Quick answer
NYC's dim sum scene offers a wide range of options, from budget-friendly to upscale, with prices ranging from $12 to $60 per person. Nan Xiang in Flushing stands out with its highly-rated soup dumplings, boasting 4.5 stars from over 7,000 reviews. Whether you prefer the classic cart service of Chinatown or the modern interpretations elsewhere, NYC has dim sum for every taste and budget.
- Best overall
- Nom Wah Tea Parlor
- Top pick
- Nom Wah Tea Parlor
Top verdicts
- Nom Wah Tea Parlor: Reservations possible weekdays; weekends are walk-in and the line forms around 11:30.
- Golden Unicorn: Sunday morning 10:30–noon is the cart-service prime; arrive at opening to skip the wait.
- House of Joy: Weekday lunch is much quieter than weekends; the kitchen runs a full Cantonese dinner menu after dim sum hours.
New York City's dim sum scene spans three boroughs and over a century of history. From the historic bend of Doyers Street in Manhattan's Chinatown to the sprawling banquet halls of Flushing, Queens, the city offers everything from traditional cart service to Michelin-recognized innovation.
Area map
All 12 spots at a glance
| # | Name | Style | Price | Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nom Wah Tea Parlor | restaurant | mid | 13 Doyers St, Chinatown |
| 2 | Golden Unicorn | restaurant | mid | 18 E Broadway, Chinatown |
| 3 | House of Joy | restaurant | mid | 28 Pell St, Chinatown |
| 4 | Dim Sum Go Go | restaurant | mid | 5 E Broadway, Chinatown |
| 5 | Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings | restaurant | mid | 39-16 Prince St, Flushing, Queens |
| 6 | Asian Jewels | restaurant | mid | 133-30 39th Ave, Flushing, Queens |
| 7 | Jing Fong | restaurant | mid | 202 Centre St, Manhattan |
| 8 | Tim Ho Wan | restaurant | mid | 85 4th Ave, East Village (also 610 9th Ave, Hell's Kitchen) |
| 9 | Hey Yuet 喜粤 | restaurant | budget | 251 W 26th St, Chelsea |
| 10 | Little Alley | restaurant | budget | 550 3rd Ave, Murray Hill |
| 11 | RedFarm | restaurant | budget | 2170 Broadway, Upper West Side (also 529 Hudson St, West Village) |
| 12 | Park Asia | restaurant | mid | 6521 8th Ave, Sunset Park, Brooklyn |
1Nom Wah Tea Parlor
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Historic order-by-card Chinatown dim sum
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 13 Doyers St, Chinatown
- Price / value
- $12–$20/person
- Why it made the list
- Doyers Street institution since 1920 — the city's oldest dim sum restaurant, now run by a third-generation family member doing classic Cantonese with menu cards instead of carts.
- What to order
- Original Egg Roll, har gow, shumai, and the pan-fried daily specials.
2Golden Unicorn
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Old-school cart-service dim sum
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 18 E Broadway, Chinatown
- Price / value
- $15–$25/person
- Why it made the list
- Three-story Chinatown banquet hall and one of the last true cart-service dim sum experiences in Manhattan — packed weekend brunches with steamers wheeled to the table.
- What to order
- Stop carts as they come: shrimp dumplings, BBQ pork buns, sticky rice in lotus leaf.
3House of Joy
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Quieter Chinatown dim sum
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 28 Pell St, Chinatown
- Price / value
- $12–$20/person
- Why it made the list
- Pell Street Chinatown spot doing solid Cantonese dim sum at a calmer pace than the Doyers Street giants — a useful when-you-want-no-line option.
- What to order
- Har gow, shumai, and the rice-noodle rolls (cheung fun) with soy.
4Dim Sum Go Go
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Modern Hong Kong-style dim sum
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 5 E Broadway, Chinatown
- Price / value
- $15–$22/person
- Why it made the list
- East Broadway restaurant pioneering Hong Kong-style hot dim sum since 2000 — fewer carts, more chef-led plates and tea pairings.
- What to order
- Pumpkin dumplings, the snow pea leaf dumplings, and the salt-and-pepper squid.
5Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Flushing xiao long bao
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 39-16 Prince St, Flushing, Queens
- Price / value
- $12–$18/person
- Why it made the list
- Flushing's xiao long bao destination — the move from a tiny Prince Street original to a larger 39th Avenue room only made the operation tighter.
- What to order
- Original pork XLB, crab-and-pork XLB, and the scallion pancake.
