Last updated: January 2024
Do you crave for a taste of Singapore’s most affordable dim sum? Dim sum is a gastronomic experience unlike any other, with exquisite buns and delicious dumplings.
But which ingredients are used to make dim sum? And what makes it so unique?
Come along as we delve into the world of dim sum, learning about the ingredients, its health advantages, and even its role in the morning routine.
Learn how to eat dim sum properly and what to look for while selecting the ideal restaurant to enjoy this popular dish.
Prepare yourself for a savory tour into Singapore’s dim sum culture!
Here are our top picks on:
- Cheapest Universities in Singapore for International Students
- Cheapest Places to Live in Singapore
- Cheapest Landed Property in Singapore
What is dim sum made of?
Like in many other parts of the world, Singapore’s version of dim sum comprises a variety of small plates or bamboo steamer baskets that are customarily used to serve the meals.
Dim sum is a common option for breakfast, brunch, or lunch in Singapore since these meals can contain a broad variety of ingredients and flavors.
Singaporean dim sum frequently features the following ingredients and dishes:
- Steamed Dumplings: Dim sum frequently includes a variety of dumplings, such as chive dumplings, har gow (shrimp dumplings), and siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings).
- Buns: Popular options include steamed buns filled with various foods including custard, red bean paste, or char siu (barbecued pork).
- Rice Rolls: In addition to being served with a flavorful sauce, rice noodle rolls sometimes contain fillings like shrimp, meat, or vegetables.
- Spring Rolls: Spring rolls are deep-fried to a crisp texture and then filled with veggies, shrimp, or pork.
- Deep-Fried Items: Also common in dim sum dishes are a variety of deep-fried foods such as sesame balls, taro puffs, and crispy squid.
- Congee: A rice dish that can be eaten simple or topped with seafood, pork, or century eggs.
- Steamed Vegetables: Gai lan (Chinese broccoli) with oyster sauce and other simple steamed vegetable dishes could be served as part of the dim sum buffet.
- Chicken Feet: A unique and tasty dim sum meal that is frequently made with black bean sauce.
- Turnip Cake: Another well-liked dim sum food is the pan-fried turnip cake, which is made with rice flour and shredded radish.
- Desserts: Red bean pancakes, mango pudding, and egg tarts are a few sweet dim sum alternatives.
Singapore is well recognized for its diversified culinary scene, and the city’s dim sum offerings frequently reflect this diversity with a variety of both classic and modern dim sum pieces.
Why is dim sum so special?
For both locals and tourists to Singapore, dim sum has a particular place in their hearts and mouths. This well-liked food is distinctive and sticks out for a number of reasons.
The vast selection of bite-sized foods, in the first place, enables guests to sample a diversity of tastes and textures in a single meal. Every dim sum meal, from crunchy spring rolls to steaming dumplings, delivers a delicious surprise.
Additionally, the preparation of dim sum follows centuries-old Cantonese cooking traditions. These little snacks are exquisitely made with exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The level of accuracy and skill displayed by dim sum cooks are difficult to find elsewhere, whether it be in the deft pleating of dumplings or the exact folding of a steamed bun.
Dim sum is also a social experience, not just a meal. With dishes of delectable dim sum on the table, friends and family may interact while dining communally.
Dim sum is more than simply a meal in Singapore—from its mouthwatering tastes to its cultural significance—it is a symbol of the complexity and diversity of the culinary globe.
So make sure to indulge in this exceptional eating experience the next time you find yourself in Singapore.
Why Look for Cheap Dim Sum in Singapore
A worthwhile pastime when visiting Singapore is looking for inexpensive dim lunch. A cheap way to have delicious dim sum is in Singapore.
You may experience a range of cuisines in one sitting thanks to these bite-sized morsels that give an explosion of flavors and sensations.
You may enjoy this well-liked food without having to worry about going over budget by looking for inexpensive dim sum.
The opportunity to try different dim sum eateries is another benefit of cheap dim sum in addition to being a cost-effective option.
Singapore is home to a large number of dim sum establishments, each with its own unique spin on the meal.
Make your picks at a price that will allow you to sample the cuisine at a variety of restaurants and decide which is your favorite dim sum place.
So don’t pass up the opportunity to explore the intriguing world of dim sum in Singapore. When looking for the thriving dim sum market, look for selections that are reasonably priced and follow your palate’s curiosities.
Recommended: Cheapest Hotels in Singapore – Below $50
Top 6 Affordable Dim Sum Places in Singapore that are Good
1. Xin Cuisine
Xin Cuisine – Cheapest Dim Sum Singapore
For those seeking authentic and delicious dim sum, Xin Cuisine, a prestigious restaurant located in the heart of Singapore, provides an exceptional eating experience.
The menu of Xin Cuisine offers a wide variety of dim sum that have been expertly prepared using only the best ingredients.
With tastes that are exquisitely balanced and aesthetically spectacular presentations, each dish is a monument to the chefs’ culinary skill.
Every taste, from the delicate har gow with its transparent shell and juicy prawn inside to the fragrant steamed pork buns, is a monument to the expertise and creativity of the kitchen.
