19 Best Places to Get Dim Sum in Honolulu (2022)
The words dim sum in Cantonese translate to “touch the heart”; that is what happens when you consume an assortment of steamed or fried dim sum. Although creating this cuisine may look simple, the secret lies in the perfect dough.
In Honolulu, if you are looking for that perfect dim sum without compromising its originality, you might be able to find these restaurants in Honolulu’s Chinatown district.
A few locals have even mastered the technique of creating the perfect dough. Here are the 19 Best Places To Get dim sum in Honolulu.
1. Dimsum Village
Hours Of Operation: Daily: 7:30am – 3:30pm
⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5
Price: $-$$
Location: 1120 Maunakea St, Honolulu
Dimsum Village is situated in the Maunakea Marketplace, specializing in Chinese cuisine. Their most popular dish, as their name infers, is their dim sum. Although the outward appearance of the place is nothing to brag about, we are convinced that these are the best dim sum Honolulu offers.
Why we love this place: The dim sum was crispy on the outside and nice and chewy on the inside. An absolute steal was the Mung Bean Soup for just $1, a dine-in option only. The steamed mochi pork filling was worth savoring. To complete the experience, you must start with some hot tea.
Tips for travelers: You can customize your noodle bowls by choosing the noodles of your choice and the appropriate spice level.
2. Bo’s Kitchen
Hours Of Operation: Daily: 10:00am – 8:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.7 out of 5
Price: $-$$
Location: 800 S Beretania St, ste102, Honolulu
Bo’s Kitchen has been the cornerstone of the Honolulu community since it opened its doors in 2017. The restaurant specializes in Southeast Asian cuisine and can be found inside Mauka Plaza. For the more adventurous palates, you might want to sample the spicy pig ears or savory chicken feet.
Why we love this place: The minced meat dim sum was packed with flavors, served with a zesty bowl of soy sauce for dipping, and garnished with spring onion. Their mango pudding was a tropical explosion of goodness, perfect for Honolulu’s weather. Although the restaurant was small, I was amazed by the staff’s hospitality.
Tips for travelers: The restaurant serves an all-day menu, from appetizers to desserts, and you have the opportunity to customize your plates according to your cravings.
3. Lam’s Kitchen
Hours Of Operation: Daily: 8:00am – 4:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.6 out of 5
Price: $- $$
Location: 1152 Maunakea St # A, Honolulu
Lams Kitchen is a family-owned restaurant situated in Honolulu’s Chinatown. Their authentic Chinese dishes, using locally sourced produce, are the secret to their success. When the Lam family immigrated from China, they missed the nostalgic taste of beef flank so much that they decided to open their first restaurant in 2002. In 2009, their hard work eventually paid off when they opened their second restaurant, Lam’s Kitchen.
Why we love this place: Cabbage never tasted this good, combined with minced meat and stuffed into a dim sum, drizzled with sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Their unique offering of fried pork clot with ginger and onion was not only rich in nutrients but also quite an exquisite taste. The restaurant has some interesting food pairings for those wanting to try something new.
Tips for travelers: The restaurant is tiny; if you are claustrophobic, you might want to consider take-out as an option.
4. Lucky Belly
Hours Of Operation: Mon-Sat: 5:00pm – 10:00pm, Sun: Closed
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Price: $$
Location: 50 North Hotel Street, Honolulu
Lucky Belly is a hip Asian restaurant in a brick-reclaimed setting. The restaurant focuses on satisfying the needs of its patrons by providing an authentic selection of deliciously prepared dishes. The restaurant prides itself on its service, which is so phenomenal that even if you cannot decide on a meal option, the chef will go the extra mile of tailor-making a meal to suit you.
Why we love this place: Lucky Belly lives up to its expectations with its “vibey” atmosphere and decadent food. Their appetizer dim sum trio with delicious pork belly bao, lobster shu mai, and oxtail dumplings is a must. And did I mention the duck tacos and smoked octopus?! One word, yummy!
Tips for travelers: It is nearly impossible to get a reservation at this restaurant; it took me two weeks. It might be advisable to book well in advance. A word of advice is that ordering trio platters offer value for the money and are worth sharing.
