The 5 Best Dim Sum Places in Oahu

Howdy, fellow Oahu dim sum lovers!

Let me tell you, I made a huge mistake once – visiting Oahu without trying the legendary dim sum. Well, not anymore! As a self-proclaimed food enthusiast who’s been studying and researching this topic for years now, I decided to embark on an unforgettable dining adventure with my boyfriend in search of the best dim sum that Oahu has to offer.

You see, Honolulu’s Chinatown is one of the largest in the US and boasts an impressive variety of mouthwatering Asian cuisine. For those who crave the taste of authentic dishes like egg custard tarts or stuffed look fun – this place is heaven on earth.

Now, if you’re anything like me – passionate about food and eager to try new experiences – this article will be right up your alley. Together we’ll explore some hidden gems and popular hotspots where amazing flavors meet incredible ambiance.

Warning: Once you find your favorite dim sum spot in Oahu, you might start planning your visits just for the chance to indulge again!

Let’s learn everything there is to know about finding that perfect bite of dim sum in beautiful Oahu!

What Will I Learn? show

Jade Dynasty – Best Dim Sum in Ala Moana

If you’re close to Ala Moana, drop by Jade Dynasty for lunch, as they have an incredible range of authentic and traditional dim sum items on their menu. However, Jade gets packed on the weekend, so drop by during the week to avoid the crowds.

The dim sum at Jade Dynasty includes nearly 50 items, from which some favourites are their signature jade-coloured shrimp and chive buns and the Snow Mountain char siu buns steamed to achieve the pillow-soft exterior.

We recommend trying their monthly special dim sums, featuring a delicious combo of dishes, the sesame shrimp mousse and the chiu chow dumplings.

The dim sum at Jade Dynasty is so popular that they double staff for the weekend crowd, so dine here for the best dim sum in Oahu.

The restaurant is ideal for families and large groups to eat.
You can stop by here after shopping in the Ala Moana Shopping Center.
Their staff is efficient, and the dim sum rolls out quickly.

Address: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd, Oahu.

Legend Seafood – Best Dim Sum in Chinatown Honolulu

Offering Cantonese-style food from the heart of Chinatown since 1990, Legends Seafood is a Honolulu institution for its authentic recipes passed down generations and the best dim sum in Chinatown Honolulu. They roll out dim sum carts quickly and efficiently at Legend’s, so every diner can try the variety.

From their terrific dim sum, some house favourites are the steamed lotus sticky rice, pan-fried turnip cake, curried tendon, and oven-fresh dan tat. And as the name suggests, Legend’s has incredible seafood, so try their dishes made from fresh catch.

Don’t miss Legend’s Seafood when you visit Chinatown, because:

Come late on weekend mornings for the best dim sum brunch.
The area gets packed, but you can park in the plaza of the Chinese Cultural Center.
Their dim sum has the most reasonable prices for the quality of food.

Address: 100 N Beretania St Ste 108 Chinese Cultural Plaza, Honolulu, Oahu.

Tim Ho Wan – Best Dim Sum in Waikiki

A famous Hong Kong dim sum chain with restaurants worldwide, and a Michelin star holder, Tim Ho Wan, sets the bar high for future dim sum restaurants in Oahu. You can find it inside the Royal Hawaiian Center, with comfortable indoor and outdoor seating.

Tim Ho Wan’s dim sum menu is unmatched, as they feature fusion dishes and even Hawaiian specials like the pan-fried black rice mochi with a pineapple filling and steamed fish bundles served with fresh pineapples.

Other traditional dim sum items include the lotus leaf sticky rice, bbq pork buns, shrimp-stuffed bean curd, and deep-fried eggplant with shrimp – bursting with flavours so good you’re bound to end up in a food coma.

We loved Tim Ho Wan’s less-than-traditional take on dim sum, as theirs is undoubtedly one of the best in Oahu.

Their fine dining experience is pricey but worth the high-quality food.
There’s ample parking inside the Royal Hawaiian Village.
Their staff is friendly and efficient.

Address: 2233 Kalakaua Ave Suite B-303, Honolulu, Oahu.

Happy Days Chinese Seafood Restaurant

Running in Honolulu for the past 20 years, Happy Days is an award-winning local favourite for their traditional dim sum that comes out the classic way in carts. Walking into the restaurant reveals a strong Asian-inspired interior which transports you to an eatery in China.