What customers say…
“This hidden gem has been around for a long time, and is my go to place for great chinese / cantonese food. The dishes here are masterfully prepared and delicious, and some specialty includes things like the duck tea leaves. The dim sum here is also very good. Staff was vefficient and attentive, and friendly too.” – Jiak Papa
Address: 317 Outram Rd, Singapore 169075
Contact: +65 3138 2531
2. Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant
Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant – Cheapest Dim Sum Singapore
A large selection of both classic and modern dim sum meals are available at Swee Choon.
This comprises baked, fried, and steamed foods including buns, spring rolls, and desserts.
They often offer classic dim sum dishes like har gow (shrimp dumplings) and char siu bao (barbecue pig buns) as well as more modern dishes.
Swee Choon’s affordability is one of its most notable qualities. Families and parties wishing to enjoy dim sum without breaking the bank frequently choose this location since the food is fairly priced.
Swee Choon is well known for serving food till the early hours of the morning, making it a popular place to have dinner.
It serves people seeking a late-night fix of dim sum and stays open until the wee hours of the morning.
With friends or family, it’s a great spot for a casual meal. Just take note that there may be a wait for a table because of peak traffic times.
What customers say…
“Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant has been a traditional handmade Dim Sum restaurant since 1962. My family of 4 went down for lunch. We ordered several Dim Sum from their menu. Generally, the taste and quality of their food are good – fresh and decent portion sizes. The price is reasonable too. The indoor sitting area is clean with aircon. They also have outdoor and black alley seating. Service is decent, and the food came pretty fast. Parking there can be quite challenging. You can only park by the street-side parking lots. We will surely go back again.” – Sherman Tan
Address: 183/185/187/189, Jln Besar, 191/193, Singapore 208882
Contact: +65 6225 7788
3. The Dim Sum Place
The Dim Sum Place – Cheapest Dim Sum Singapore
The Dim Sum Place is also famous for its wide variety of dim sum meals.
This includes a variety of additional dumplings, buns, and small meals in addition to classic favorites like har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork dumplings), and char siu bao (barbecue pork buns).
Being a halal-certified restaurant, The Dim Sum Place is well renowned for meeting the dietary restrictions of Muslims. This makes it a well-liked option for a wide variety of eaters.
Dim Sum Place also frequently has a trendy and contemporary atmosphere, making it appropriate for both special events and everyday trips. It could feature comfy seats and elegant design.
What customers say…
“Some of the best dim sum in SG! Really liked the prawn rice rolls and peking duck in particular. Though I felt like the ratio of custard to bun in the liu sha bao was off.” – Jaz Low
Address: 791 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 198759
Contact: +65 6655 8787
4. Tim Ho Wan
Tim Ho Wan – Cheapest Dim Sum Singapore
One of the world’s most popular and reasonably priced Michelin-starred restaurants is none other than Tim Ho Wan.
The Michelin certification is proof of the restaurant’s dedication to providing premium dim sum.
The famous baked BBQ pork buns (char siu bao), rice rolls with BBQ pork, steamed egg cake, and different dumplings are just a few of the must-try foods at Tim Ho Wan.
Typically, Tim Ho Wan provides a casual dining atmosphere. Families, groups of friends, and individuals wishing to savor delectable dim sum in a casual atmosphere may consider going there.
Despite having a Michelin star, Tim Ho Wan is popular with a variety of customers because of its affordable costs.
Tim Ho Wan may get fairly busy because of its popularity and accessibility, especially at prime mealtimes. It is best to be there early or plan on waiting for a table.
What customers say…
“Had a pleasant dim sum at TimHoWan on New Year’s Eve because I am always craving for a good dim sum. All I can say was that the restaurant’s food standards has always been up there. And do check it out their special menu, it turns out to be really delicious as well. I can’t get over with how good the service was. Because even though New Year’s Eve was packed everywhere, especially in MBS. I was still surprised that the queue and service was faster than I thought it would be. Only took 30mins to queue and around 15-20 mins for 8 dishes to serve. I was impressed with the standard of the service, it definitely did not drop on such a chaotic day. Keep It Up!” – Lynn Tay
Address: Various Locations
Contact: +65 6688 7600
5. 89.7 Supper Club
89.7 Supper Club – Cheapest Dim Sum Singapore
The exquisite Chinese cuisine served at this upmarket restaurant elevates the concept of dim sum to new heights.
The best part of any meal at 89.7 Supper Club is their famous truffle xiao long bao, a delicately cooked dumpling filled with a flavorful soup laced with truffles.
This dish is a real work of art with its tasty contents and delicately folded dumpling wrapper.
The golden prawn fritters, which are perfectly cooked to produce a light and crunchy texture and let the delicious prawns show through, are another standout.
Each aspect of the dining experience is carefully crafted to create a lasting impression on visitors, from the exquisite culinary offerings to the great service and stylish environment.
What customers say…
“Food was so good! Our dimsum choices were the best! We had the steamed rice roll w shrimp, fried thai beancurd and mushroom siew mai! Its been awhile since Ive had good halal dimsum!” – shima mazlan
Address: Changi Village Rd, 5, Singapore 500005
Contact: +65 6214 1897
6. Hua Ji Bao Dang
Hua Ji Bao Dang – Cheapest Dim Sum Singapore
The Hua Ji Bao Dang menu provides proof of the great workmanship of dim sum. Each meal is painstakingly crafted with the highest attention to detail, ranging from delicate shrimp dumplings to delicious pork buns.