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The 12 Best Dim Sum Spots in Glasgow Revealed
If your tastebuds have been hankering for some bite-sized delights and soul-warming dumplings lately, you’re in the right place! From prawn dumplings to barbecue pork buns, and even some faint-inducing custard tarts, Glasgow’s dim sum scene is varied.
So read on and explore our top picks of Glasgow’s dim sum spots.
Dim Sum Restaurant
Website: http://www.dimsum-glasgow.com/
Address: 69 W Nile St, Glasgow G1 2QB, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 328 0800
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 12 PM to 11 PM
Cost: $-$$
Dim Sum Restaurant is one of the most visited hideouts by dim sum lovers in Glasgow. The variety here is crazy good—think traditional steamed or fried siu mai side by side with adventurous satay beef dumplings.
Another showstopper here is their house special, the char sui buns spicy chicken and king prawn dumplings. And don’t worry about your veggie pals, as they can adapt some into a veggie one.
Aside from their stellar dim sum, don’t miss out on their other Chinese delicacies, especially the lamb ribs Xinjiang style, which is a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they lay out a mean spread for afternoon tea with dumplings, baos, and the whole nine yards.
Pro tip: If you’re driving, there’s a convenient car park on Elmbank St., just a few minutes walk away.
Lychee Oriental
Website: http://www.lycheeoriental.co.uk/
Address: 59 Mitchell St, Glasgow G1 3LN, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 248 2240
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 12:30 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $$
Lychee stands as an unassuming sentinel offering a vast variety of Chinese cuisine. Though the menu may not be sprawling with endless dim sum varieties, the carefully curated platters and signature wonton dim sum soup embody quality over quantity.
Vegetarians and seafood lovers alike shout praise for their tofu and soft shell crab—dishes that speak the language of freshness.
Let’s also not overlook the sweeter side of things; desserts like the deep-fried banana with ice cream culminate your dining experience on a high note.
Pro tip: Lychee Oriental provides takeout and delivery services. Plus, they often release discount vouchers on their social media pages, so watch out!
Amber Regent
Website: http://www.amberregent.com/
Address: 50 W Regent St, Glasgow G2 2RA, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 331 1655
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 12 PM to 2:15 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
Amber Regent is a family-run venue that has been serving for over 30 years. The dim sum menu here is varied, featuring har kau (prawn dumplings), siu mai, grilled wor teap (chicken) and vegetable dumplings.
Apart from dim sum, they also have Cantonese classics, like the lamb with spring onion lobster and monkfish in black bean sauce, which both are of house specialty.
Pro tip: Try to make reservations, especially on weekends since it can get crowded. And if you’re driving, scout for nearby parking spots ahead of time, as this area can get quite busy.
Canton Lane
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Website: https://www.instagram.com/cantonlane_888/
Address: 339 Dumbarton Rd, Partick, Glasgow G11 6AL, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 286 7232
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
Cost: $-$$
Canton Lane is all about authentic Cantonese dim sum, serving up a stunning array of dishes. Must-tries include the crab and pork xiao long bao, and Cheung Fun (rice noodle rolls) filled with beef, prawns, or barbecued pork.
Of course, for dumpling devotees, the pork and prawn siu mai are non-negotiable, while the vegetarian dumplings are equally worth tasting. Plus, with options for private dining, it’s a suitable pick for intimate gatherings or celebrations.
Pro tip: They’re known for their generous portions, so consider sharing. Also, try to take advantage of their takeaway service for a delightful dim sum picnic in nearby Kelvingrove Park!
Chinatown Restaurant Glasgow
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pg/chinatownglasgow
Address: 44 New City Rd, Glasgow G4 9JT, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 332 5867
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
Chinatown Restaurant’s menu boasts an impressive variety of dim sum, including everything from king prawn dumplings to char siu buns (barbecue pork buns). Other signature dishes include siu mai, xiao long bao, and mixed seafood in a buddha bowl.
You can also indulge in their crispy duck or the lobster with crispy noodles, which many claim is the real deal. Moreover, it provides private party facilities for those special gatherings where dim sum takes centre stage.
Pro tip: Consider visiting during off-peak hours if you prefer a quieter dining experience. While they don’t offer a dedicated parking area, nearby street parking is available.
Opium
Website: http://www.opiumrestaurant.co.uk/
Address: 191 Hope St, Glasgow G2 2UL, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 332 6668
Operating hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 12 PM to 2:15 PM, 5 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday – 12 PM to 2:15 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 1 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $$
Opium is where innovation meets tradition, creating a menu that’s both familiar and refreshingly new. For the innovative ones, you can have their seared Shanghai bao and crab meat and chive dumplings.
The establishment prides itself on its stylish décor and ambient setting, making it a perfect venue for an afternoon tea service served with a side of dim sum.
Pro tip: Vegetarian offerings like truffle and mushroom dumplings ensure everyone leaves the table happy. Other than that, you can also try their best-selling aromatic duck and spicy Szechuan chicken.