5. Ginger And Garlic
Hours Of Operation: Daily: 10:00am – 9:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Price: $-$$
Location: 1138 Smith St, Honolulu
Occupying a humble corner in Honolulu’s Chinatown, this quaint restaurant is like a home away from home. A huge smile is awaiting you as you walk into the restaurant. Almost as if the universe is saying, “You belong here!” Apart from the welcome, the service and the food are ethnic. Oh, and did I mention the restaurant serves one of the best dim sum Honolulu has to offer?
Why we love this place: Their dim sum was moist and succulent, with large fillings. I loved the sweet and sour sauce that accompanied the meal. A cup of their signature tea blends perfectly with the dish. Leave room for dessert, especially the custard bau and the green onion pancakes, a tasty delight beyond my imagination. The servers were also quite attentive and willing to go the extra mile.
Tips for travelers: When ordering dim sum, make sure that you specifically ask them to prepare fresh ones in the kitchen. It might be worth noting that dim sum is usually only served till 2:00 pm.
6. Roy’s Hawaii Kai
Hours Of Operation: Sun-Thurs: 4:30pm – 9:00pm, Fri-Sat: 4:30pm – 9:30pm
⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5
Price: $$-$$$
Location: 6600 Kalaniana’ole Hwy Suite 110, Honolulu
Owned by award-winning chef Roy Yamaguchi, Roy’s Hawaii Kai was opened in 1988. There is currently a total of six Roy’s restaurants in Hawaii. And although Roy’s Hawaii Kai was doomed for failure, as naysayers termed it the “graveyard of restaurants,” it has proven otherwise. It is perfect for date nights to impress your significant other.
Why we love this place: This restaurant is the complete package: breathtaking views, perfect ambiance, and delectable food. The dim sum was so delicious that I had to eat slowly to savor the flavor—a place where you will be tempted to eat more than you can handle.
Tips for travelers: Pre-booking is advisable, especially if it is a special occasion.
7. Morimoto Asia Waikiki
Hours Of Operation: Closed Mon & Tues. Open Wed-Sun: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.4 out of 5
Price: $$$
Location: 2490 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu
Morimoto Asia Waikiki was conceived by the famous Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. The restaurant serves a fusion of culinary cuisines inspired by the chef’s international travels. The glass-encased kitchen, which enables patrons to view the food preparation, is an experience on its own, and they have some of the best dim sum Honolulu has to offer.
Why we love this place: Where do I start? Wow! You will feel like royalty sitting in this restaurant. I was unsure if I should be mesmerized by the décor, the view, or the food. Let’s say the glass-encased kitchen made it even more difficult for me to stop drooling before I received my food. The dim sum options of dumplings, shumai, shrimp har-gao, and grilled chicken bao are perfection. We love the fusion of flavors; each dish has a unique taste. A perfect end to the evening was the chocolate sphere…it was pure decadence!
Tips for travelers: Reservations are essential; this restaurant must be included on your bucket list when visiting Honolulu.
8. Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery
Hours Of Operation: Daily: 7:00am – 5:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.6 out of 5
Price: $
Location: 1027 Maunakea St, Honolulu
This bakery is one of those hidden gems situated very close to downtown Honolulu. The staff is super friendly and helpful. The chefs have somehow managed to create a perfect balance of sweet and savory dishes. The bakery also caters to special occasions like birthdays, moon parties, and anniversaries. They cater to patrons’ requests; irrespective of the magnitude of the request, imagine it, and they will make it.
Why we love this place: As you walk through the doors of Sing Cheong Yan Bakery, the aromatic flavors of baking and steaming will transport you to a place of bliss. They serve simply delicious dim sum with a medley of flavors. You will be tempted to sample everything on their menu. I love that the taro mocha mooncakes were both visually appealing and yummy.
9. New Canton House
Hours Of Operation: Daily: 7:00am – 2:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.4 out of 5
Price: $
Location: 162 N Hotel St, Honolulu
Located in the heart of Honolulu’s Chinatown, this restaurant can be found at the entrance of Maunakea Marketplace. The restaurant specializes in Cantonese and Chinese cuisine. Although the restaurant is relatively small, it serves some of the best dim sum Honolulu offers.
