How to Order Dim Sum in Richmond, BC: A Complete Beginner's Guide (2026)

Introduction

Richmond, BC, is home to one of the most authentic and vibrant dim sum scenes outside of Asia, with over 40 dedicated restaurants serving thousands of baskets daily^[1]. For newcomers and locals alike, navigating this culinary tradition can feel intimidating, but it’s a rewarding experience that’s central to Vancouver’s food culture. This guide breaks down exactly how to order dim sum in Richmond, from choosing the right restaurant to mastering the ordering process and understanding the etiquette.

Whether you're planning a family weekend treat or a curious food explorer, knowing how to approach dim sum will transform your meal from confusing to delightful.

Quick Answer

How to Order Dim Sum in Richmond, BC

To order dim sum in Richmond, BC, choose a restaurant with cart service or a paper checklist, point to dishes as they pass by on carts, or mark your selections on the checklist menu, and be prepared to share small plates family-style.

Start by picking a restaurant that suits your comfort level. For a first-timer, large, bustling spots like Fisherman's Terrace Seafood Restaurant (4151 Hazelbridge Way, inside Aberdeen Centre) or Sea Harbour Seafood Restaurant (8888 River Rd #110) are excellent choices. They have English-speaking staff, clear menus, and the classic rolling cart experience. Expect to spend about $25 to $40 per person for a satisfying meal. The process is interactive: servers push carts laden with steaming baskets and plates around the dining room.

You stop them, ask what they have, and point to what you want. They’ll stamp a card on your table to track your order. Alternatively, many restaurants now use a paper checklist menu where you tick off the items and quantities you desire. This method, found at places like Kirin Restaurant (7900 Westminster Hwy), is great for ensuring you get exactly what you want without waiting for the cart to come around.

Summary: Ordering dim sum in Richmond involves choosing between traditional cart service or a paper checklist. For cart service, flag down passing servers and point to the dishes you want from their steamer baskets. For a checklist, mark your desired items and quantities on a provided menu sheet. A typical meal costs $25-$40 per person, and sharing multiple small plates is the standard practice. The best approach for beginners is to visit a large, established restaurant like Sea Harbour during weekend lunch hours for the full experience.

What is Dim Sum? A Quick Cultural Intro for Richmond Diners

Dim sum, which translates to "touch the heart," is a Cantonese tradition of enjoying small, shareable plates of food alongside tea, typically during late morning or lunch hours. It’s more than a meal; it’s a social event often spanning generations. In Richmond, this tradition is kept alive by a large Cantonese-speaking community and skilled chefs, many of whom have decades of experience. The restaurants here are not just places to eat, they are hubs of weekend activity where families gather, business is discussed, and celebrations unfold over endless cups of tea and delicate bites.

The Heart of Yum Cha: Tea and Togetherness

The practice is properly called "yum cha," meaning "drink tea." Tea is the anchor of the experience. When you sit down, a server will ask what type of tea you prefer. Common choices include jasmine (light and floral), pu-erh (earthy and strong), tieguanyin (oolong with a complex aroma), or chrysanthemum (sweet and herbal). The tea is not just for drinking; it’s used to cleanse the palate between rich bites. There’s a simple ritual: when someone pours tea for you, tap two fingers on the table as a silent thank you.

This custom, legend says, originated from an emperor wishing to thank a servant incognito.

From Humble Tea Houses to Richmond's Banquet Halls

Historically, dim sum originated in roadside tea houses along the Silk Road. In modern Richmond, it has evolved into a lavish affair served in spacious, often opulent, dining rooms. The sheer scale of operations is impressive. A restaurant like Empire Seafood Restaurant (5951 No. 3 Rd) might serve over a hundred different items on a busy Sunday, from classic steamed dumplings to new baked pastries. This evolution means you can experience dim sum in various settings, from the noisy, energetic cart chaos to a more serene, order-by-checklist meal.

