Dim Sum in Singapore: Best Restaurants with Affordable Prices

Dim Sum is a popular food item in Singapore, originating from Cantonese cuisine. It offers a variety of flavors and textures, ranging from steamed dumplings and buns to crispy spring rolls, catering to diverse palates. Dim Sum isn’t reserved for special occasionsin Singapore, but it’s a food culture that’s well-embedded into the local dining scene. Fortunately, for those who crave these delectable treats without overspending, there are plenty of dim sum restaurants in Singapore that offer great food at affordable prices.

In this blog, we will take you through the delicious & affordable dim sum places in Singapore. With options from a cozy local joint to a Michelin-starred experience, we’ve got you covered!

1. Tim Ho Wan

Tim Ho Wan is recognized as the “world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant” and recreates the authentic taste of dim sum from Hong Kong at a reasonable price. The restaurant has been known worldwide for a long time, serving a comprehensive menu of delicious in-house prepared dim sum that is of a very high standard at a reasonable price. The interior is simple, no-frills, practical, and casual, making the Michelin-star experience available to all, even if you just got off a plane and are a dim-sum lover or a first-time diner. You can’t go wrong with the dim sum menu at Tim Ho Wan.

Every dish is freshly made with high-quality ingredients and will be a dim sum experience you will want to tell everyone about. Despite the Michelin star, it’s still a humble experience, with unobtrusive and quick service in a very efficient layout that will help expedite food service to ensure you are having your meal and not waiting hours at a high-end restaurant (without the high-end restaurant prices). Tim Ho Wan is the best value point for having a delicious dim sum experience!

Must-Try Dishes:

• BBQ Pork Baked Bun – This dish is a signature. The bun is crispy on the outside, soft inside, and stuffed with BBQ pork. 
• Shrimp Dumplings (har gow) – A shrimp dumpling that is steamed with a thin/chewy wrapping on the outside. 
• Pork Dumpling with Shrimp (Siu Mai) – One of the most well-known dim sum chows, a perfect balance of pork and shrimp.
  

Details:

• Address: 01-29A/52, Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Rd, 238839
  
• Phone: +65 6955 0188
  
• Working Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  
• Website: Tim Ho Wan
  

2. Din Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung is a Taiwanese global chain restaurant and a nameplate that has come to represent the very best in high-quality dim-sum. Its meticulous dedication and practice willpower for consistency have garnered a devoted following around the globe. If you like delicate dumplings, especially its signature Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), the only way to eat at Din Tai Fung — they give you total satisfaction.

What makes Din Tai Fung distinct from other dim sum restaurants is its very specific obsession with getting textures and flavours right. The restaurant is famed for its juicy, savory dumplings stuffed with tender meat. Offering diners a refined but affordable experience, this is one restaurant where you want to get high-quality dim sum in a family-oriented atmosphere.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings) – A signature dish, filled with hot, savory broth and tender pork.
  
• Fried Pork Dumplings – Crispy, golden dumplings stuffed with succulent pork.
  
• Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow) – Delightfully delicate and fresh.
  

Details:

• Address: 290 Orchard Road, #B1-03/04, Paragon Shopping Centre, Singapore 238859
  
• Phone: +65 6836 8336
  
• Working Hours:
  • Sunday – Thursday: 11 am–9 pm
  • Friday, Saturday: 11 am–9:15 pm
    
• Website: Din Tai Fung
  

3. Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant

The Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant maintains its status as a popular local restaurant because it serves authentic dim sum in a simple setting. This restaurant stays open late at night to serve what many consider the top late-night dim sum choices in Singapore. Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant achieved popularity through its cheap menu selection and traditional dining environment, which gained strong customer support. The Singaporean restaurant Swee Choon is a famous spot where both locals and international visitors come to experience authentic Cantonese dim sum.

The restaurant features traditional dim sum selections and creative dishes alongside fresh components that bring their authentic preparation techniques to each plate. Swee Choon provides customers with traditional choices, starting from siu mai, while also featuring unique items, including crispy duck spring rolls. Visitors of all sorts find a warm reception at this establishment, where both friends and families embrace each other through shared dining experiences.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Chive Dumplings – Fresh and aromatic chives make this savory dim sum a must-try.
• Swee Choon Special Bun – A unique dish with a crispy exterior and a savory filling.
• Fried Prawn Dumplings – Crispy, crunchy, juicy prawns in every bite.

Details:

• Address: 183/185/187/189 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208882
  
• Phone: +65 6225 7788
  
• Working Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 4:00 AM, Tuesday Closed
  
• Website: Swee Choon Tim Sum
  

4. Crystal Jade Kitchen

Singaporeans associate Crystal Jade Kitchen with traditional Cantonese dining, where customers can discover an extensive selection of dim sum choices for every preference. The charming Crystal Jade serves traditional Cantonese dim sum that uses premium ingredients while providing distinguished dining service. The skilled chefs prepare all their dumpling variations, including steamed and fried specials, to create dishes that offer you a perfect food experience.