6Asian Jewels
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Hong Kong-scale Flushing yum cha
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 133-30 39th Ave, Flushing, Queens
- Price / value
- $15–$25/person
- Why it made the list
- Flushing banquet hall doing weekend cart-service dim sum on a scale Manhattan can't match — this is what Hong Kong yum cha looks like in NYC.
- What to order
- Stop carts liberally: shrimp dumplings, taro dumplings, and roasted suckling pig if it comes by.
7Jing Fong
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Classic Cantonese dim sum, post-move
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 202 Centre St, Manhattan
- Price / value
- $15–$25/person
- Why it made the list
- Once Manhattan's grandest Chinatown banquet hall, now operating from a smaller Centre Street room — the kitchen still turns out classic Cantonese dim sum even after the move.
- What to order
- Shrimp dumplings, BBQ pork buns, and the pan-fried turnip cake.
8Tim Ho Wan
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Michelin-starred BBQ pork buns
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 85 4th Ave, East Village (also 610 9th Ave, Hell's Kitchen)
- Price / value
- $15–$25/person
- Why it made the list
- Hong Kong's Michelin-starred dim sum import — the New York outposts deliver the same baked BBQ pork bun that made the brand famous.
- What to order
- Baked BBQ pork buns (the four-must-try heavyweight), pan-fried turnip cake, and pork dumplings.
🕐 Opening hours
9Hey Yuet 喜粤
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Upscale Michelin-recognized dim sum
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 251 W 26th St, Chelsea
- Price / value
- $20–$35/person
- Why it made the list
- Chelsea high-end Cantonese restaurant that received Michelin recognition for an upscale dim sum and seafood program.
- What to order
- Lobster dumplings, abalone shumai, and the daily fresh-fish special.
10Little Alley
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Shanghainese soup dumplings and smoked fish
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 550 3rd Ave, Murray Hill
- Price / value
- $25–$45/person
- Why it made the list
- Murray Hill Shanghainese restaurant focused on smoked fish, soup dumplings, and northern-style dim sum classics.
- What to order
- Pork XLB, smoked fish (the signature), and scallion oil noodles.
11RedFarm
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Creative chef-driven dim sum
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 2170 Broadway, Upper West Side (also 529 Hudson St, West Village)
- Price / value
- $35–$60/person
- Why it made the list
- Joe Ng's chef-driven dim sum project — playful presentations like Pac-Man dumplings on top of a Greenmarket-driven Chinese-American menu.
- What to order
- Pac-Man dumplings, Katz's Pastrami egg roll, and the pickled vegetables.
🕐 Opening hours
12Park Asia
RestaurantQuick comparison
- Best for
- Brooklyn cart-service dim sum
- Strengths
- Known for Restaurant · 6521 8th Ave, Sunset Park, Brooklyn
- Price / value
- $12–$20/person
- Why it made the list
- Sunset Park Cantonese banquet hall serving cart-service dim sum to the Brooklyn Chinese community — bigger room, lower prices than Manhattan equivalents.
- What to order
- Standard cart classics: shrimp dumplings, shumai, char siu bao; finish with mango pudding.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best dim sum in NYC?
The best dim sum in NYC depends on what you're looking for. For the classic cart-service experience, Golden Unicorn and House of Joy in Manhattan's Chinatown are top picks. For the highest-rated soup dumplings, Nan Xiang in Flushing has 4.5 stars from over 7,000 reviews. Nom Wah Tea Parlor on Doyers Street is the most iconic — NYC's oldest dim sum parlor, open since 1920.
Is Chinatown or Flushing better for dim sum?
Both are excellent but different. Manhattan's Chinatown has the most walkable concentration of dim sum spots (Golden Unicorn, House of Joy, Nom Wah, Dim Sum Go Go all within blocks). Flushing has larger banquet-hall experiences (Asian Jewels, New Mulan) and arguably higher quality at lower prices. travelers consistently recommend Flushing for serious dim sum, but Chinatown is more accessible for tourists.
How much does dim sum cost in NYC?
Most dim sum in NYC costs $15–$30 per person for a filling meal. Budget spots like Nom Wah Tea Parlor and Dim Sum Go Go run $12–$20/person. Upscale options like RedFarm and Little Alley run $35–$60/person. Cart-service spots in Chinatown and Flushing are the best value — you can eat very well for $15–$20.
Do I need a reservation for dim sum in NYC?
Most traditional dim sum spots don't take reservations — you show up and wait. Golden Unicorn and House of Joy often have long weekend lines (30–60 min). Going on a weekday or arriving before 11 AM significantly reduces wait times. Tim Ho Wan, RedFarm, and Little Alley accept reservations.