For a deeper dive into the dishes themselves, our Beginner's Guide to Dim Sum: What to Order in Vancouver breaks down each item in detail.

Summary: Dim sum, or "yum cha," is a Cantonese tradition of sharing small plates of food while drinking tea, primarily enjoyed during weekend brunch or lunch. In Richmond, it is a major social and culinary event. The meal centers around tea selection, like jasmine or pu-erh, and involves sharing dozens of possible dishes, from steamed dumplings to fried snacks. Understanding this cultural context transforms the meal from a simple lunch into an authentic experience of local community dining.

Best Richmond Restaurants for First-Timers Learning How to Order

Choosing the right restaurant is the most important step for a stress-free first dim sum experience. You want a place that is welcoming to newcomers, used to non-Cantonese speakers, and offers a clear path to ordering. The following spots are renowned for their quality, atmosphere, and accessibility.

Large, Cart-Service Classics with English Menus

For the iconic, bustling dim sum experience with rolling carts, these large-scale restaurants are ideal. They are busy, loud, and full of energy, which is part of the fun.

• Sea Harbour Seafood Restaurant (8888 River Rd #110): Often cited as one of the best in the city, Sea Harbour offers an elevated dim sum experience. The carts are plentiful, and the dishes are exquisitely presented. While it's on the higher end (expect $35-$50 per person), the quality is exceptional. Staff are professional and can guide you.
• Fisherman's Terrace Seafood Restaurant (4151 Hazelbridge Way, inside Aberdeen Centre): Located in a major mall, this spot is accustomed to a diverse clientele. The English menus are complete, and the cart service is efficient. It’s a perfect blend of authentic quality and tourist-friendly accessibility. A meal here typically costs $28-$40 per person.
• Empire Seafood Restaurant (5951 No. 3 Rd): A Richmond institution. The dining room is massive, and the parade of carts is constant. They have a well-translated picture menu you can request to help identify dishes. It’s reliable, consistently good, and a true snapshot of Richmond's weekend dim sum culture.

Refined, Checklist-Based Restaurants for a Calmer Experience

If the chaos of carts seems daunting, opt for a restaurant that uses a paper checklist menu. You can order at your own pace, ensure you get every item you want, and enjoy a slightly calmer ambiance.

• Kirin Restaurant (7900 Westminster Hwy): Kirin is synonymous with upscale, refined Chinese dining in Vancouver. Their dim sum checklist is detailed with photos and English descriptions. You mark your choices, hand it to the server, and the food arrives freshly made to order. Prices are premium ($30-$45 per person), but the execution is precise.
• Chef Tony Seafood Restaurant (4600 No. 3 Rd #101): A modern, award-winning restaurant known for new dim sum. They use a detailed checklist with clear numbering. It’s a great place to try creative twists on classics in a sleek, contemporary setting.
• For a smaller, quicker bite, Richmond's famous food courts are a fantastic option. While not a traditional sit-down yum cha, they offer a glimpse into the flavors. You can find excellent single-serving steam buns and dumplings at stalls in Aberdeen Centre or Crystal Mall. Our Richmond Food Court Guide can help you navigate these hubs.

Summary: The best Richmond dim sum restaurants for beginners are Fisherman's Terrace for its accessible cart service and mall location, and Kirin Restaurant for its calm, checklist-based ordering with English descriptions. First-timers should aim for weekend lunch hours (10:30 am to 1:00 pm) for the fullest selection and most authentic atmosphere. Expect to spend a minimum of $25 per person for a satisfying meal at these establishments.

Step-by-Step Ordering Guide: Cart Service vs. Checklist

Once you’re seated at your table, the ordering process begins. There are two primary systems, and understanding each will make you feel like a pro.

