The Art of Dim Sum: A Culinary Tradition Worth Exploring
Dim sum, which translates to “touch the heart” in Cantonese, represents one of the most beloved culinary traditions from Southern China. These small, carefully crafted dishes are meant to be shared, creating a communal dining experience that brings people together. The tradition of yum cha — literally “drink tea” — pairs these bite-sized delights with fragrant Chinese tea, creating a meal that’s as much about conversation and connection as it is about food.
In Dhaka, Chows at Banani has mastered this art with remarkable authenticity. Every dim sum item is handmade by skilled chefs who have trained in traditional Cantonese recipes passed down through generations. The result is a dim sum experience that rivals what you’d find in Hong Kong or Guangzhou — right here in the heart of Banani.
Classic Dim Sum Dishes at Chows
Chows offers an extensive dim sum menu that covers all the classics and several specialty items. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout dishes:
Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings)
Har gow is the hallmark of any quality dim sum restaurant — and at Chows, it’s executed beautifully. These translucent crystal-skin dumplings are filled with fresh, plump shrimp and wrapped by hand. The wrapper should be thin enough to see the pink shrimp through it, yet strong enough to hold together when you pick it up with chopsticks. Each bite delivers a satisfying snap of fresh seafood, with a hint of sesame oil and white pepper.
Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns)
These fluffy steamed buns are filled with sweet and savory Cantonese barbecued pork. Chows prepares their char siu bao from scratch, creating perfectly light dough that encases tender, flavorful filling. The pork is marinated in a traditional char siu sauce made with honey, five-spice powder, and soy sauce, then roasted until caramelized. The contrast between the soft bun and the rich filling is irresistible.
Steamed Rice Rolls (Cheung Fun)
Steamed rice rolls feature silky-smooth rice noodle sheets wrapped around fillings such as shrimp, beef, or BBQ pork, then drizzled with a sweetened soy sauce. These rolls showcase the subtle elegance of Cantonese dim sum — the texture is incredibly smooth, and the filling provides just enough flavor to complement the delicate noodle wrapper.
Siu Mai (Pork and Shrimp Dumplings)
Siu mai are open-topped dumplings filled with a mixture of pork, shrimp, and mushrooms. At Chows, these are topped with a small dot of crab roe or a single green pea for color. They’re steamed until the filling is juicy and flavorful, making them one of the most popular items on the dim sum menu.
Egg Tarts (Dan Tat)
No dim sum meal is complete without egg tarts. Chows’ version features a flaky, buttery pastry shell filled with a smooth, creamy egg custard. Served warm, they’re the perfect sweet ending to a dim sum feast.
The Dim Sum Experience at Chows
Every dim sum item at Chows is prepared to order, ensuring peak freshness and quality. The restaurant uses traditional bamboo steamers, which not only look beautiful but also help maintain the ideal moisture level for each type of dumpling. The dim sum menu is available daily from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
For a complete look at the dim sum selection, visit the dim sum page. If you’re new to dim sum, our first-timer’s guide to ordering Cantonese dim sum will help you navigate the menu like a pro.
Dim Sum for Every Occasion
Dim sum is incredibly versatile. It works for a casual weekend brunch with friends, a family celebration, a business lunch, or even a romantic dinner. The sharing format encourages conversation and makes the meal feel special without being formal. At Chows, the dim sum experience is elevated by the restaurant’s elegant setting and attentive service. Planning a full meal? See our guide to the best Chinese restaurant in Banani for the complete picture.
The restaurant also offers dim sum platters for groups, which is a great way to sample a wide variety of dishes without ordering individually. These platters are popular for corporate lunches and family gatherings.
Why Chows Dim Sum Stands Out
In a city where dim sum options are growing, Chows stands out for its commitment to authenticity. The chefs follow traditional Cantonese recipes and techniques, using high-quality ingredients and time-honored methods. There are no shortcuts here — every dumpling is wrapped by hand, every bun is steamed to perfection, and every dish is prepared with care. New to dim sum? Our first-timer’s guide to ordering dim sum shows you exactly what to pick.
For more about what makes Chows different from other restaurants in Dhaka, check out our article on what makes Chows unique.
What Dim Sum Costs at Chows
Dim sum at Chows is priced per piece, so it is easy to build a meal around your appetite and budget. Most guests spend BDT 800-1,500 per person when they combine three or four dim sum varieties with a main course, and individual mains typically run BDT 400-800. Ordering three to four varieties per person is the sweet spot for a first visit, and the staff can suggest a balanced mix of steamed, fried and sweet items. Browse the full Chows menu before you arrive, and reserve a table for weekend yum cha, when the dining room fills fastest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Chows serve dim sum?
Chows serves dim sum daily from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM at their Banani, Dhaka location. Unlike some restaurants that only serve dim sum during lunch hours, Chows offers the full dim sum menu throughout the day, making it easy to enjoy your favorites whenever the craving strikes.
Are dim sum items made fresh at Chows?
Yes, all dim sum at Chows is handmade and prepared fresh to order. The chefs wrap each dumpling by hand using traditional techniques, and dishes are steamed just before serving. This commitment to freshness is what gives Chows’ dim sum its distinctive quality and flavor.
How many dim sum varieties should I order per person?
Chows recommends ordering 3 to 4 varieties per person for a satisfying dim sum meal. If you’re dining in a group, ordering 5 to 6 varieties ensures everyone gets to try a good mix of flavors and textures. The staff can help you choose a balanced selection based on your group’s preferences and appetite.
Is dim sum available all day at Chows?
Yes. The full dim sum menu is served daily from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM, so you can order har gow, siu mai and char siu bao for lunch, an afternoon snack or dinner — not only during traditional yum cha hours.
Can I order dim sum for a group or office lunch?
Yes. Dim sum platters let a table sample many dishes without ordering individually, which makes them a popular choice for corporate lunches and family gatherings. For larger groups, book ahead through the reservations page so the kitchen can prepare the platters fresh.