5 places to satisfy your dim sum craving in and around Victoria

If you’re in need of a dim sum fix, we’ve got just the places for you, Victoria!

According to Don Mee’s website, “dim sum” literally translated means “to touch the heart.” It is also known as “yum char,” meaning “to have tea accompanied by a few appetizers.”

We think that encapsulates these dainty Cantonese dishes perfectly, as it includes some of greatest comfort foods and will leave both your hunger and your mood satisfied.

This is a full lunch, so come with empty and ready bellies because you’re going to want to try as much as possible.

Dim sum is typically presented on trolleys by waitresses circulating throughout the dining area. All you have to do is select which dish you’d like off of the cart and the waitress will add it to your bill.

Whether they’re served to you in a covered bowl, a steamer, or on small plates, there’s something for everyone!

Here’s 5 places to satisfy your dim sum craving in and around Victoria:

Don Mee

Don Mee Seafood Restaurant has been known as the heartbeat of Chinatown for over 80 years in Victoria, sticking to a traditional Cantonese-style dining that has been passed on through generations.

Guests at Don Mee rarely have anything other than raving reviews to give, and for good reason—it’s been a hotspot for a long time and will continue to be a must-try for years to come.

With a wide variety of delectable dishes to choose from, Don Mee’s lively and vibrant atmosphere is sure to make your dining experience a memorable one!

• Where: Don Mee, 538 Fisgard Street
• When: Dim sum ends at 2:30 p.m. each day
  • Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Jade Fountain

This is indeed a fan favourite and has been referred to as the most authentic dim sum in Victoria!

Their reviews detail some of the best dim sum to try is their taro Dumplings, siu mai, har gau, and the squid.

With so many wonderful dishes to choose from, it only makes sense to head over to Jade Fountain and try it out for yourself!

• Where: Jade Fountain, 3366 Douglas Street
• When: Open seven days a week
  • Lunch: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Dinner: 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Golden City Restaurant

Golden City has been well-received by visitors, especially if you’re hoping to pay reasonable prices for the amount of food you get!

Treat yourself to their delicious selection of Cantonese cuisine and bring the whole family to enjoy it with you.

• Where: Golden City Restaurant, 721 Fisgard Street
• When: Open seven days a week
  • Lunch: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Dinner: 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Lee’s House Restaurant

Browsing their menu is sure to make your stomach grumble, between their choice of favoured dim sum dishes and special combos for dinner, you’ll want to return again and again to try it all.

Some of their listed staple dishes include their pork dumplings, bao buns, braised pork rice, and pot stickers.

They also have plenty of noodle soups and a list of house-special menu items to choose from!

• Where: Lee’s House Restaurant, 3994 Shelbourne Street
• When: Open Thursday to Tuesday
  • Lunch: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Dinner: 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Halibut House Chinese Restaurant

This family owned and operated restaurant recommends a reservation to dine, and they’re busy for good reason!

Not only do they pride themselves in having a warm and comforting atmosphere, the love and care they put into the restaurant reflects in the food and brings guests back over and over again.

They offer easy combination dinners to make dining with your family easier as well as separate traditional dishes too.

• Where: Halibut House Chinese Restaurant, 3500 Quadra Street
• When: 
  • Lunch: Tuesday to Saturday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Dinner: Tuesday to Sunday from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Know of another place Victorians should check out? Let us know in the comment section below!