Dumpling Monkey
Website: https://www.facebook.com/DumplingMonkey/?locale=en_GB
Address: 121 Dumbarton Rd, Glasgow G11 6PR, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 583 8300
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 1 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
Dumpling Monkey, located on Dumbarton Road, is a sanctuary for dumpling devotees. Their signature offering, prawn and chive dumplings is a revelation, and the beef shu mai brings a hearty twist to the traditional pork filling.
Moving beyond dim sum, Dumpling Monkey is celebrated for its noodles—think soup noodles or spicy, stir-fried options that are a meal in themselves. Whether you’re there for a quick lunch or a lazy weekend feast, it’s casual dining at its best.
Pro tip: This is a fantastic place for a casual drop-in, but remember, they’re incredibly popular for takeaways. Use their online ordering system to beat the line, especially during the lunch rush!
Loon Fung Cantonese Restaurant
Website: http://www.loonfungglasgow.com/
Address: Sauchiehall St, City Centre, Glasgow G2 3LG, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 332 1240
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $$
Loon Fung has been serving up traditional Cantonese dishes and dim sum delights for years. The restaurant shines with its Cheung fun—silky rice noodle rolls filled with shrimp, beef, or barbecued pork.
But it’s not all bite-sized delights, though, since they’re also known for their seafood dishes, with the sizzling salt and pepper squid being popular. For parties or special events, their private dining rooms offer an intimate experience with the same menu.
Pro tip: Loon Fung’s popularity, especially during the weekend dim sum service, can lead to longer wait times. Make reservations in advance to secure a spot. Also, don’t miss out on their seasonal specials and set menus for an extra treat.
China Blue
Media credit: _austenm
Website: https://chinablueglasgow.co.uk/visit-us
Address: 96 Renfield St, Glasgow G2 1NH, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 333 1881
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
China Blue is known for its wide array of dim sum options. Think steamed savoury buns, tender dumplings, and delicate rice noodle rolls.
Steamed pork buns, or ‘cha siu bao’, emerge as the stars here, together with the vegetarian’s favourite, the fluffy, umami-packed mushroom buns.
Pro tip: Parking can be tight around Renfield Street, so give yourself some extra time or opt for public transport just a few steps away. And if you’re a fan of mid-day dim sum, their lunch specials are worth checking out for great value!
TastEast
Media credit: ngsikwuisei
Website: N/A
Address: 11-15 Hyndland St, Partick, Glasgow G11 5QE, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 334 2312
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
Be prepared to be spoiled with choice as TastEast presents a lavish array of steamed, grilled, and fried delights. The variety stretches from succulent shrimp dumplings to delicate steamed buns filled with meat and vegetables.
For those who yearn for the classics, the har gow and siu mai hold court as perennial favourites. Other than dim sum, some other best-seller dishes here are aubergine and pork mince, cumin lamb and cauliflower hot pot.
Pro tip: TastEast’s popularity means it can get bustling, especially on weekends. For a seamless experience, book ahead or consider sliding into a late lunch; you may just find the dim sum selection impressively abundant with fewer crowds.
Marble Global Buffet
Website: https://www.marblebuffet.com/
Address: 42 Queen St, Glasgow G1 3DX, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 483 1777
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $-$$
Marble Global Buffet turns the concept of dim sum on its head, moving it from delicate brunch to an all-you-can-eat spectacle. Among the teeming buffet lines, you’ll come across bite-sized treats like shrimp dumplings and pork ribs in black bean sauce.
And for those with adventurous palates, the uniquely flavoured spicy dumplings are an absolute must-try. Aside from dim sum, you can also venture towards their sushi and Indian curries, all within the same meal.
Pro tip: To beat the crowd and ensure a spot at this popular eatery, arrive early or book ahead. Also, parking nearby is easier to find during the early dinner hours or on Sundays when the bustling Queen Street quietens down a touch.
Ka Ka Lok Chinese Restaurant
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Website: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=657803364284352
Address: 175 St George’s Rd, Glasgow G3 6JD, United Kingdom
Contact details: +44 141 353 6528
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, Friday to Sunday – 2 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
At Ka Ka Lok Chinese Restaurant, it’s all about tradition served with a homely touch. The dim sum lineup here includes all the classics, executed with care and expertise.
The standout is their Cheung Fun (rice noodle rolls), which come in a variety of fillings, from BBQ pork to shrimp. And for those veering away from meat, the tofu skin rolls stuffed with assorted veggies are a delight.
Ka Ka Lok’s menu extends well beyond dim sum, offering seafood dishes like the salt and pepper squid, which are particularly noteworthy for their freshness and flavour.
Pro tip: Ka Ka Lok doesn’t do bookings, and it can get especially busy during weekends. Arrive early to beat the crowd, and don’t forget to bring cash, as they don’t accept cards—old school, but worth it.
