Dim sum, a beloved Chinese dining tradition, is slowly but surely finding its place in Charleston’s culinary landscape. Known for its small, sharable plates and hot tea served alongside, dim sum is more than a meal—it’s an experience rooted in family, community, and centuries-old customs. While once rare in the Lowcountry, Charleston is now home to a couple of exciting new dim sum offerings that are redefining how locals enjoy this comforting cuisine.
A Brief Look at Dim Sum’s Roots
Dim sum, which translates to “touch the heart” in Chinese, dates back to ancient tea houses along the Silk Road. Travelers would stop to enjoy hot tea and small bites, and this simple ritual eventually evolved into today’s dim sum feasts. Traditionally enjoyed during the late morning or early afternoon, especially on weekends, dim sum includes a wide variety of dishes such as dumplings, buns, noodles, and savory pastries, all meant to be shared…