Sharing dim sum isn’t just a delicious way to enjoy brunch, but a tasty tradition rooted in southern Chinese culture and spanning centuries. Think of it as the original small plates, meant to be shared and often served off a roving cart and featuring different types of dumplings, fried sesame balls, and steamed buns.
The art of dim sum traces back to tea houses along the Silk Road, where travelers stopped to sip tea and to snack on small, savory bites. Over time these plates expanded to include a wide array of dumplings, buns, and other small dishes made with recipes from regions throughout China.
Get To Know the Art Of Dim Sum
As the offerings have grown, so too has the access to these tasty treats outside of China. In today’s dim sum focused restaurants you’ll often see servers wheeling carts filled with steaming containers through dining rooms as they call out menu items. The combination of sound, taste, smell, and place creates a unique sensory experience unlike any other.
At its core, dim sum begins with the practice of “yum cha,” meaning “drink tea.” Diners then choose from a variety of small, shareable plates, reminiscent of Spanish tapas. It’s an experience where larger groups allow for more variety and exploration of flavors.
Aside from tea, dim sum commonly gets associated with dumplings, but there’s more to it. Denver’s scene has grown recently. Latest on the scene is Nana’s Dim Sum & Dumplings in LoHi, which expanded into Boulder and Aurora within a year. Its open kitchen highlights the craft of dumpling making, though it doesn’t fully embrace the communal, cart-driven practice that requires ample space and can be challenging to implement in smaller venues.
Dive into Denver’s traditional dim sum scene by visiting three popular spots along Federal Boulevard in Southwest Denver. Bring your appetite and adventurous palate to participate in this time-honored tradition in the Mile High City.
The Empress Seafood Restaurant
Known for seafood specialties like live lobster and crab, The Empress Seafood Restaurant draws crowds for its dim sum service seven days a week. A hallmark of this meal is the variety of dishes with nearly 80 items served from the rolling carts until 2:30 p.m. daily. Diners can also order off the main menu, and if you don’t see something on the cart you want, just ask for it.,
Start with a pot of Chrysanthemum Tea ($1 per person, per pot), a traditional launching pad for the meal. Seafood takes center stage, especially shrimp-based plates such as Ha Kao (shrimp dumplings, $5.95), Sugar Cane Shrimp ($6.95), and Pan-Fried Noodle Shrimp ($16.95). For the more adventurous, options like Jellyfish ($9.50) and Curry Squid ($8.95) surprise in both texture and flavor. Also try the Seaweed Seafood Egg Roll ($6.95), which provides a crunchy bite infused with oceanic freshness.
Enjoy dim sum at Empress Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7:45 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 2825 W. Alameda Ave., Denver, theempressrestaurant.com
Super Star Asian Cuisine
Located in the same strip mall as the Costco Business Center and surrounded by other Asian eateries, Super Star has the most compact dining room of the trio highlighted in this article. However, what it lacks in size, it more than compensates with an impressive menu of 86 dishes.
At Super Star dim sum isn’t limited to dumplings and buns. Check out items such as Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce ($4.50) and Pan-Fried Turnip Cake with Chinese Sausage ($4.50). Or, go for a traditional small plate of Chicken Feet with Black Bean Sauce ($4.50). Rice and noodle dishes, including Chicken Dry Scallops Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf ($5.50) and Pork Chow Mein Hong Kong Style ($13.95), also demonstrate the cuisine’s versatility.
Visit Super Star daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., though the dim sum cart only rolls until 2:30 p.m. 2200 W. Alameda Ave., Denver, superstarasiancuisine.com
Star Kitchen
The crown jewel of Denver’s dim sum scene is Star Kitchen, once notorious for hour-plus wait times. While the demand has eased in recent years, Star Kitchen remains a dependable cornerstone of dim sum service in Denver.
Go-to favorites include Masako Pork & Shrimp Siu Mai ($5.85), Steamed BBQ Pork Buns ($5.15), and Chinese Broccoli with Oyster Sauce ($10.95). For those dining with a larger group, the Shrimp Rice Crepe or BBQ Beef Rice Crepe ($6.75 each) and the Steamed Shanghai Soup Dumplings with Pork ($6.75) are excellent additions to the table.
Visit Star Kitchen for dim sum Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On busy days, take advantage of the online check-in option on the website. 2917 W. Mississippi Ave., Denver, starkitchenco.com
