Key Words: (Preview)
早点 (Zǎodiǎn) Breakfast
点心 (Diǎnxīn) Dim Sum; Dessert; Light Refreshments; Pastries
What is Dim Sum?
So what is “点心 (diǎnxīn) Dim Sum?”
This popular style of Chinese food resonates across the country, with chefs crafting small, bite-sized portions. Typically enjoyed with tea, it collectively creates a delightful breakfast or brunch experience.
Dim sum literally translated means “to touch the heart” and there are all kinds of Dim Sum such as savory, steamed and fried “包子 (bāozi) buns,” “饺子 (jiǎozi) dumplings” and “卷 (juǎn) rolls.”
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Though Dim Sum can be found in many forms (even up to 100 different kinds!) and can be served in all regions of China, the cuisine is most closely associated with the “茶馆文化 (cháguǎn wénhuà) teahouse culture” in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province.
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Cultural Background:
Cantonese Morning Tea is an indispensable part of Cantonese’s life. Cantonese often greet each other in the morning, by saying something like:
Chī zǎochá le ma? Hái méiyǒu de huà, yìqǐ qù ba!
吃早茶了吗？还没有的话，一起去吧!
Have you had Morning Tea yet? If not, let’s go together!
“饮早茶 (Yǐn zǎochá) Drinking Morning Tea,” that is to enjoy your Dim Sum and tea, which has become a very unique custom.
The Origin:
The tradition of “Cantonese Morning Tea” traces back to Qing Dynasty tea houses. With just a table, a few chairs, some tea, and basic cakes, the door sign simply read “茶馆 (cháguǎn) tea house.”
All guests were able to sit down, rest, chat and eat while sipping tea. Back then, these tea houses were ubiquitous, lining every street and occupying every corner. It was during this period that the seeds for the contemporary Dim Sum tradition were sown.
Key Words:
饮茶 (Yǐn chá): Yum Cha; to Drink Tea
早茶 (Zǎochá): Cantonese Morning Tea
广式点心 (Guǎng shì diǎnxīn): Cantonese Style Dim Sum
Examples:
Xiā jiǎo shì guǎng dōng rén zuì xǐ’ài de diǎnxīn zhī yī.
1. 虾饺是广东人最喜爱的点心之一。
The Shrimp Dumpling is one of Cantonese ‘s favorite Dim Sum.
“Yǐn zǎochá” shì guǎng dōng de dútè fēngsú.
2. “饮早茶”是广东的独特风俗。
“Drinking Morning Tea” is a unique custom in Guangdong.
Let’s Take a Look at the Most Classic Types of Cantonese Style Dim Sum
(1) 叉烧包 (Chāshāo bāo) Barbecued Pork Bun
The picture source: www.baike.baidu.com
This style of Dim Sum features a “包 (bāo)” or bun filled with cha shao pork, available in either steamed, white exterior buns or browned/glazed baked buns.
(2) 虾饺 (Xiā jiǎo) Shrimp Dumpling
The Shrimp Dumpling, known as Har Gow, originated on the outskirts of Guangzhou.
The dumplings have a pleated shape on top and are transparent and very smooth on the outside. Judging a Dim Sum chef’s skill, these dumplings, known as Har Gow, require precision and expertise in preparation.
(3) 烧卖 (Shāo mài) Shaomai
The picture source: www.sbar.com.cn
This type of pork and mushroom dumpling originated in Beijing but extends to many provinces all over China. The Shaomai dumpling boasts a flavorful filling, often featuring pork, shrimp, minced sheep meat, beef, or mutton, seasoned to perfection.
The vegetables added are usually onion, green onion, carrot, water chestnuts, and mushrooms, but varieties differ from province to province. Rice is also added and spices that resemble curry are a favorite for most regions with this type of pork and mushroom dumpling.
(4) 春卷 (Chūn juǎn) Spring Roll
The picture source: www.photophoto.cn
One of the favorites in western countries is the Spring Roll, which is a savory roll, varying in size filled with cabbage and vegetables. There are also meat varieties where pork, in particular, is a popular meat additive.
There are fried and non-fried versions, hot and spicy as well as sweet and savory versions, and they extend all the way into Southeast Asia like Indonesia and the Philippines as a favorite savory snack or meal.
(5) 糯米鸡 (Nuò mǐ jī) Lotus Leaf Rice
The picture source: www.tooopen.com
“糯米鸡 (Nuò mǐ jī)” is usually larger than other Dim Sum and is filled with chicken, glutinous rice, Chinese mushrooms, sausage, scallions, and dried shrimp or salted egg. The filling is then wrapped in a dried lotus leaf and steamed.
In North America, banana and grape leaves are substituted for lotus leaf.
(6) 皮蛋瘦肉粥 (Pídàn shòu ròu zhōu) Preserved Egg And Pork Porridge
The picture source: www.baike.baidu.com
This is a bowl of porridge made of rice, which has been boiled in a large amount of water for a long time until it softens significantly and becomes porridge or also called congee.
This specific type of congee has a preserved egg and pork that is added to the congee. This preserved egg can also be called “Century Egg,” because of how long it was known to be preserved.
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(7) 萝卜糕 (Luóbo gāo) Radish/Turnip Cake
The picture source: www.baike.baidu.com
Unlike the western version “carrot cake, ” this cake is a pan-fried cake made from rice flour and shredded radish. It usually has a thin, crunchy outer layer from frying, but is soft on the inside.
Like the other types of Dim Sum, shrimp, mushrooms, and sausage can be added, but are minced and diced and added to the mixture rather than leaving it as a filling. This is a Dim Sum version usually associated with Chinese New Year because the word for radish is also “菜头 (càitóu)” which sounds like “好彩头 (hǎocǎitóu).”
So there you have it! Our 7 Cantonese Dim Sum picks. Do these descriptions leave your mouth watering? Which is your favorite? Where have you eaten Dim Sum before?
We would love to hear about your experience with this Cantonese specialty. Seeing as there are so many different kinds, which would you prefer: Sweet or Savory? Let us know!
1. Which of the following does not belong to typical “点心 (Diǎnxīn)” in China?
A. 虾饺 (Xiā jiǎo)
B. 烤鸭 (Kǎoyā)
C. 小笼包 (Xiǎo lóng bāo)
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