Why we love this place: The perfectly cooked dim sum delivers mouthfuls of pure bliss, and it’s so reasonably priced that you can indulge to your heart’s content. I never thought I would live to see a queue for custard tarts; it was mind-blowing how good they tasted.
10. Royal Kitchen
Hours Of Operation: Mon, Wed-Fri: 5:30am – 2:00pm, Tues: Closed, Sat-Sun: 6:30am – 2:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.4 out of 5
Price: $-$$
Location: 100 N Beretania St #175, Honolulu
Royal Kitchen was opened in 1974 and has since remained a firm favorite amongst the locals. Perhaps this is due to Royal Kitchen being Honolulu’s first restaurant that offered baked buns with fillings. The restaurant is situated in the Chinatown Cultural Plaza and also specializes in catering for special events.
Why we love this place: Value for money is the dim sum box, delectable treats packed into one box. Unravel a gift as you open your dim sum box comprised of chow mein, a char sui bun, pork hash, and a rice cake. The baked manapua with stuffed variations is also one of the reasons why this restaurant is frequented.
11. Chengdu Taste
Hours Of Operation: Daily: 11:00am – 2:30pm, 5:00pm-8:30pm
⭐ RATING: 4.4 out of 5
Price: $-$$
Location: 808 Sheridan St Ste 209, Honolulu
Chengdu Taste was featured in Michelin Guide magazine in 2019 as one of the best Chinese restaurants focusing on Szechuan dishes. The restaurant is near Walmart and Ala Moana, and the dishes seem spiced with bold flavors of chili and pepper.
Why we love this place: The restaurant serves perfectly parcelled dim sum packages spiced to your taste, stuffed with beef, chicken, or shrimp. A pitcher of sweet winter tea for just a decent price creates a perfect balance for spicy meals.
Tips for travelers: Chengdu Taste is located on the second floor, often confused with the other restaurant on the first floor.
12. Dew Drop Inn
Hours Of Operation: Daily: 4:00pm – 9:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.3 out of 5
Price: $-$$
Location: 1088 S Beretania St, Honolulu
If you are craving Northern Chinese cuisine, then Dew Drop Inn will be able to satisfy that craving. With a whopping 102 meal variations listed on their menu, they sure can satisfy the cravings of many. The fact that people will be prepared to wait in line for food bears testament to their food creation.
Why we love this place: Their food is reasonably priced, and the spicy pork and shrimp dim sum struck all the right chords and created a medley of music on our palates. You will be spoiled for choice with their extensive menu offerings.
Tips for travelers: The service is a bit slow; make sure you try to get the waiter’s attention when you arrive.
13. Fook Lam Seafood Restaurant
Hours Of Operation: Daily: 8:00am – 2:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.2 out of 5
Price: $-$$
Location: 100 N Beretania St, Honolulu
Fook Lam Seafood Restaurant is situated in the Chinatown Cultural Plaza and has a reputation for serving some of the best dim sum Honolulu has to offer. The restaurant has an exotic ambiance, providing excellent service and piping-hot food. The restaurant reminds me of a bingo game; when the dim sum cart goes around, you hear a shout from the waitrons.
Why we love this place: The cart service with delectable dim sum variations gives you the freedom to tuck into an appetizer as soon as you are seated. A must-try is the seafood and chives dim sum. The classic taste of seafood and chives never ceases to amaze. The slight garlic taste of chives blends perfectly with the tinge of sweet flavor that is associated with seafood.
14. Yung Yee Kee Dim Sum
Hours Of Operation: Daily: Mon-Fri: 10:00am – 9:00pm, Sat-Sun: 9:00am – 9:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.2 out of 5
Price: $-$$
Location: 1411 Kapiolani Blvd. Suite 1, Honolulu
Although the restaurant is a newbie in Ala Moana Center, the owner is a legend that has mastered the art of creating perfect dim sum. More than a decade ago, the family emigrated from Hong Kong with the vision of creating the ideal dim sum to be shared with the community of Honolulu. Posted on the wall in the restaurant is their vision statement, “Yi Ke Wei Ben,” which means “we love to serve our customers.”
