Dim sum in Toronto: Chinatown, Scarborough and Markham

Weekend dim sum is a Toronto tradition, and the city has a lot of it. Downtown Chinatown has halls that have served the same neighbourhood for decades, while the suburbs to the north and east have some of the biggest and best Cantonese dining rooms in Canada. Here is how to find a great one and order like a regular.

Where is the best dim sum in Toronto?

There are two main areas:

• Chinatown on Spadina Avenue, downtown, with long-running dim sum restaurants that are easy to reach by streetcar.
• Scarborough and Markham, to the east and north, where large Chinese malls and plazas are home to many of the region's most popular dim sum restaurants.

Many people consider the suburban restaurants the best for range and quality, but downtown is far more convenient if you are staying in the city.

If you have a car, a weekend dim sum trip to Scarborough or Markham is one of the best meals in the Toronto area.

When should you go for dim sum in Toronto?

Dim sum is served from mid-morning to early afternoon. Weekends are the busiest, and popular places often have a line by late morning. To avoid the wait:

1. Arrive near opening time.
2. Go on a weekday, when rooms are quieter.
3. Book a table where reservations are accepted, especially for a group.

How do you order dim sum?

Most Toronto dim sum restaurants use a paper order sheet or a tablet. You mark how many of each dish you want and hand it to staff. Some places still have carts. Dishes come out as they are ready, so order a first round, see what you like, and add more.

You will usually be asked what tea you want. Pouring for others before yourself is good manners.

What dim sum should you order first?

Dish	What to look for
Har gow (shrimp dumplings)	A thin, translucent wrapper and shrimp with a snap
Siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings)	Juicy and well seasoned
Cheung fun (rice noodle rolls)	Silky and delicate, with shrimp, beef or barbecue pork
Char siu bao (barbecue pork buns)	Soft, fluffy buns with a sweet, savoury filling
Lo mai gai (sticky rice in lotus leaf)	Fragrant and moist
Egg tarts	Flaky pastry and a soft, wobbly custard

What other dishes should you try at Toronto dim sum?

Once you have the classics, explore: turnip cake, steamed spare ribs with black bean, chicken feet, taro dumplings, congee, and sweet dishes like mango pudding or sesame balls. Many places also offer larger plates such as fried noodles or fried rice to round out the meal.

How much dim sum should you order?

A rough guide is three to four dishes per person, more if your group is hungry. Order in rounds. It is better to add another round than to leave dishes going cold while you finish the first ones.

What is the etiquette at dim sum?

• Pour tea for others before yourself.
• Leave the teapot lid open or tilted to ask for more hot water.
• Share everything. Dishes are for the table.
• Tip as at any sit-down restaurant, about 15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax bill. Ontario's 13 percent HST is added to the bill.

Is dim sum expensive in Toronto?

Dim sum is usually good value. Most dishes are small and moderately priced, and a group sharing several baskets can eat very well for a reasonable amount per person. Some places charge less for dishes ordered early in the day or on weekdays. Costs climb with premium items such as lobster dumplings or large seafood plates, so check prices on the order sheet. Remember that 13 percent HST and a tip are added to the total.

Is Toronto dim sum good for vegetarians?

It takes some care, because many dumplings contain pork or shrimp and some sauces use meat or seafood stock. Look for vegetable dumplings, tofu dishes, vegetable rice noodle rolls and sweet items. Ask staff for vegetarian options; some places mark them on the order sheet.

Can you get dim sum for takeout in Toronto?

Yes. Many places pack dishes to go, and Chinese bakeries sell buns and egg tarts all day. Steamed dumplings are best eaten right away; baked buns and sticky rice travel better.

Mosey is built around rating dishes, not just places. At dim sum that is the whole point: one place's har gow might be outstanding while its egg tarts are ordinary.

More guides to read next:

• Mississauga and Brampton food guide: Punjabi, Pakistani and Caribbean food in Peel Region
• How much do you tip in Toronto? Tipping and HST on Ontario restaurant bills
• Kensington Market food guide: how to eat your way through it

More in the Canadian food guides and the ranked lists of places.