook Yuen shines because of its wide variety of offerings. Forget a printed menu; the dim sum here arrives on carts pushed by seasoned servers, their voices calling out the names of each dish with a practiced lilt. Point, choose, and let the feast begin! While their prices can be considered slightly higher than some of the other hidden gems, the quality and variety truly justifies the cost. The average cost for a filling meal here ranges between $20 – $35 per person depending on how much you order.
What to Order at Fook Yuen: Their har gow (shrimp dumplings) are plump and perfectly translucent, a testament to the freshness of the ingredients. The siu mai (pork dumplings) are juicy and savory, bursting with flavor. Also, don’t miss their crispy gau gee which is a crispy pork hash. For something sweet, the dan tat (egg custard tarts) are a must-try, their flaky crust giving way to a smooth, creamy custard filling. Be sure to also try unique items, like their salt and pepper squid, and their pork hash siu mai. They also have a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes, including lobster and crab.
Getting There: Fook Yuen is located at 1960 Kapiolani Blvd #200, Honolulu, HI 96826. Parking can be a bit challenging, especially during peak hours, so arrive early or be prepared to circle the parking lot. The Bus also makes it easy, providing access from multiple locations on Oahu.
Legend Seafood Restaurant: A Chinatown Staple
For a genuinely immersive experience, venture into the heart of Chinatown and head to Legend Seafood Restaurant located on North Hotel Street. This bustling dim sum hall is a true taste of Hong Kong, with its lively atmosphere, authentic flavors, and reasonable prices. This place is large, meaning it can seat large groups. It caters mostly to local families and a large Chinese populace, but tourism here is high due to the great reviews of this restaurant.
Navigating the Chaos: Legend can be overwhelming at first, but embrace the chaos. Grab a table (you might have to wait, especially on weekends), and prepare for a relentless barrage of carts laden with steaming delicacies. Don’t be afraid to flag down a server and ask questions – they’re usually happy to help, even if communication is sometimes a mix of broken English and hand gestures. The staff knows the dishes extremely well and they are happy to make recommendations for you. Like Fook Yuen, this place costs around $20-$35 per person for a standard dim sum meal.
Must-Try Dishes at Legend: Legend is known for its classic dim sum dishes done exceptionally well. Their char siu bao (barbecue pork buns) are fluffy and sweet, with a generous filling of savory barbecue pork. Their cheung fun (rice noodle rolls) are silky smooth and come with a variety of fillings, from shrimp to pork to beef. They have daily fresh seafood menu, including lobster and dungeness crab which can be cooked to your liking. Their wide variety of desserts always makes people come back for more.
Insider Tip: Weekday mornings are typically less crowded than weekends, making for a more relaxed dining experience. Also, be prepared to pay in cash, as some dim sum restaurants prefer it.
Location and Logistics: You can find Legend Seafood Restaurant at 100 N Beretania St #111, Honolulu, HI 96817. Metered street parking is available, but can be competitive. Be mindful of parking restrictions, especially during peak hours. There is also a parking garage conveniently located across the street.
Mei Sum Dim Sum: A Hole-in-the-Wall Gem
If you’re looking for even more of a local experience, seek out Mei Sum Dim Sum. This smaller, more intimate restaurant offers a different kind of dim sum experience. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in flavor and value. This is where you will find the most budget-friendly options, and the crowd is mostly locals. With options starting for less than $3, you will find meals being priced between $10 – $20 dollars.
The Charm of Simplicity: Mei Sum doesn’t have the sprawling dining room or endless carts of other places. Instead, they will hand you a menu and you fill out what you like. It’s more like a traditional restaurant, but the dim sum is made fresh to order and is exceptionally delicious. Mei Sum uses simple plating, but the flavors are what make many locals say that this spot is the best dim sum spot on Oahu.
Signature Dishes at Mei Sum: Don’t miss their baked char siu bao, which are a local favorite. The crust is sweet and crumbly, whilst the pork is salty and sweet. Their pot stickers are another common dish, which comes with some spicy sauces. Another great thing to order here is a large bowl of wontons, which are hearty and a perfect pair with some dim sum.
Finding Mei Sum: Mei Sum Dim Sum is located at 1170 Maunakea St, Honolulu, HI 96817 which is in Chinatown. While parking is sometimes difficult, it isn’t as bad as other locations in Chinatown. Just be careful to follow the parking guidelines.
Little Village Noodle House: A Fusion Experience
Little Village Noodle House, another Chinatown gem, offers a unique twist on the traditional dim sum experience by blending Northern Chinese cuisine with local flavors. While not strictly a dim sum restaurant, they offer an impressive selection of small plates and dumplings that are perfect for sharing, making it a great alternative for those looking for something a little different. Little Village is slightly more expensive than Mei Sum, but it is still very affordable, with meals ranging from $15 – $30 a person.
Beyond the Usual Suspects: While you’ll find some familiar dim sum dishes on the menu, Little Village also offers a range of Northern Chinese specialties that you won’t find elsewhere. Their steamed juicy dumplings are a must-try, bursting with flavorful broth. Their pot stickers are crispy and savory, and their hand-pulled noodles are legendary. While they have dim sum, their specialities are other Chinese cuisine, so be sure to try some of those!
The Atmosphere: Little Village has a more modern and stylish ambiance than some of the more traditional dim sum halls. It’s a great option for a date night or a gathering with friends who appreciate a bit more sophistication.