Why we love this place: True to that vision statement, the restaurant offers phenomenal service and has succeeded in creating the perfect dim sum. They offer steamed or fried dim sum with pork, beef, or seafood fillings. Their reasonably priced dim sum is worth the wait.
15. Legend Seafood Restaurant
Hours Of Operation: Daily: Mon-Fri: 10:00am – 2:00pm, 5:00pm – 9:00pm, Sat-Sun: 8:00am – 2:00pm, 5:00pm – 9:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.2 out of 5
Price: $-$$
Location: 100 N Beretania St #108, Honolulu
Established in the 19th century, this restaurant is a true legend in the industry, offering casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere—an excellent place for families. The restaurant is situated in Chinatown Cultural Plaza and tends to get rowdy over the weekends with large family get-togethers.
Why we love this place: Dim sum is about sharing the experience with loved ones, and this restaurant captures the true essence of family dining. Their dim sum is also served in various sizes, from small to extra large, allowing you to choose a dim sum as an appetizer or a main.
16. Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant
Hours Of Operation: Daily: 10:30am – 10:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.1 out of 5
Price: $-$$
Location: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd #4220, Honolulu
This award-winning Hawaiian restaurant can be found on the 4th floor of Ala Moana Center and can seat up to 300 people. Demand for dim sum is so great that the restaurant increases its staff by 50% over weekends to prepare dim sum.
Why we love this place: Walking into this restaurant is like dim sum heaven. They have somehow found a way to blend their ingredients to create a medley of flavors. Who says you must go to China to get a reasonable dim sum? With over 50 options, you will be spoiled for choice!
17. Happy Days Chinese Seafood Restaurant
Hours Of Operation: Daily: 8:00am – 10:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.2 out of 5
Price: $-$$
Location: 3553 Waialae Ave, Honolulu
This restaurant offers freshly prepared authentic dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Highly skilled Chinese chefs prepare these meals. In keeping with their heritage, the Chinese décor really provides that sense of being in China. It is not just the décor that transports you there but also the tasty cuisine. One of the restaurant’s accolades is winning the National People’s Choice Awards.
Why we love this place: Bite-sized plump morsels of mouthwatering sweet and sour pork dim sum will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to a place of happiness. Do your palate a favor and try the chicken cake noodle with red vinegar on the side.
Tips for travelers: Dim sum is only included in their lunch menu and not served during dinner.
18. Golden Palace Seafood Restaurant
Hours Of Operation: Daily: 7:00am – 10:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.1 out of 5
Price: $-$$
Location: 111 N King St, Honolulu
This restaurant has been a cornerstone in the Honolulu community for many years and is known for its excellent service and authentic cuisine. Their menu options like tripe, shark fin, jellyfish, and even abalone are quite unique. The restaurant is situated in C.Q Yee Hop Plaza.
Why we love this place: For the love of dim sum! This restaurant serves a variety of 29 dim sum options. From pork to shrimp, to minced and even roast duck, this restaurant has a dim sum to suit every palate, even the discerning ones. Their dishes are also reasonably priced.
19. Tim Ho Wan – Waikiki
Hours Of Operation: Daily: 11:00am – 9:00pm
⭐ RATING: 4.1 out of 5
Price: $$-$$$
Location: 2233 Kalākaua Ave suite b-303, Honolulu
This restaurant chain with branches worldwide has been a Michelin star winner for nine consecutive years. Their vision is to strive for dim sum perfection, which they have captured beautifully. Tim Ho Wan – Waikiki is situated in the Royal Hawaiian Center. It is hands down some of the best dim sum Honolulu has on offer and is well worth the visit.
Why we love this place: An impressive fine dining experience, dim sum was pricey but worth top dollar. Generous servings of dim sum floating in a bed of soy sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds and garnished in shavings of red and green chili, had me salivating even before I bit into the dish.
The Wrap-Up
So there you have it, some of the best dim sum in Honolulu! Whether you’re looking for a casual spot to enjoy some authentic dim sum or a more upscale option, there’s certainly no shortage of great places to choose from.
We hope you enjoy your experience at one of these great restaurants!
Mahalo!
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