Dumplings, dim sum, delicious parcels of delight…call them what you will. What we know is we love them. Prepare to salivate as we talk you through our favourites…

Hakkasan…

Without a doubt one of the fanciest restaurants in Dubai, Hakkasan could easily maintain it’s reputation on style over substance – luckily – it doesn’t. With a variety of dim sum platters on offer – featuring everything from steamed sea bass shumai or chicken and prawn dumplings to fried duck and pumpkin ‘puffs’ – your plate is likely to be just as impressive as your surroundings. Bring your camera and prepare to share plenty of arty plate shots.

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Royal China…

Big with the business crowd of DIFC (many of which have no doubt sampled some of China’s best dumplings first hand) Royal China is one of Dubai’s best-loved places to enjoy mountains of delicious dim sum. Whether steamed, grilled or fried – choice is not something you’ll be short of. Dishes not to miss include the crabmeat dumpling soup and the fried yam paste dumplings. Arrive hungry and leave more than satisfied.

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Yuan…

If you fancy your dumplings with a side of celebrity, then Atlantis The Palm’s Yuan (a favourite with supermodels such as Jordan Dunn and a little-known family called the Kardashians) is the place to pick up a pair of chopsticks. Highlights include the steamed shrimp dumplings with yellow mustard, and the wok-seared chicken and chive dumpling, though you’re unlikely to find a dish that is less than excellent.

Din Tai Fung…

Believe the hype – there’s a reason you’re given a buzzer and have to wait for at least 45 minutes for a table at this internationally renowned eatery: they serve the best dumplings in probably the world. With an 18-page deep menu full of various types of dumplings, sweet buns and fried dishes, it’s the famous ‘xiaolongbao’ (steamed dumplings full of soupy broth and meat) that will blow your mind. Be prepared to order lots (and lots) of them.

Ping Pong Dim Sum…

Dim sum is traditionally quite a casual affair, which is a style of dining that Ping Pong Dim Sum does very well indeed. In these light, easy-going restaurants – located in Arabian Ranches and The Dubai Mall – tables are full of friends sharing inventive delicacies such as the chicken, pineapple and lemongrass dumplings or less adventurous spicy vegetable dumplings. So bring your crew, order one of everything and fill-up without breaking the bank.

Soy…

Cheap, cheerful and reliably good, Soy is something of an overlooked mall secret. With two locations – in Ibn Battuta’s China court and at The Dubai Mall – service is efficient and the menu surprisingly extensive. The dim sum is packed with flavour and comes out quickly – served in the traditional bamboo basket – making for the perfect shopping pitstop.

Now read: Hakkasan Terrace: an urban sanctuary in the heart of Dubai or Dim Sum Brunch on a Saturday?