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For youDiningMoviesEventsComedy

Chennai Just Discovered Its Dim Sum Side

Author AvatarDistrict
·
Oct 19, 2026
·
8 min

Small baskets, big cravings.

dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Chennai Just Discovered Its Dim Sum Side - img1
Let's address the elephant in the room: Chennai and dim sum sound like an unlikely pair, right? A city that runs on filter coffee, dosas, and an unwavering loyalty to its Kancheepuram idlis, suddenly making room for delicate steamed parcels from halfway across the continent? And yet, here we are.Before you picture just one dish, let's bust a myth first: dim sum isn't a single food, it's an entire category.Dim sum refers to a style of traditional Chinese cuisine made up of small, bite-sized dishes served in steamer baskets or on small plates, think dumplings, buns, rolls, and everything in between. And somewhere along the way, this "touch the heart" tradition (yes, that's what the name roughly translates to) traveled all the way from the teahouses of Guangzhou to the bustling lanes of Chennai, and the city decided to keep it.So grab your chopsticks (or your fork, no judgment), pick your favorite dip, and let's steam, bite, and devour our way through the city's best dim sum stops. Team classic veg dumpling or team "I'll try the exotic-sounding one on the menu," there's a basket with your name on it.

At a glance

Pan Asian - ITC Grand Chola

Pan Asian - ITC Grand Chola

Japanese • ₹3700 for two

ITC Grand Chola, Guindy

Vibe CheckLuxury Dining, Live Kitchen, Elegant InteriorsWhat To OrderXiang Gu Jiao, Lotus Stem and Asparagus, Bucai Bao
Soy Soi

Soy Soi

Japanese • ₹2600 for two

Kotturpuram, Chennai

Vibe CheckContemporary Fine Dining, Amber-Glow Lighting, Gluten-Free Options, Large-Group SeatingWhat To OrderSichuan Chicken Wanton, Tom Yum Xiao Long Soup Dimsum, Edamame Truffle Dumplings
YouMee

YouMee

Chinese • ₹2200 for two

Express Avenue Mall, Royapettah

Vibe CheckJapanese Manga-Inspired, Comic-Strip Wall Murals, Traditional Asian Colour PaletteWhat To OrderNew York Cheese and Chilli Oil, Thai Flavoured Asparagus, Edamame Truffle Oil
Little Soi

Little Soi

Chinese • ₹2400 for two

Annanagar Arch

Vibe CheckSeasonal Concept Menus, Multi-Country Culinary, Live Cooking CountersWhat To OrderTruffle Edamame and Cream Cheese Dumplings, Shanghai Vegetable Dumpling, Spring Vegetable Cheung Fung
VB World By Namma Veedu Vasanta Bhavan

VB World By Namma Veedu Vasanta Bhavan

South Indian • ₹1300 for two

Saligramam, Chennai

Vibe CheckFood Hall Vibe, Tub Chair Seating, Multi-CuisineWhat To OrderDimsum Tasting Sampler, Orient Mixed Veg, Truffle Mushroom and Podi Cream Cheese
Zhouyu ECR - A Chinese | Asian Kitchen

Zhouyu ECR - A Chinese | Asian Kitchen

Chinese • ₹1200 for two

East Coast Road (ECR), Chennai

Vibe CheckDouble-Height Glass Window Seating, Family-Friendly, Booth SeatingWhat To OrderSpicy Tofu, Lotus Stem and Celery, Pumpkin and Scallion Dumplings
Mainland China

Mainland China

Chinese • ₹2000 for two

Cenotaph Road

Vibe CheckSpacious, Glass Partitions, Private Dining Area, Large Group SeatingWhat To OrderCorn and Water Chestnut Dumpling, Thai Style Vegetable Dumpling, Prawn Hargoa Dimsum
Tea Villa Cafe

Tea Villa Cafe

Continental • ₹1200 for two

T. Nagar, Chennai

Vibe CheckExtensive Tea & Beverage Bar, Open until 2 AM, High Stool SeatingWhat To OrderMatcha Moringa Dimsum, Beetroot Dimsum, Black Truffle Cheese Dimsum
Nasi And Mee