What should I order at dim sum if it's my first time?
Start with the classics: har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), char siu bao (BBQ pork buns — steamed or baked), cheung fun (rice noodle rolls), and egg tarts. From there, try chicken feet (phoenix claws), turnip cake, and sticky rice in lotus leaf. Don't be afraid to point at things on the carts — the staff at most dim sum spots are used to first-timers.
What time should I go for dim sum in NYC?
The sweet spot is 10:30–11:30 AM on weekdays. Weekend brunch (11 AM–2 PM) is peak time with the longest waits but also the freshest cart selection. For cart-service places like Golden Unicorn and House of Joy, going early means more variety rolling by your table. Some spots like Nom Wah and Dim Sum Go Go serve dim sum all day.
Are there dim sum spots with cart service in NYC?
Yes — Golden Unicorn, House of Joy, Asian Jewels, and Park Asia all have traditional cart service where staff roll dim sum past your table. Jing Fong also does carts on weekends. Cart service is becoming rarer in NYC, so these spots are worth visiting for the experience alone.
What is the 'best' dim sum in NYC for a first-timer?
For a classic, unforgettable first-time experience, we recommend <a href="#golden-unicorn"><strong>Golden Unicorn</strong></a> in Chinatown. Its lively cart service, extensive menu, and grand atmosphere perfectly encapsulate the traditional NYC dim sum brunch. Alternatively, for a more relaxed, historic vibe, <a href="#nom-wah-tea-parlor"><strong>Nom Wah Tea Parlor</strong></a> offers iconic dishes in a legendary setting.
Are there good dim sum options outside of Manhattan's Chinatown?
Absolutely! Flushing, Queens, is a dim sum paradise, home to giants like <a href="#nan-xiang-soup-dumplings"><strong>Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings</strong></a> (for soup dumplings) and <a href="#asian-jewels"><strong>Asian Jewels</strong></a> (for grand banquet hall experiences). Brooklyn's Sunset Park also boasts a vibrant scene, with <a href="#park-asia"><strong>Park Asia</strong></a> being a top pick. These outer-borough spots often offer a more authentic feel and can be slightly more budget-friendly.
What are the must-try dishes at a New York City dim sum restaurant?
While menus vary, essential dim sum dishes include har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), char siu bao (BBQ pork buns – especially the baked version at <a href="#tim-ho-wan"><strong>Tim Ho Wan</strong></a>), xiao long bao (soup dumplings – a specialty at <a href="#nan-xiang-soup-dumplings"><strong>Nan Xiang</strong></a>), cheung fun (rice noodle rolls), and egg tarts. Don't be afraid to try some adventurous options like chicken feet or tripe for a full experience!
Can I find vegetarian or vegan dim sum in NYC?
Yes, many dim sum spots offer vegetarian-friendly options like vegetable dumplings, rice rolls, and turnip cake. <a href="#dim-sum-go-go"><strong>Dim Sum Go Go</strong></a> is particularly accommodating, making all their dumplings fresh and able to cater to dietary restrictions. Always ask your server for vegetarian or vegan-specific menus or recommendations, as ingredients can sometimes be hidden in broths or sauces.
Is dim sum expensive in NYC compared to other cities?
Dim sum in NYC ranges from very affordable to a luxury splurge. You can enjoy a satisfying meal for $12-20 per person at budget-friendly spots like <a href="#nan-xiang-soup-dumplings"><strong>Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings</strong></a> or <a href="#nom-wah-tea-parlor"><strong>Nom Wah Tea Parlor</strong></a>. Mid-range options like <a href="#golden-unicorn"><strong>Golden Unicorn</strong></a> average $15-25. However, upscale modern dim sum at places like <a href="#redfarm"><strong>RedFarm</strong></a> can easily run $35-60+ per person, aligning with NYC's fine dining prices.
What's the difference between traditional Cantonese dim sum and Shanghainese dim sum?
Traditional Cantonese dim sum, found at places like <a href="#golden-unicorn"><strong>Golden Unicorn</strong></a> or <a href="#asian-jewels"><strong>Asian Jewels</strong></a>, emphasizes a wide array of small, delicate dishes served with tea, often from carts, featuring steamed, fried, and baked items. Shanghainese dim sum, highlighted by <a href="#nan-xiang-soup-dumplings"><strong>Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings</strong></a> and <a href="#little-alley"><strong>Little Alley</strong></a>, is most famous for its xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and generally focuses on a smaller, more specific selection of steamed buns and dumplings.