Despite being very similar in how they sound, and how they are spelled, ‘Dim Sum’ and ‘Dim Sim’ actually have vastly different meanings!
Dim Sum is an umbrella term that refers to the range of small, bite-sized portions of Chinese food that is often served at restaurants that offer Yum Cha. Dim Sum dishes can be prepared in a variety of ways, from steamed, fried, or baked and are typically served on small plates or inside bamboo steamers. Examples of Dim Sum classics are BBQ Pork buns, Siu Mai and Custard buns.
Dim Sim is the name of a Chinese-inspired snack that is shaped like a Siu Mai – i.e. a cylinder of meat and vegetable filling, partially wrapped in a pastry. Although the appearances are similar, Dim Sims and Siu Mai have different ingredients and taste completely different to one another. Dim Sims are usually served either steamed or fried and can come in a variety of fillings, with the most popular being pork and cabbage. They have become extremely popular in Australia as a snack and are sometimes referred to as “Dimmie’s”.
Try our Dim Sims and Siu mai and taste the difference for yourself!