Nasi And Mee

Chinese • ₹1900 for two

Nungambakkam, Chennai

Vibe CheckVibrant Pan-Asian Cafe Vibe, Family-Friendly, Gunmetal Steel ChairsWhat To OrderSzechuan Chilli Dumplings, Prawn Har Gao, Buttery Mushroom and Chestnut Dumplings
Golden Dragon - Taj Coromandel

Golden Dragon - Taj Coromandel

Chinese • ₹3000 for two

Taj Coromandel, Nungambakkam

Vibe CheckClassic Imperial Chinese Cuisine, Intimate Lighting, Live Music, Chinese TeasWhat To OrderChicken Siu Mai, Lamb Gyoza, Mushroom and Cheese

Pan Asian - ITC Grand Chola

₹3700 for two • Japanese • Chinese

ITC Grand Chola, Guindy

Stepping into Pan Asian at ITC Grand Chola feels like walking into a lavish Asian-inspired gallery, with sleek wood panelling and crimson glass accents framing the dining room. Opened in 2012, the restaurant brings Chinese, Japanese and East Asian flavours together under one roof, with an incredibly diverse, high-end menu featuring top-tier steamed, pan-fried and baked dim sums.Look out for its selection of dim sums alongside favourites like Ebi Tempura Maki and Massaman Lamb Shanks, then settle in for a leisurely meal where the grand setting is part of the experience.Vibe Check: Luxury Dining, Live Kitchen, Elegant InteriorsWhat To Order: Xiang Gu Jiao, Lotus Stem and Asparagus, Bucai Bao
Flat 10% OFF
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Pan Asian - ITC Grand Chola - img1
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Pan Asian - ITC Grand Chola - img2
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Pan Asian - ITC Grand Chola - img3

Soy Soi

₹2600 for two • Japanese • Thai

Kotturpuram, Chennai

Step into Soy Soi in Kotturpuram and feel like you’ve wandered right onto a sleek, ultra-stylish movie set that is hopelessly obsessed with Asian night markets. If you’re craving dim sums with a little more Southeast Asian character, this should be your pick. Its menu is built on research across more than 100 kitchens in six countries, so you’ll find traditional regional recipes and bold flavours instead of the usual pan-Asian mix.Come hungry and sample your way through its steamed and pan-fried dim sums, or time your visit around one of its limited-time unlimited dim sum hi-teas for a proper dumpling fix.Editor's Note: Check out the weekday Indonesian Rijsttafel spread for a wider Southeast Asian feast.Vibe Check: Contemporary Fine Dining, Amber-Glow Lighting, Gluten-Free Options, Large-Group SeatingWhat To Order: Sichuan Chicken Wanton, Tom Yum Xiao Long Soup Dimsum, Edamame Truffle Dumplings
Bank benefits
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Soy Soi - img1
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Soy Soi - img2
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Soy Soi - img3
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Soy Soi - img4
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Soy Soi - img5

YouMee

₹2200 for two • Chinese • Japanese

Express Avenue Mall, Royapettah

If you like your dim sums with a playful twist, YouMee gives the classic basket a contemporary Pan-Asian makeover. Step inside and you’ll find a colourful, Japanese Manga-inspired setting, with comic-style illustrations and panels covering the walls. The dim sums follow the same fun approach, moving beyond traditional fillings with combinations like broccoli and almond, molten cream cheese, truffle oil and house-made chilli oils.Order a few baskets to share and don’t skip the Sichuan chilli oil and Sriracha jam, which add extra heat and punch to the dumplings.Vibe Check: Japanese Manga-Inspired, Comic-Strip Wall Murals, Traditional Asian Colour PaletteWhat To Order: New York Cheese and Chilli Oil, Thai Flavoured Asparagus, Edamame Truffle Oil
Flat 25% OFF
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - YouMee - img1
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - YouMee - img2
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - YouMee - img3
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - YouMee - img4

