Steamed vs Fried Dim Sum: What Should You Order?
Steamed dim sum is a good choice if you prefer softer textures, while fried dim sum suits diners who enjoy a crispier bite. For first-time diners, trying a combination of both can give you more variety in one meal.
At Bunn Choon Restaurant, we help customers choose steamed and fried dim sum according to their preferred textures, appetite and meal style.
What Is the Main Difference Between Steamed and Fried Dim Sum?
The main difference between steamed and fried dim sum is the cooking method and the texture it creates. Steamed dim sum is generally softer, while fried dim sum develops a crisp or crunchy exterior.
| Steamed Dim Sum | Fried Dim Sum |
|---|---|
| Softer texture | Crisp or crunchy exterior |
| Cooked using steam | Cooked by frying |
| Steamed after ordering at Bunn Choon | Adds texture and contrast |
| Suitable for diners who prefer softer foods | Suitable for diners who enjoy crispness |
| Works well as part of a shared dim sum meal | Works well alongside steamed dishes |
Both styles are part of the wider experience of authentic Cantonese dim sum in Kuala Lumpur. When customers are deciding what to order, we usually find that texture preference is more helpful than trying to decide which cooking method is better.
When Should You Choose Steamed Dim Sum?
Choose steamed dim sum when you prefer softer textures, want to begin with classic Cantonese favourites or are looking for dishes that pair naturally with Chinese tea.
You may prefer steamed dim sum if:
You enjoy softer textures.
You want to start with familiar traditional dim sum.
You are having dim sum for breakfast or brunch.
You want several smaller dishes with different fillings.
You plan to combine your meal with tea, congee or noodles.
We prepare a variety of traditional dim sum in KL, from steamed dumplings and buns to fish balls and other familiar tea house favourites.
Steamed Dim Sum You Can Try With Us
For first-time diners, steamed dim sum offers several approachable starting points.
Our Hong Kong-Style Siew Mai is a familiar choice for diners who want to begin with one of the most recognisable steamed dim sum dishes.
Another option is our Steamed Fish Ball, which can be ordered as part of a shared dim sum meal.
For diners who enjoy steamed buns, our Chicken Rice Wine Bao combines steamed dough with a savoury chicken and rice wine filling.
Why Do We Steam Our Dim Sum After You Order?
At Bunn Choon Restaurant, our steamed dim sum is steamed after customers place their orders rather than being pre-steamed in advance. This helps us avoid leaving dim sum in the steamer for too long.
Over-steaming can affect the intended texture and may cause some items to expand excessively. By starting the steaming process after an order is placed, our team can better control how each steamed item is served.
We also prepare our traditional dim sum in-house each day using fresh ingredients. This process is one of the practical ways we maintain consistency across our steamed selection.
When Should You Choose Fried Dim Sum?
Choose fried dim sum when you enjoy crisp or crunchy textures or want contrast alongside softer steamed dishes.
You may prefer fried dim sum if:
You like crispy or crunchy food.
You want stronger texture contrast.
You are sharing several dishes with friends or family.
Most of your order is already steamed.
You want something more snack-like alongside tea.
One of our recognisable fried choices is the Deep-Fried Taro Dumpling (Wu Gok), which features a crisp taro exterior with a savoury filling.
Other fried choices on our menu include Deep Fried Radish Cake, Deep Fried Shrimp Rolls, Deep Fried Bean Curd Roll and Vegetarian Spring Roll.
Steamed or Fried Dim Sum: Which Is Better for First-Time Diners?
For first-time diners, a mixed order is a simple way to experience both cooking styles without choosing only steamed or only fried dishes.
| If You Prefer... | Start With... |
|---|---|
| Soft textures | Steamed dim sum |
| Crisp or crunchy textures | Fried dim sum |
| More variety | A combination of both |
| Sharing with several people | Several steamed and fried dishes |
| Trying dim sum for the first time | Familiar steamed dishes plus one or two fried items |
If this is your first time ordering dim sum, you can also read our guide on what dim sum first-time visitors should try in KL for more ideas on where to begin.
A Simple Dim Sum Order for First-Time Visitors
For first-time diners, we usually suggest starting with two or three steamed dishes, one or two fried dishes and tea.
For two diners, one possible combination could include:
Siew Mai
Shrimp dumplings
Steamed fish balls
Deep-fried taro
One additional fried item such as a spring roll or shrimp roll
Chinese tea
If you prefer a more substantial breakfast or lunch, you can add something comforting such as our Century Egg & Lean Pork Congee.
If you prefer noodles with your dim sum, our Minced Pork Dry Noodles with Turnip can make the meal more filling.
A Closer Look at How We Prepare Chicken Rice Wine Bao
Our Chicken Rice Wine Bao is one example of how preparation affects steamed dim sum. We shape each dough portion so that the centre remains thicker while the edges are thinner before adding the filling.
After the filling is added, we gather and seal each bao by hand. The bao is then rested for 3 minutes before being steamed over high heat for 8 minutes.
You can learn more about how we prepare our Chicken Rice Wine Bao, including the shaping, filling, resting and steaming stages.
Like our other steamed dim sum, we steam the Chicken Rice Wine Bao after the customer places an order rather than pre-steaming it in advance.
How Should You Choose Dim Sum Based on Your Meal?
Your meal occasion can also help you decide which style to order.
| Situation | Suggested Direction |
|---|---|
| Light breakfast | Mostly steamed dim sum |
| Tea-time snack | A small mix of steamed and fried items |
| Shared family meal | Several steamed and fried dishes |
| Prefer softer textures | Focus on steamed dim sum |
| Prefer crispy textures | Add more fried dishes |
| First visit | Try both styles |
If you are planning a fuller morning meal, our guide to a traditional Chinese breakfast in KL covers other dishes you can enjoy alongside dim sum.
What Should You Drink With Steamed and Fried Dim Sum?
Chinese tea is a traditional choice, while a chilled drink can also work well with both styles. You can also explore our Cold Brew Tea in Kuala Lumpur if you prefer a chilled drink with your dim sum.
Not Sure What to Order on Your First Visit?
At Bunn Choon Restaurant, our team can help you choose a mix of steamed and fried dim sum based on the textures and type of meal you prefer. You can also explore our Cantonese dim sum selection before your visit.
View Our Cantonese Dim SumFAQ About Steamed vs Fried Dim Sum
At Bunn Choon Restaurant, our steamed dim sum is steamed after the customer places an order rather than being pre-steamed in advance.
No. Neither style is automatically better. Steamed dim sum is suitable if you prefer softer textures, while fried dim sum is a better fit if you enjoy crisp or crunchy food.
Yes. Ordering both is an easy way to enjoy both cooking styles during the same meal.
Siew mai, shrimp dumplings and steamed fish balls are approachable choices for many first-time diners. Steamed buns are another option if you enjoy filled dough-based dim sum.
Fried dim sum on our menu includes Deep Fried Taro, Deep Fried Radish Cake, Deep Fried Shrimp Rolls, Deep Fried Bean Curd Roll and Vegetarian Spring Roll.
Conclusion
In summary, steamed dim sum is suited to diners who prefer softer textures, while fried dim sum adds crispness and contrast. If you are trying dim sum for the first time, choosing a small combination of both is an easy way to enjoy more variety.
At Bunn Choon Restaurant, our team provides both steamed and fried dim sum, and we steam our steamed items after customers place their orders.