The dining restaurant presents splendid dim sum alongside traditional Cantonese cuisine that includes rice porridge and various noodles alongside roasted meats. Guests can experience a comfortable atmosphere and caring service from the restaurant’s elegant decoration at Crystal Jade. Regulars and first-time visitors alike love Crystal Jade Kitchen because it presents an ideal harmony between superior dining standards and affordable costs, and a pleasant dining space.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Pork Dumplings with Shrimp (Siu Mai) – Juicy and delicious with the perfect balance of pork and shrimp.
• Cheong Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls) – Smooth, silky rice rolls filled with a variety of fillings.
  
• Baked BBQ Pork Bun – Sweet and savory, with a crispy exterior and flavorful pork filling.

Details:

• Address: 391 Orchard Rd, #04-19 Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Singapore 238872
  
• Phone: +65 9017 5423
  
• Working Hours:
  • Monday – Friday: 11 am–3 pm, 6–10 pm
  • Sunday, Saturday: 10:30 am–3:30 pm, 6–10 pm
    
• Website: Crystal Jade Kitchen
  

5. Yum Cha Restaurant

Yum Cha Restaurant is a traditional Chinese dim sum establishment situated in Chinatown. At Yum Cha, customers can discover various traditional and inventive dim sum dishes that present Cantonese food through contemporary adaptations. Yum Cha Restaurant provides both elegant settings and quick service that suits diners who want traditional Chinese cuisine at reasonable prices.

Beyond their standard variety of dim sum, Yum Cha Restaurant provides rare culinary items that are not available at other establishments in Singapore. The restaurant offers specialty dishes along with roast meats which perfectly accompany their dim sum selection to create a full Cantonese dining experience. A session at Yum Cha should be on the dining list of all yum cha enthusiasts since it presents delightful value combined with diverse choices and superior quality regardless of how you choose to dine.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Black Sesame Paste Bun – A delightful and unique dessert filled with rich black sesame paste.
  
• BBQ Pork Bun – Soft and fluffy buns filled with a savory BBQ pork filling.
  
• Crystal Dumplings – Transparent dumplings filled with a variety of fresh ingredients.
  

Details:

• Address: 20 Trengganu Street, Singapore 058479
  
• Phone: +65 6372 1717
  
• Working Hours:
  • Sunday,Monday,Saturday:9 am–9 pm
  • Tuesday,Wednesday: 10:30 am–9 pm
  • Thursday,Friday: Closed
    
• Website: Yum Cha Restaurant
  

6. The Dim Sum Place

Singapore features The Dim Sum Place as its halal-certified restaurant, which creates traditional Cantonese dishes with contemporary techniques. The restaurant assures high authenticity while preparing all handmade dim sum selections from ingredients that adhere to halal dietary standards. 

Besides having a wide variety of food choices, The Dim Sum Place creates a welcoming dining environment that attracts families, friends, and corporate event attendees. Singaporeans often find this restaurant as their top destination because it operates several locations that serve high-quality yum cha dishes approved for halal consumption. The restaurant maintains excellence and innovation standards, which have built loyal customer relationships between the Muslim and non-Muslim communities.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Fried Prawn Dumplings – Crispy on the outside with a juicy prawn filling.
  
• Steamed Pork and Shrimp Dumplings (Siu Mai) – A perfect balance of pork and shrimp, seasoned just right.
  
• Custard Bun – A sweet and savory custard filling inside a soft, fluffy bun.
  

Details:

• Address: 176 Orchard Road, #B1-07, The Centrepoint, Singapore 238843
  
• Phone: +65 6970 8812
  
• Working Hours:
  • Mon-Thur: 10.30am to 9.30pm 
  • Fri-Sun: 10am to 10pm
    
• Website: The Dim Sum Place
  

7. Red Star Restaurant

Red Star Restaurant is an iconic dim sum restaurant in Singapore that offers traditional Cantonese cuisine and carries that sweet nostalgia baggage. It is still a rare (but true) place in Hong Kong where the old teahouse dim sum pushcarts are still there to serve diners the so-called authentic style Hong Kong teahouse atmosphere like none other — this place caters well to families, friends, and their loyal customer base.

A family-friendly place to frequent, this crowded eatery has its streamlined design flair toned up with a vivacious ambience befitting of its vintage decor.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Bun) – Sweet, savory, and tender with a perfect bao texture.
  
• Chicken Feet in Black Bean Sauce – A flavorful and traditional dim sum dish.
  
• Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce – Savory, tender, and full of flavor.
  

