What Is Dim Sum? The Beginner's Guide to South China's Traditional Brunch Meal Dim sum can be described as a classic Chinese food that is comprised of small portions of dumplings, as well as other snack food items, usually served by tea. Much like how the Spanish tapas are eaten and tapas, dim sum is served to friends and family. Dim sum is typically consumed at brunch time -- between lunchtime and late in the morning. A Brief History Today, dim sum is consumed throughout China as well as around the globe However, the dim sum dishes are believed to originate from the southern region of China's Guangdong region prior to reaching Hong Kong. According to the food publication Lucky Peach, Cantonese dim sum culture was first introduced to tearooms in the latter half of nineteenth century, in Guangzhou's port town. Guangzhou Guangzhou, which is the capital of Guangdong after opium -related dens were shut down across the nation. Silk Road traders and travelers would stop at teahouses to enjoy dim sum food. When they continued to travel and trade, the custom was able to expand and gain popularity acros s the region, with a particular focus the city of Hong Kong. Today, dim sum may be a mix of dishes and traditional Chinese cuisines from different parts of China. However, in the majority of cases the style of cooking is the same as it was in the past. Etiquette and Ordering How do you order dim sum? Start by choosing the tea you prefer, since it's the main element of your meal dim sum originated in tea houses, after all. If you wish to adhere to the customary manner of serving and protocol, the person near est to the teapot must serve tea to guests first before pouring their own cup. Pot not enough water? Lift the lid off and place it on top or the sides or the side. This is a standard signal to waiters you require to refill. When you order a meal in traditional dim sum restaurants can be an enjoyable and memorable experience that requires an eye for. The push carts are rolled from kitchens brimming with dumpling steamers and plates of fried food, and move through tables for customers. From your table, you can flag down the cart that contains the food you'd like to order as it passes through. W aiters will remove your selections from their carts, and will place your menu on the table with the items you've purchased. Nowadays, many contemporary dim sum establishments use check-lists like menu cards instead. Customers simply mark off the food items they would like to try and then wave their card up in the air prior to giving it to the server. What to Order Dim sum cuisine includes a variety of seafood vegetables, meat, and dishes which are prepared in a variety of ways, including fried, steamed or baked. Here's a list of the most loved dishes to help you start:
What Is Dim Sum? The Beginner's Guide to South China's Traditional Brunch Meal
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