Dim sum (点心, diǎnxīn) is one of the most iconic and beloved aspects of Chinese cuisine.
It is not just a meal but a cultural experience, traditionally enjoyed during brunch with tea in Cantonese-speaking regions. For expat students learning Mandarin, understanding dim sum vocabulary and common phrases is essential to fully enjoy this culinary tradition. In this post, we will explore key words, phrases, and example sentences to help you confidently order dim sum in Mandarin.
Popular Dim Sum Dishes
Dim sum includes a wide variety of small dishes, each with unique flavors and textures. Knowing their names in Mandarin will help you recognize them on menus or when ordering from a trolley.
- Shrimp dumplings (虾饺, xiā jiǎo) – Delicate steamed dumplings with shrimp filling, a classic favorite.
- Pork buns (叉烧包, chāshāo bāo) – Fluffy steamed buns filled with sweet barbecue pork.
- Rice noodle rolls (肠粉, chángfěn) – Soft rice sheets rolled around shrimp, pork, or vegetables, often drizzled with soy sauce.
- Turnip cake (萝卜糕, luóbo gāo) – Pan-fried savory cake made from shredded turnip and rice flour.
- Spring rolls (春卷, chūnjuǎn) – Crispy rolls filled with vegetables or meat, perfect for dipping in sauce.
- Egg tarts (蛋挞, dàn tǎ) – Sweet pastry with a creamy egg custard center, often served as dessert.
Example sentences:
- 我想点虾饺 (wǒ xiǎng diǎn xiā jiǎo) – I want to order shrimp dumplings.
- 给我一个叉烧包 (gěi wǒ yī ge chāshāo bāo) – Give me one pork bun.
- 这个肠粉很好吃 (zhè ge chángfěn hěn hǎo chī) – This rice noodle roll is very tasty.
- 我们可以尝尝萝卜糕吗？(wǒmen kěyǐ chángcháng luóbo gāo ma?) – Can we try the turnip cake?
- 小朋友喜欢蛋挞 (xiǎo péngyǒu xǐhuān dàn tǎ) – Kids love egg tarts.
Ordering Dim Sum at a Restaurant
When ordering dim sum, there are several polite phrases you can use to ensure your interaction is smooth and culturally appropriate.
- 我要这个 (wǒ yào zhè ge) – I want this one.
- 请给我们两份 (qǐng gěi wǒmen liǎng fèn) – Please give us two portions.
- 可以再加点吗？(kěyǐ zài jiā diǎn ma?) – Can we have a little more?
- 这个推荐吗？(zhè ge tuījiàn ma?) – Do you recommend this one?
- 请不要太辣 (qǐng bùyào tài là) – Please don’t make it too spicy.
Using these phrases will make you sound polite and confident, which is highly appreciated by Chinese servers and chefs.
Describing Taste and Texture
Being able to describe flavors and textures in Mandarin will help you express your preferences and engage in conversations about food.
- Sweet (甜, tián) – Common for egg tarts or sweet buns.
- Savory (咸, xián) – Many dim sum items are salty or savory.
- Spicy (辣, là) – Some fillings or dipping sauces can be spicy.
- Soft (软, ruǎn) – Often used to describe steamed buns or dumplings.
- Crispy (脆, cuì) – Typical for spring rolls or fried dim sum items.
Example sentences:
- 这个叉烧包很甜 (zhè ge chāshāo bāo hěn tián) – This pork bun is very sweet.
- 春卷脆脆的 (chūnjuǎn cuì cuì de) – The spring roll is crispy.
- 虾饺很软 (xiā jiǎo hěn ruǎn) – The shrimp dumpling is soft.
- 这个萝卜糕有点咸 (zhè ge luóbo gāo yǒudiǎn xián) – This turnip cake is a little salty.
- 我不喜欢太辣的肠粉 (wǒ bù xǐhuān tài là de chángfěn) – I don’t like rice noodle rolls that are too spicy.
Asking About Ingredients
If you have dietary restrictions or want to try something new safely, knowing how to ask about ingredients is essential.
- 这个里面有什么？(zhè ge lǐmiàn yǒu shénme?) – What is inside this?
- 有肉吗？(yǒu ròu ma?) – Does it have meat?
- 我不能吃辣 (wǒ bù néng chī là) – I can’t eat spicy food.
- 这是素的吗？(zhè shì sù de ma?) – Is this vegetarian?
- 可以加蛋吗？(kěyǐ jiā dàn ma?) – Can you add an egg?
Asking questions like these shows respect for your own dietary needs and helps you learn more about the local food culture.
Paying and Polite Expressions
Politeness is important in Chinese dining culture, and using the right expressions when paying or thanking the staff enhances your learning experience.
- 多少钱？(duōshǎo qián?) – How much is it?
- 给你钱 (gěi nǐ qián) – Here’s the money.
- 谢谢 (xièxiè) – Thank you.
- 不客气 (bù kèqì) – You’re welcome.
- 太好吃了！(tài hǎochī le!) – It’s so delicious!
Using these phrases allows you to practice natural Mandarin in real-life settings while showing cultural respect.
Vocabulary
- 点心 (diǎnxīn) – Dim sum
- 虾饺 (xiā jiǎo) – Shrimp dumplings
- 叉烧包 (chāshāo bāo) – Pork buns
- 肠粉 (chángfěn) – Rice noodle rolls
- 萝卜糕 (luóbo gāo) – Turnip cake
- 春卷 (chūnjuǎn) – Spring rolls
- 蛋挞 (dàn tǎ) – Egg tarts
- 甜 (tián) – Sweet
- 咸 (xián) – Savory
- 脆 (cuì) – Crispy