Details:

• Address: 54 Chin Swee Road, #02-23, Singapore 160054
  
• Phone: +65 6532 5266
  
• Working Hours:
  • Monday – Friday: 8:30 am–3 pm, 6–10 pm
  • Sunday, Saturday: 8 am–3 pm, 6–10 pm
    
• Website: Red Star Restaurant
  

8. Chatterbox

Chatterbox is a dim sum restaurant in Singapore, located in the heart of Orchard Road, one of the busiest commercial areas in my global vantage point. An elegant Hakkoda restaurant serving Hong Kong dim sum style and a menu that seamlessly guides you from traditional dishes to modern dishes. This is an ideal environment to enjoy something casual but upscale in the luxurious, chic decor. Best known for its top-notch, authentic Cantonese dim sum (try it to believe it), Chatterbox is a must-go-to when the need for real dim sum strikes.

What distinguishes Chatterbox is that all their dishes are made from super fresh ingredients, and every time you try a taste of what is being served on your plate, it will be rich and delicious. A few standout dim sum dishes that are synonymous with the place are the ubiquitous prawn dumplings and a velvety blanket of egg yolk custard. High-end dim sum and service at its finest in the center of town for you sophisticated general public: we have Chatterbox.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Signature Mandarin Chicken Rice – This is not dim sum, but it is a must-try dish at Chatterbox.
  
• Steamed Custard Bun – Sweet, creamy custard wrapped in a soft, pillowy bun.
  
• Crispy Tofu Skin Rolls – Crunchy on the outside with savory fillings.
  

Details:

• Address: 333 Orchard Rd, #05-03 Hilton, Singapore 238867
  
• Phone: +65 6831 6291
  
• Working Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM–4:30 PM, 5:30–10:30 PM
  
• Website: Chatterbox
  

9. Ban Heng

Ban Heng is a top Cantonese restaurant in Singapore — highly recommended for great taste and value in a relaxed and inviting ambience suitable for the family. Great Dim Sum selection available at reasonable prices with good portion size and traditional cantonese food served at Ban Heng. This huge dining space, with the comfortable service, allows for an ambience to be created that every guest will enjoy.

Dim Sum Ban Heng is a praised gem for tasty yum cha as well as their comprehensive offerings like cooked meats, seafood, and noodle items. Ban Heng’s dim sum menu is de facto great, has all-time favorites of siu mai (a pork and shrimp dumpling), deep-fried spring rolls, egg tarts. If you need to treat a family or are just craving something light, Ban Heng has mouth-watering yet reasonably priced dishes suited for all tastes.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Steamed Prawn Dumplings – Fresh, plump prawns wrapped in delicate dough.
  
• BBQ Pork Bun – A savory favorite with perfectly cooked pork filling.
  
• Phoenix Claws (Chicken Feet) – Tender and flavorful in a sweet and savory sauce.
  

Details:

• Address: 22 Boon Keng Rd, #01-21, Singapore 330022
  
• Phone: +65 6291 0407
  
• Working Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM–3 PM, 6–10:30 PM
  
• Website: Ban Heng
  

10. Tung Lok Signatures

Tung Lok Signatures are associated with an international giant of the Tung Lok group, specializing in delivering premium Cantonese cuisine with its high-quality dim sum. This is an excellent dim sum restaurant for people who want to indulge in a formal setting they won’t find at an average restaurant. The elegant surroundings and superb service of Tung Lok Signatures make it an excellent location to taste gourmet dim sum with the highest quality of ingredients.

The menu of Tung Lok Signatures includes an expansive offering of dim sum dishes that can be shared, from steamed dumplings to crispy fried goods. Delicacies such as succulent shrimp dumplings and mouth-watering BBQ pork buns would more than please even the most discerning dim sum enthusiasts. Whether it is to mark an occasion or simply enjoy quality and upward mobility in dining, Tung Lok Signatures will never disappoint.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Miniature Peking Duck – A creative twist on a classic.
  
• Xiao Long Bao – Soup-filled dumplings that are rich and flavorful.
  
• Steamed Shrimp Dumplings – Fresh, delicate, and satisfying.
  

Details:

• Address: Orchard Rendezvous Hotel #02-181 Tanglin Road Singapore 247905
  
• Phone: +65 6336 6022
  
• Working Hours:
  • Lunch :11.30AM – 3.00PM (Mon to Sat), Last Order at 2:30pm
    11.00AM – 3.00PM (Sun & PHs), Last Order at 2:30pm
    
  • Dinner : 6.00PM – 10.30PM (Daily), Last Order at 10PM
    
• Website: Tung Lok Signatures
  

Conclusion:

Singapore’s dim sum scene is traditional and innovative, with offerings to please everyone from casual diners to the Michelin-star set. Whether you want a simple, comforting dish or a refined feast, the city’s variety of affordable dim sum restaurants promises a culinary adventure that won’t break the bank.

Swee Choon’s timeless flavors and Michelin-worthy bites at Tim Ho Wan guarantee an unforgettable taste with every visit. So, why wait? Grab your friends, family, or fellow food lovers, and dive into the world of dim sum in Singapore—every bite brings you joy, every meal the celebratory act of authentic flavors. Your dim sum journey awaits!