Drop by the restaurant during lunch to sample their terrific dim sum, featuring favourites like sweet and sour pork, chicken cake noodles with red vinegar, shrimp with scallops, and a mochi rice pouch.

In addition, their dim sum gets prepared by expert chefs who use authentic recipes and techniques to give the dim sum its distinct flavour.

We’ve become fans of Happy Days after trying their food.

Their dinner menu has tasty options like Chinese broccoli and Singaporean rice.
They serve fresh fish and whole lobsters, which you need to order in advance.
There’s a lot behind the restaurant for easy parking.

Address: 3553 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, Oahu.

Fook Lam Seafood Restaurant

Located inside the same Cultural Center as Legend Seafood, Fook Lam is another local favourite spot and institution for dim sum in Oahu. They roll out carts laden with dim sum like cars on a race course, so flag one as soon as it comes to your table and pile it high.

Their dim sum features classics like Xiao long bao (soup dumplings), seafood and chives dim sum, steamed custard buns, siu mai, and har gow. Biting into the food feels like getting transported across umami flavours and soft textures, each better than the last.

You’ll love the casual vibe at Fook Lam’s, and the best dim sum in Oahu definitely comes from their kitchens.

Every item on their dim sum menu is prepared fresh and from scratch.
Their servers are attentive despite the lunch rush hours.

Address: 100 N Beretania St Ste 100 Chinese Cultural Plaza, Honolulu, Oahu.

Wrap-Up: Best Dim Sum Place in Oahu

Being home to Chinatown in Honolulu gives Oahu leverage in having the best dim sum on the islands. You’ll find professional chefs preparing dim sum in most places, with decade-old recipes that deliver on flavour and authenticity.

So if you’re craving dim sum on your next trip to Oahu, head to the places mentioned in this list and find your new favourite one.

FAQ

What makes Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant one of the best dim sum restaurants in Honolulu?

Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant is considered one of the best dim sum restaurants in Honolulu because it offers a wide variety of nearly 50 authentic and traditional menu items, including their signature jade-colored shrimp and chive buns and Snow Mountain char siu buns.

Can you recommend any good dim sum restaurants around Chinatown Cultural Plaza?

Legend Seafood and Fook Lam Seafood Restaurant are two excellent dim sum restaurants located at Chinatown Cultural Plaza. They both offer an impressive selection of delicious dim sum dishes prepared fresh daily using authentic recipes and techniques.

Where can I try some unique variations of char siu in downtown Honolulu?

You can find amazing char siu dishes at Tim Ho Wan, a Michelin-starred Hong Kong chain restaurant located in downtown Honolulu. Known for its innovative fusion creations like pan-fried black rice mochi with pineapple filling, Tim Ho Wan also serves flavorful traditional barbecue pork buns (char siu).

What is Mei Sum known for when it comes to offering dim sum experiences?

Mei Sum is known for serving fantastic Chinese cuisine, particularly in terms of ordering scrumptious dim sum offerings like pork hash or chicken feet. The restaurant uses only fresh ingredients to create an outstanding culinary experience that delights diners.

Are there any must-try roast duck dishes at Oahu’s top-rated Dim Sum places?

At Happy Days Chinese Seafood Restaurant, which has been operating in Honolulu for over 20 years, you can find delectable roast duck dishes alongside their award-winning traditional cart-served dim sums such as sweet and sour pork or chicken cake noodles with red vinegar.

Is Tim Ho Wan among the best Dim Sum Restaurants on Oahu?

Yes, Tim Ho Wan is renowned as one of the finest pop dim sum restaurants on Oahu. It’s a Michelin-starred Hong Kong chain known for creating high-quality, innovative fusion dishes and providing exceptional customer service.

What are some popular dim sum items at Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant in Ala Moana?

Popular dim sum options at Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant include their signature jade-colored shrimp and chive buns, Snow Mountain char siu buns, sesame shrimp mousse, and chiu chow dumplings. The restaurant is also ideal for families and large groups to enjoy a memorable dining experience.

Where can I find Char Hung Sut in downtown Honolulu?

Char Hung Sut is located near Honolulu’s bustling Chinatown area. This iconic eatery has been serving delicious Chinese food since 1945, including outstanding manapua (steamed bao) filled with sweet char siu pork or other fillings like chicken or vegetables.

Last Updated on May 6, 2023 by Brigitte