Key Words: (Preview)

早点 (Záodiǎn) Breakfast
点心 (Diǎnxīn) Dim Sum; Dessert; Light Refreshments; Pastries

What is Dim Sum?

So what is "点心 (diǎnxīn) Dim Sum?" This style of Chinese food is well-known throughout all of China and is prepared in small bite-sized portions, usually served with tea and altogether forms a full breakfast or brunch. Dim sum literally translated means "to touch the heart" and there are all kinds of Dim Sum such as savory, steamed and fried "包子 (bāozi) buns," "饺子 (jiǎozi) dumplings" and "卷 (juǎn) rolls."

Learn a Mandarin Nursery Rhyme 包饺子 (Bāo jiǎozi) – Making Dumplings

Though Dim Sum can be found in many forms (even up to 100 different kinds!) and can be served in all regions of China, the cuisine is most closely associated with the "茶馆文化 (cháguǎn wénhuà) teahouse culture" in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province.

Cultural Background:

Cantonese Morning Tea is an indispensable part of Cantonese’s life. Cantonese often greet each other in the morning, by saying something like:

Chī zǎochá le ma? Hái méiyǒu de huà, yìqǐ qù ba!
吃早茶了吗？还没有的话，一起去吧!
Have you had Morning Tea yet? If not, let's go together!

"饮早茶 (Yǐn zǎochá) Drinking Morning Tea," that is to enjoy your Dim Sum and tea, which has become a very unique custom.

The Origin:

"Cantonese Morning Tea" originated in tea houses in the Qing Dynasty, where only a table, a few chairs, some tea, and simple cakes were provided, and the sign on the door said "茶馆 (cháguǎn) tea house." All guests were able to sit down, rest, chat and eat while sipping tea. These kinds of tea houses were found along every street and on every corner at that time. That was when the seeds for today’s modern Dim Sum tradition were planted.

Key Words:

饮茶 (Yǐn chá) Yum Cha; to Drink Tea
早茶 (Zǎochá) Cantonese Morning Tea
广式点心 (Guǎng shì diǎnxin) Cantonese Style Dim Sum

Examples:

    Xiā jiǎo shì guǎng dōng rén zuì xǐ’ài de diǎnxīn zhī yī.
1. 虾饺是广东人最喜爱的点心之一。
    The Shrimp Dumpling is one of Cantonese ’s favorite Dim Sum.

    "Yǐn zǎochá" shì guǎng dōng de dútè fēngsú.
2. "饮早茶"是广东的独特风俗。
     "Drinking Morning Tea" is a unique custom in Guangdong.

Let’s Take a Look at the Most Classic Types of Cantonese Style Dim Sum

(1) 叉烧包 (Chāshāo bāo) Barbecued Pork Bun 
This style of Dim Sum is a "包 (bāo)" or bun which is filled with what is called cha shao pork and is either steamed or baked. The steamed buns are white on the exterior and the baked buns are browned or glazed.

(2) 虾饺 (Xiā jiǎo)  Shrimp Dumpling 
This Shrimp Dumpling is known as ... Read More

Quiz:

1. Please choose the best option to complete the dialogue.

Xiǎo Xīn: Lì Li, nǐ mǎi hǎo huíjiā de huǒchē piào le ma?
小新：丽丽，你买好回家的火车票了吗？

Lì Li: -----------------------------.
丽丽：-----------------------------。

    Wǒ dǎsuàn huíjiā guònián.
A. 我打算回家过年。
    Hái méi ne, chūnyùn qījiān de piào zhēn de shì tài nán qiǎng la.
B. 还没呢，春运期间的票真的是太难抢啦。
    Qǐng qù sì hào chuāngkǒu bànlǐ tuìpiào.
C. 请去四号窗口办理退票。
See Answer Analysis