Dim Sum Basics: Learn Cantonese

This lesson covers the dim sum everyone orders, so you will recognise the dishes on the cart and name the ones you want. You will learn the word for dim sum itself along with shrimp dumplings, siu mai, BBQ pork buns, and spring rolls. It is the core vocabulary that turns a confusing menu into a meal you chose yourself.

What you'll learn

Say “dim sum” with 點心 (dim2 sam1)
Order “shrimp dumpling” using 蝦餃 (haa1 gaau2)
Ask for “siu mai” with 燒賣 (siu1 maai6)
Order a “BBQ pork bun” using 叉燒包 (caa1 siu1 baau1)
Request a “spring roll” with 春卷 (ceon1 gyun2)

Dim sum (點心) is a Cantonese tradition of small dishes served with tea. Ordering tip: steamed baskets like 蝦餃 and 燒賣 come 一籠 (one basket), plates like 腸粉 are 一碟, and buns like 叉燒包 are 一個. Let's learn some must-know items!

dim2點sam1心

dim sum

ngo5我jiu3要sik6食dim2點sam1心

I want to eat dim sum

haa1蝦gaau2餃

shrimp dumpling

jau5有mou5冇haa1蝦gaau2餃？

Do you have shrimp dumplings?

siu1燒maai2賣

siu mai (pork dumpling)

haa1蝦gaau2餃tung4同siu1燒maai2賣dou1都hou2好sik6食

Shrimp dumplings and siu mai are both delicious

lung2籠

basket (steamer)

jat1一lung2籠haa1蝦gaau2餃

a basket of shrimp dumplings

ceon1春gyun2卷

spring roll

jau5有mou5冇ceon1春gyun2卷？

Do you have spring rolls?

dip2碟

plate (classifier)

jat1一dip2碟ceon1春gyun2卷

a plate of spring rolls

caa1叉siu1燒baau1包

BBQ pork bun

ngo5我jiu3要jat1一go3個caa1叉siu1燒baau1包

I want one BBQ pork bun

Frequently asked questions

What does dim sum mean in Cantonese?

Dim sum is 點心 (dim2 sam1), the small dishes served at tea houses. The phrase literally points to a “little something” to eat alongside tea.

How do you say shrimp dumpling in Cantonese?

Shrimp dumpling is 蝦餃 (haa1 gaau2), one of the most popular dim sum dishes. Pair it with 唔該 (m4 goi1) when you order to sound natural.

What is siu mai in Cantonese?

Siu mai is 燒賣 (siu1 maai6), the open-topped pork dumpling you will see on almost every cart. It is a staple worth ordering early.

Is there audio for these dim sum words?

Yes, every dish in this lesson comes with audio so you learn the correct pronunciation. That makes a real difference for tricky ones like 叉燒包 (caa1 siu1 baau1).