How to Order from Dim Sum Carts

The traditional method involves servers circulating with specialized carts or trays. Here’s exactly what to do:

1. Get Your Tea Started: A server will ask for your tea choice. Pick one from the list (Jasmine is a safe, popular start). They will bring a pot and cups. It’s your job to pour for others at the table first.
2. Watch for the Carts: Carts are typically dedicated to specific items: one for steamed dumplings in bamboo baskets, another for fried foods and noodles, another for desserts, and one for larger plates like spare ribs or chicken feet. Listen for the clatter and watch for the steam.
3. Stop, Look, and Point: When a cart approaches your table, the server will often call out the main items in Chinese and English (“Har Gow! Siu Mai!”). Don’t be shy, wave or make eye contact to stop them. Lift the lid of the bamboo steamer to see the dish. If you’re unsure, ask “What is that?” They will explain.
4. Say Yes or No: point to the item you want and indicate how many orders. A standard order is one bamboo basket (usually containing 3-4 pieces). They will place it on your table and stamp or mark your bill card. If you don’t want anything, a slight shake of the head or a polite “no, thank you” is fine.

How to Order with a Paper Checklist Menu

This method is becoming increasingly common and is straightforward.

1. Receive the Checklist: You’ll be given a paper menu, often with pictures, numbered items, and English names. Each item has a box or line next to it.
2. Mark Your Selections: Using the provided pencil, put a tally mark in the box corresponding to how many orders you want of each dish. Items are usually grouped by category: Steamed, Fried, Baked, Rice/Noodle, Dessert.
3. Hand it In: Once you’ve made your choices, raise your hand to flag down a server and hand them the checklist. They may review it with you briefly. The kitchen will then prepare your items, which will arrive at the table in stages, usually starting with steamed dishes.
4. Order More Later: You can always ask for another checklist later in the meal if you want to order additional rounds of food.

Timing, Tea Refills, and Getting the Bill

For cart service, the peak variety is between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. If you arrive later, some popular items may be sold out. Your tea pot will be refilled with hot water periodically, just leave the lid ajar or off to signal it needs more. To get the bill, you can ask for it or, with cart service, take your stamped card to the front cashier. For planning a budget, you can use our free tip calculator to figure out the final total. Remember, dim sum is about pacing and sharing.

Order a few dishes at a time, see how you feel, and then order more.

Summary: For cart service ordering, stop passing servers, look at the dishes in their steamers, and point to select what you want, with each basket costing $6-$

9. For checklist ordering, mark your desired quantities on a paper menu and hand it to a server. The key difference is that cart service offers immediate, visual selection while checklists allow for planned, complete orders. First-timers often find the checklist method less intimidating, but the cart experience is an essential part of traditional dim sum culture in Richmond.

Must-Try Dishes for Beginners: What to Order in Richmond

The menu can be overwhelming. Here is a curated list of essential dishes to build your first dim sum meal. Aim for a mix of steamed, fried, and baked items to experience the full range.

The Steamed Classics (Dim Sum Essentials)

These are the pillars of any dim sum meal, almost always served in bamboo baskets.

• Har Gow (Shrimp Dumpling): Translucent, delicate wheat starch wrapper pleated around whole pieces of juicy shrimp. The wrapper should be thin and slightly chewy, not sticky. This is the ultimate test of a dim sum chef’s skill.
• Siu Mai (Pork & Shrimp Dumpling): An open-topped dumpling with a thin yellow wrapper filled with minced pork, shrimp, and mushrooms. It’s often topped with a dot of orange roe or a single pea.
• Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns): The most beloved bun. Soft, fluffy white steamed bread filled with sweet, savory, sticky barbecued pork (char siu). The perfect blend of savory and slightly sweet.
• Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Roll): Silky, wide rice noodles steamed and rolled. Order them plain, with shrimp, with BBQ pork, or fried dough stick (you tiao). They are served with a light sweet soy sauce.

The Fried & Baked Delights

These items offer satisfying texture and richer flavors.