Little Soi

₹2400 for two • Chinese • Thai

Annanagar Arch

If you’re the kind of person who wants to order one more basket of dim sums just because you can, Little Soi is your pick. Its menu takes you across the street-food traditions of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Burma, Singapore and Korea, bringing dishes from multiple Asian cuisines together under one roof. The open kitchen adds to the experience, so you can watch woks catch fire and chefs steam fresh dim sums as you eat.For a proper dim sum feast, time your visit for the weekday lunch, which includes unlimited prawn, chicken and vegetarian dim sums, along with a select appetiser, main course and dessert.Vibe Check: Seasonal Concept Menus, Multi-Country Culinary, Live Cooking CountersWhat To Order: Truffle Edamame and Cream Cheese Dumplings, Shanghai Vegetable Dumpling, Spring Vegetable Cheung Fung
Bank benefits
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Little Soi - img1
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Little Soi - img2
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Little Soi - img3
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Little Soi - img4
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Little Soi - img5

VB World By Namma Veedu Vasanta Bhavan

₹1300 for two • South Indian • North Indian

Saligramam, Chennai

If your group can never agree on what to eat, VB World by Namma Veedu Vasanta Bhavan gives everyone plenty to choose from. Built on the legacy of Namma Veedu Vasanta Bhavan, established in 1974, the multi-cuisine vegetarian restaurant brings South Indian favourites together with global dishes under one roof.The dim sums are part of this global spread, with handcrafted vegetarian options served alongside live counters for other cuisines.Vibe Check: Food Hall Vibe, Tub Chair Seating, Multi-CuisineWhat To Order: Dimsum Tasting Sampler, Orient Mixed Veg, Truffle Mushroom and Podi Cream Cheese
Bank benefits
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - VB World By Namma Veedu Vasanta Bhavan - img1
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - VB World By Namma Veedu Vasanta Bhavan - img2
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - VB World By Namma Veedu Vasanta Bhavan - img3
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - VB World By Namma Veedu Vasanta Bhavan - img4

Zhouyu ECR - A Chinese | Asian Kitchen

₹1200 for two • Chinese

East Coast Road (ECR), Chennai

Planning a dim sum meal with the whole family or a work group? Zhouyu ECR - A Chinese | Asian Kitchen makes a comfortable pick, with private dining rooms for intimate celebrations, team lunches and corporate gatherings.Settle into a booth or by the windows and order the Chicken & Chives Dumplings or Lotus Stem & Celery Dim Sum, served in bamboo baskets with thin, translucent wrappers and tender fillings.Vibe Check: Double-Height Glass Window Seating, Family-Friendly, Booth SeatingWhat To Order: Spicy Tofu, Lotus Stem and Celery, Pumpkin and Scallion Dumplings
Flat 20% OFF
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Zhouyu ECR - A Chinese | Asian Kitchen - img1
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Zhouyu ECR - A Chinese | Asian Kitchen - img2
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Zhouyu ECR - A Chinese | Asian Kitchen - img3
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Zhouyu ECR - A Chinese | Asian Kitchen - img4

Mainland China

₹2000 for two • Chinese

Cenotaph Road

If you’re craving classic Chinese flavours with a few contemporary surprises, Mainland China gives you plenty to explore. The restaurant brings together familiar dim sum favourites like open-faced Siu Mai and classic Hargao with more modern creations, including truffle-infused dim sums and blue-pea elements that add a little flair to the basket. The sleek, mood-lit setting and private dining areas make it easy to settle in for a leisurely meal.For a bigger dim sum fix, look out for its Oriental lunch and dinner buffet, which includes unlimited dim sums alongside the wider spread.Vibe Check: Spacious, Glass Partitions, Private Dining Area, Large Group SeatingWhat To Order: Corn and Water Chestnut Dumpling, Thai Style Vegetable Dumpling, Prawn Hargoa Dimsum
Flat 10% OFF
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Mainland China - img1
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Mainland China - img2
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Mainland China - img3
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Mainland China - img4

