Your Complete Dim Sum Menu Guide for Chows Banani
Walking into a Cantonese restaurant and facing a dim sum menu can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to this style of dining. At Chows in Banani, Dhaka, our dim sum selection follows authentic Cantonese traditions with flavors crafted by experienced chefs. This guide walks you through 15 must-try dishes so you can order with confidence on your next visit.
Why Dim Sum at Chows Is Different
Dim sum at Chows is prepared fresh daily using traditional Cantonese techniques. Unlike many restaurants that rely on frozen or pre-packaged items, our kitchen hand-makes dumplings, rolls, and buns each morning. This commitment to freshness is what makes the dim sum experience at Chows stand out among Chinese restaurants in Banani and across Dhaka.
The 15 Must-Try Dim Sum Dishes
1. Har Gow (Crystal Shrimp Dumplings)
Har gow is the gold standard of dim sum. Translucent wheat starch wrappers encase plump, juicy shrimp. At Chows, we fold each dumpling by hand, ensuring the wrapper is thin enough to see the pink shrimp through it. This dish is the first thing Cantonese dim sum masters judge a restaurant by, and it is where we take the most pride.
2. Siu Mai (Pork and Shrimp Dumplings)
Open-topped and wrapped in a thin yellow wonton skin, siu mai combines ground pork and shrimp in a compact, flavorful bite. Our version includes a touch of crab roe on top for added richness. Siu mai pairs beautifully with Chinese mustard or chili oil for those who enjoy a little heat.
3. Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns)
These fluffy steamed buns are filled with sweet and savory barbecued pork. The dough is light and airy, created through proper proofing techniques that our bakers have perfected over years. When you break open a warm char siu bao, the aromatic filling inside is pure Cantonese comfort food.
4. Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls)
Silky rice noodle sheets rolled around fillings like shrimp, beef, or char siu, then drizzled with a sweet soy sauce. Cheung fun showcases the delicate art of Cantonese rice noodle making. At Chows, the rice rolls are steamed to order, arriving at your table soft and warm.
5. Turnip Cake (Lo Bak Go)
A savory pan-fried cake made from shredded daikon radish and rice flour, studded with dried shrimp and Chinese sausage. The exterior crisps up beautifully while the interior stays soft and custardy. This is a classic dim sum staple that pairs well with a pot of Chinese tea.
6. Spring Rolls
Crispy golden wrappers filled with a mixture of vegetables and sometimes shrimp. Our spring rolls are fried to order, ensuring the crunch lasts from the first bite to the last. They are a perfect starter while you wait for your steamed selections to arrive.
7. Phoenix Claws (Feng Zhao)
Chicken feet braised in a rich black bean and abalone sauce until they become meltingly tender. This is an authentic Cantonese delicacy that may look unusual but delivers incredible flavor and texture. It is a dish that separates authentic dim sum restaurants from casual ones.
8. Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce
Tender pork spare ribs steamed with fermented black beans, garlic, and chili. The slow steaming process keeps the meat juicy while allowing the bold flavors to penetrate. This dish is a perennial favorite among our regular dim sum guests.
9. Egg Tarts (Dan Tat)
Flaky pastry shells holding a smooth, sweet egg custard. Chows makes both the Hong Kong-style flaky version and the Macau-style cookie crust version. The custard should wobble slightly when the tart is moved, a sign of perfect baking technique.
10. Steamed BBQ Pork Buns (Baked Version)
Unlike the steamed char siu bao, these baked versions have a golden, slightly sweet crust with the same delicious BBQ pork filling inside. The contrast between the crispy top and soft interior makes this a must-order for any dim sum table.
11. Wonton Noodle Soup
While technically a main dish, many dim sum tables order a bowl of wonton noodle soup to share. Our shrimp wontons are wrapped in thin skins and served in a clear, flavorful broth with springy egg noodles. This is comfort food at its finest.
12. Ma Lai Go (Malaysian Sponge Cake)
A tall, fluffy brown sugar sponge cake with a distinctive honeycomb texture. The cake is steamed rather than baked, giving it an incredibly light and moist crumb. It is the traditional dim sum dessert and a perfect way to end your meal.
13. Tri-Color Dumplings
Three different colored dumplings — spinach green, beetroot pink, and classic white — each with a unique filling. This visually stunning dish is popular with families and adds color to any dim sum spread. The flavors are as vibrant as the colors.
14. Deep-Fried Squid
Tender squid pieces coated in a light batter and deep-fried until golden. Served with a salt and pepper seasoning, this dish adds a textural contrast to the mostly steamed dim sum selection. It is especially popular with younger diners.
15. Mango Pudding
A silky, refreshing dessert made from fresh mango puree and cream. Served chilled with a drizzle of evaporated milk, mango pudding is the perfect palate cleanser after a rich dim sum feast. Our version uses real mango, not artificial flavoring.
How to Order Dim Sum at Chows
The traditional way to enjoy dim sum is yum cha style — ordering multiple small dishes to share across the table. For a table of four, we recommend ordering 6 to 8 dishes, mixing steamed, fried, and baked items. Start with lighter dishes like har gow and cheung fun, then move to heartier options like spare ribs and char siu bao. Finish with egg tarts and mango pudding. The tea side of the meal is covered in our guide to yum cha and Cantonese tea culture.
Best Time for Dim Sum at Chows
Dim sum is traditionally a morning and lunchtime affair, but at Chows we serve our full dim sum menu throughout the day. Weekday lunch (12 PM to 2 PM) offers the quietest experience. Weekend brunch between 11 AM and 1 PM tends to be livelier and more festive, which many guests prefer for the authentic yum cha atmosphere. Still deciding where to eat? Our roundup of the best Cantonese dim sum in Dhaka covers what to look for before you book.
Reserve Your Dim Sum Experience
To ensure your preferred dishes are available, especially on weekends, we recommend making a reservation. Our dim sum menu is extensive, and certain specialties like phoenix claws and egg tarts sell out during peak hours. Book your table online or call us directly to arrange your dim sum feast at Chows Banani.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dim sum cost at Chows?
Dim sum prices at Chows vary by dish. Individual items typically range from affordable to moderate, and a full dim sum meal for two people with tea costs a reasonable amount. We recommend ordering 4 to 6 dishes per person for a satisfying experience.
Is dim sum available all day at Chows?
Yes, Chows serves the full dim sum menu daily from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM. However, certain specialty items may sell out during peak weekend hours, so arriving early or making a reservation is recommended.
Can I order dim sum for takeaway?
Yes, Chows offers dim sum for takeaway. Steamed items travel best within 30 minutes of preparation. For larger orders or special occasions, contact us in advance to arrange a fresh dim sum platter.
What is the best dim sum for first-timers?
For first-time dim sum diners, we recommend starting with har gow (shrimp dumplings), char siu bao (BBQ pork buns), and siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings). These three dishes represent the core of Cantonese dim sum and give you a well-rounded introduction to the cuisine.
Does Chows offer vegetarian dim sum?
Yes, Chows has several vegetarian dim sum options including vegetable spring rolls, turnip cake, and tri-color dumplings with vegetable fillings. Our staff can guide you through the vegetarian selections on the menu.