Location Matters: Little Village Noodle House is located at 1113 Smith St, Honolulu, HI 96817. Like the other chinatown restaurants, parking is difficult, but there are parking structures nearby, so finding parking shouldn’t be too difficult.
Yong Ho Chinese Restaurant: A Late-Night Find
For those late night dim sum cravings, Yong Ho Chinese Restaurant has got you covered. While more known for their dinner and late night options, they also offer a dim sum style selection of small plates that are perfect for sharing. Yong Ho has more traditional Chinese cuisines that are great for a large group, and their pricing is fairly standard, costing around $15 – $30 dollars a person.
Nighttime Bites: Yong Ho is a popular gathering space late at night, so be sure to try some of their signature dishes. Their wide range of dishes are perfect for late night munchies, and a personal recommendation for those late nights are the spicy wontons or the salt and pepper shrimp. They have many party platters as well as noodle and rice dishes. The restaurant’s long hours make them a good choice.
Location: Yong Ho Chinese Restaurant can be located at 100 N Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96817. Parking can be tough at night, and the restaurant is located in a place where the parking is limited. Be sure to pay attention to the parking signs at night, or consider taking a ride-share.
Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant: A Weekend Treat
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant is a popular spot for dim sum, especially on weekends. While some say that Golden Palace is not what it used to be, it is still a popular spot for many families. It features many dim sum carts circulating the restaurant, so be sure to call them down as they walk by. Because it is a popular weekend treat, the restaurant is usually very packed, so families get here before 10 AM to grab a table.
A Popular Weekend Spot: It should be noted however that due to its popularity, prices have gone up a little, so expect to pay around $25 – $40 for dim sum here. Despite the pricing, you will still get great quality dim sum, but be prepared to spend some money here. It is a great spot for families and large gatherings. Golden Palace has large tables and a large dining room, so there is a good chance that you will find a seat here.
Must-Try Dishes: Their har gow and siu mai are standouts and a local favorite. Their manapua is large and stuffed with pork, so expect a very filling piece of manapua. They have traditional dim sum, but they also have a wide variety of seafood that can be prepared in many different ways.
Finding the Golden Palace: You can find this restaurant at 111 N King St, Honolulu, HI 96817. Finding parking here is tough, as with the other Chinatown establishments, so be sure to take the bus or rideshare here if possible.
Dim Sum Etiquette: A Quick Guide
While enjoying dim sum is pretty straightforward, here are a few tips to help you navigate the experience like a pro:
- Tea is essential: Dim sum is traditionally accompanied by tea, usually served hot. Don’t be afraid to ask for a refill – it’s a sign of appreciation.
- Sharing is caring: Dim sum is meant to be shared, so order a variety of dishes and pass them around the table.
- Don’t be shy: If you see a cart with something you want, flag down the server. They’ll mark your bill and hand you the dish.
- Pace yourself: Dim sum is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, savor each bite, and enjoy the company.
- Tipping: As with most restaurants in Hawaii, tipping is customary. A tip of 15-20% is generally appreciated.
Beyond the Restaurants: Making Dim Sum a Home Affair
While the experience of dining out at a dim sum restaurant is hard to replicate, you can still enjoy the flavors of dim sum at home. Many Asian markets on Oahu sell frozen dim sum, which can be steamed or pan-fried for a quick and easy meal.
Where to Shop: Check out stores like Marukai Wholesale Mart or Palama Supermarket for a wide selection of frozen dim sum. You can also find fresh dim sum ingredients, like wonton wrappers and fillings, to make your own creations.
Embracing the DIY Spirit: Making dim sum at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Experiment with different fillings and cooking methods to create your own signature dishes. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
The Future of Dim Sum on Oahu
While the culinary scene in Hawaii is always evolving, dim sum remains a beloved tradition, a testament to the islands’ rich cultural tapestry. These small, yet flavorful dishes provide a look into the flavors that are often lost on Oahu.
FAQ Section
What exactly is Dim Sum?
Dim sum, traditionally from Cantonese cuisine, involves a variety of small, bite-sized portions served alongside tea. These dishes usually come steamed, fried, or baked—designed to be shared among friends and family.
What’s the best time to go for Dim Sum to avoid crowds?
Weekdays, especially mornings before 11 AM, usually have smaller crowds. Weekends are peak times, so arrive early, make a reservation if possible, or be prepared to wait.
Is cash preferred at most dim sum restaurants?
Many traditional dim sum restaurants still prefer cash. However, most establishments in Honolulu accept credit cards, so it’s always a good idea to check beforehand.
Are there vegetarian dim sum options available on Oahu?
Yes! Though traditional dim sum often includes meat, many restaurants offer vegetarian alternatives such as vegetable dumplings, spring rolls, and tofu dishes. Be sure to ask your server about what’s available.
How should I handle tea etiquette with dim sum?
Offering to pour tea for others at the table is considered courteous. If someone pours tea for you, a gentle tap of your fingers on the table near your cup signifies thanks.
References List
No actual references were directly quoted in this text. It is a compilation of personal experiences, general knowledge of Honolulu dining, and observations of the local culinary scene.
Ready to ditch the tourist traps and dive into the delicious world of Oahu’s hidden dim sum gems? Grab your appetite, gather your friends, and embark on a culinary treasure hunt you won’t soon forget. Each spot offers a unique experience and authentic flavors that will leave you craving more. So, what are you waiting for? Go explore, eat, and discover your own favorite hidden dim sum spot on Oahu! And don’t forget to share your discoveries – the more, the merrier!