Tea Villa Cafe

₹1200 for two • Continental

T. Nagar, Chennai

If you’re looking for a dim sum stop that gives you plenty more to explore, Tea Villa Cafe in Chennai has a seriously wide menu to work through. This late-night vegetarian cafe serves 300 dishes across 11 cuisines, alongside more than 100 beverage options, so you can easily turn a dim sum craving into a full meal. It also stays open until 2 AM, making it handy for post-dinner plans or those after-hours food runs.For something a little different, order the Matcha Moringa Dim Sum, a vibrant fusion creation with a distinctive green-hued wrapper infused with matcha and moringa.Vibe Check: Extensive Tea & Beverage Bar, Open until 2 AM, High Stool SeatingWhat To Order: Matcha Moringa Dimsum, Beetroot Dimsum, Black Truffle Cheese Dimsum
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Tea Villa Cafe - img1
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Tea Villa Cafe - img2
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Tea Villa Cafe - img3

Nasi And Mee

₹1900 for two • Chinese • Japanese

Nungambakkam, Chennai

If you want Southeast Asian street food that stays close to its hawker-stall roots, Nasi And Mee is worth adding to your list. Inspired by the founders’ childhood years in Southeast Asia, the menu focuses on authentic Malaysian, Singaporean and Indonesian favourites.The experience comes with its own little flavour boost too. Every basket is served with a house-made three-sauce platter featuring Roasted Chilli Paste, Vietnamese Chilli Sauce and Sambal, so you can mix, match and dial up the heat and umami to your liking. Pick this one when you’re in the mood for a bustling, neon-lit Singapore night-market feel.Vibe Check: Vibrant Pan-Asian Cafe Vibe, Family-Friendly, Gunmetal Steel ChairsWhat To Order: Szechuan Chilli Dumplings, Prawn Har Gao, Buttery Mushroom and Chestnut Dumplings
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Nasi And Mee - img1
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Nasi And Mee - img2
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Nasi And Mee - img3
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Nasi And Mee - img4
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Nasi And Mee - img5

Golden Dragon - Taj Coromandel

₹3000 for two • Chinese

Taj Coromandel, Nungambakkam

Step into Golden Dragon at Taj Coromandel for a Chinese dining experience rooted in Sichuan and Cantonese traditions. The menu brings together bold Sichuan flavours and refined Cantonese classics, with the Peking Duck and delicately pleated seafood dim sums standing out. Pair the food with polished service and an intimate setting for a sophisticated Chinese feast.Editor’s Note: Pair your dim sum and signature mains with the restaurant’s curated selection of artisanal Chinese teas and premium wines.Vibe Check: Classic Imperial Chinese Cuisine, Intimate Lighting, Live Music, Chinese TeasWhat To Order: Chicken Siu Mai, Lamb Gyoza, Mushroom and Cheese
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Golden Dragon - Taj Coromandel - img1
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Golden Dragon - Taj Coromandel - img2
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Golden Dragon - Taj Coromandel - img3
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Golden Dragon - Taj Coromandel - img4
dim sum, dim sum restaurants, dim sum places, chinese restaurants, chinese food, dumplings, steamed dumplings, bao, chinese cuisine - Golden Dragon - Taj Coromandel - img5
Your Chennai Dim Sum Cheat SheetGo Fancy First: Craving a proper five-star spread? Golden Dragon at Taj Coromandel and Pan Asian at ITC Grand Chola bring plush interiors and a menu built for celebrations.Mix It Up: Nasi And Mee, Tea Villa Cafe, and Zhouyu ECR pair their dim sum with a bigger pan-Asian spread, perfect if your table can't settle on just one cuisine.Desi Twist: VB World By Namma Veedu Vasanta Bhavan proves even Chennai's own can't resist putting a local spin on the trend.Whichever basket you land on, one thing is certain: Chennai's dim sum game is no longer a rumor. Download the District App to find more dining spots, book your table, and catch the latest offers.