• Ham Sui Gok (Fried Glutinous Rice Dumpling): A football-shaped, deep-fried dumpling with a slightly sweet, chewy glutinous rice flour shell and a savory filling of minced pork, shrimp, and mushrooms. The contrast of textures is wonderful.
• Wu Gok (Taro Dumpling): A deep-fried crescent made from mashed taro root, forming a crispy, web-like exterior that gives way to a fluffy interior with a small meat filling.
• Dan Tat (Egg Custard Tart): A small, circular tart with a flaky, buttery pastry crust filled with a smooth, sweet egg custard. The Portuguese-inspired treat is a must for dessert. Some places offer a version with a puff pastry crust.

Adventurous Next Steps

Once you’re comfortable, try these iconic dishes.

• Phoenix Claws (Chicken Feet): Braised until soft and gelatinous in a black bean and chili sauce. It’s more about the flavorful sauce and texture than the meat.
• Lo Bak Go (Turnip Cake): Pan-fried squares made from shredded daikon radish and rice flour, often studded with bits of Chinese sausage and dried shrimp. Crispy on the outside, soft and savory inside.
• Lai Wong Bao (Creamy Custard Bun): A steamed bun that looks like Char Siu Bao, but when you bite in, a rich, flowing yellow egg custard filling spills out. It’s a sweet surprise.

For a complete visual guide to these and other dishes, our Beginner's Guide to Dim Sum: What to Order in Vancouver is an excellent resource. If you love the idea of curated Asian flavors delivered, you might also explore options from services like The Storm Cafe, which offers convenient bento delivery. For a ranking of the best in Richmond, check out our list of the Best Bento Box Delivery in Richmond BC.

Summary: Beginners should start by ordering Har Gow (shrimp dumpling), Siu Mai (pork dumpling), Char Siu Bao (steamed BBQ pork buns), and Cheung Fun (rice noodle rolls) to experience the essential steamed classics. For texture, add Ham Sui Gok (fried glutinous rice dumpling) and Dan Tat (egg custard tart). These six dishes provide a balanced, representative introduction to dim sum flavors and styles for a group of 2-4 people in Richmond.

Etiquette, Tipping, and Final Tips for a Great Dim Sum Experience

Knowing a few unwritten rules will make your meal smoother and more respectful of the culture.

Basic Dim Sum Etiquette

• Sharing is Fundamental: All dishes are placed in the center of the table and meant to be shared. Use the serving spoons or chopsticks provided. Never eat directly from the communal plate.
• Tea Pouring Protocol: Always pour tea for others before filling your own cup. The silent "thank you" is to tap your index and middle fingers lightly on the table twice when someone pours for you.
• Chopstick Manners: Don't stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice (it resembles incense for the dead). Don't use them to point or spear food. Rest them on the chopstick rest or across your plate.
• Getting Servers' Attention: A raised hand or saying "excuse me" is fine. In busier places, making eye contact is often enough. Avoid yelling or waving frantically.

Tipping, Payment, and Logistics

• Tipping: The standard tip in Vancouver restaurants is 15-20% for good service. Dim sum is no different. The bill is typically brought to the table. You can pay at the table with card or cash, or sometimes you take the bill to a front counter. Our tip calculator makes this easy.
• Timing: Weekend lunch (10:30 AM - 2:00 PM) is prime time. Be prepared for a wait, especially at top spots. Going right at opening or on a weekday is less crowded.
• Planning Your Visit: Use TransLink to plan your trip. Many Richmond dim sum restaurants are near SkyTrain stations or major bus routes. Parking can be tight in mall lots, so allow extra time.
• Dietary Needs: While menus are vast, communicating complex allergies can be challenging. Vegetarian options exist (like steamed vegetable buns or tofu skin rolls), but broths and sauces often contain meat products. When in doubt, ask.

Finally, relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Dim sum is meant to be leisurely and social. Don't rush. Order in waves, sip your tea, and try something new. If you're organizing a large family gathering or office event, some of these restaurants also offer catering platters. For insights on handling big orders, see our guide on What Vancouver Catering Companies Handle Large Office Orders. For more information on balanced eating, you can refer to Health Canada's food nutrition guidelines.

Summary: Key dim sum etiquette includes pouring tea for others before yourself, tapping the table to thank someone for pouring, and sharing all dishes family-style. Tip 15-20% on the total bill, which typically includes a per-person tea charge. For the best experience, arrive before 11:30 AM on weekends to avoid long waits, and use public transit via TransLink to navigate Richmond's busy restaurant districts.

Key Takeaway

To successfully order dim sum in Richmond, BC, visit a beginner-friendly restaurant like Fisherman's Terrace or Kirin during weekend lunch. Choose between pointing to dishes on rolling carts or marking a paper checklist menu. Start your meal with essential dishes like Har Gow, Siu Mai, and Char Siu Bao, share everything family-style, and remember to pour tea for others. Expect to spend $25-$40 per person for a fulfilling experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to go for dim sum in Richmond?

The absolute best time for the full experience and largest selection is on a Saturday or Sunday between 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM. This is peak "yum cha" time. If you want to avoid crowds, try a weekday or go right when the restaurant opens. Be prepared for a wait at popular spots like Sea Harbour or Empire Seafood during peak hours.

How much does dim sum cost per person in Richmond?

For a satisfying meal where you try a variety of dishes, expect to spend between $25 and $40 per person before tax and tip. Premium restaurants like Kirin or Chef Tony can be closer to $40-$ 50. The price is determined by the number and type of small plates you order, with dishes typically ranging from $6 for basic steamed items to $12+ for specialty or larger plates.

What's the difference between cart service and checklist ordering?

Cart service is the traditional method where servers bring food on carts to your table for you to select visually. It's interactive and fun but relies on what's available as carts pass by. Checklist ordering involves marking items on a paper menu, which is then given to the kitchen. This ensures you get exactly what you want and it's made fresh to order, but lacks the theatrical cart element.

I'm vegetarian. Can I find good dim sum in Richmond?

Yes, but options are more limited as traditional dim sum is meat and seafood-heavy. Look for specific vegetarian items like steamed vegetable buns (Chai Bao), fried tofu skin rolls, vegetarian spring rolls, steamed rice noodle rolls with mushrooms, and pan-fried turnip cake (Lo Bak Go). Always inform the server of your dietary restriction, as some sauces may contain oyster sauce or meat broth.

How do I ask for the bill when I'm done?

In cart service restaurants, you will have a paper card on your table that has been stamped for each dish you took. To get the bill, you can either take this card to the front cashier yourself, or signal a server and they will tally it for you at the table. In checklist restaurants, you ask a server for the bill as you would in any other restaurant.

Is it okay to go for dim sum alone?

While dim sum is a social meal centered around sharing, it is perfectly acceptable to go alone. You will have a smaller selection, but you can still enjoy a few key dishes. Checklist ordering might be easier for a solo diner. Sitting at a smaller table or even the bar area is common. It's a great way to enjoy the food at your own pace.

What should I do if I don't like a dish that arrives on a cart?

If a server shows you a dish and you are unsure, it is perfectly fine to decline by saying "no, thank you" or shaking your head. You are never obligated to take something from a cart. Once a dish is placed on your table and stamped on your card, however, you will be charged for it, so look before you agree.

References

[1] Tourism Richmond, "Richmond Dining Guide," 2026. Official guide to Richmond's Asian restaurant scene and food courts. https://www.visitrichmondbc.com/eat-drink/

[2] TransLink, "SkyTrain and Bus Network," 2026. Metro Vancouver public transit routes connecting food neighborhoods across the region. https://www.translink.ca/

[3] Richmond Night Market, "Official Website," 2026. Seasonal night market information including dates, vendors, and food stalls. https://richmondnightmarket.com/

[4] Destination British Columbia, "Travel Guide," 2026. Official BC tourism information including itineraries and seasonal guides. https://www.hellobc.com/