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Dim sum in Taipei is genuinely competitive with Hong Kong – the city has Michelin three-star dim sum (Le Palais), multiple Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurants, and a deep mid-range scene that delivers exceptional steamed dumplings, char siu buns, and rice rolls at fraction of Hong Kong prices. Sunday brunch dim sum is a Taipei institution. This 2026 guide of best dim sum in Taipei covers the top restaurants across price tiers, what to order, and how to do dim sum like a Taipei local.
Taipei’s Dim Sum Scene
Three reasons Taipei dim sum is exceptional:
Strong Cantonese tradition. Taiwan has historic Cantonese immigration. Major Hong Kong-style dim sum restaurants operate in Taipei.
Michelin recognition. Multiple dim sum restaurants hold stars – Le Palais (three stars), The Guest House (two stars), Ya Ge (two stars).
Lower prices than Hong Kong. Same Cantonese dim sum 40-60% cheaper than Hong Kong premium restaurants. Top-tier experience at accessible prices.
Result: Taipei offers some of Asia’s best value dim sum, particularly at the premium tier.
The 12 Best Dim Sum Restaurants in Taipei
1. Le Palais at Palais de Chine Hotel
Three Michelin stars. The flagship dim sum experience in Taipei. Cantonese fine dining with exceptional dim sum lunch. Signature: Honey-Glazed Roasted Crispy Pork, Crispy Duck, Spring Onion Pancake.
Lunch dim sum: NT$2,500-4,500 per person. Dinner full course NT$6,500-12,000. Reservations 4-8 weeks ahead. Located in Palais de Chine Hotel near Taipei Main Station.
2. The Guest House at Sheraton Grand Taipei
Two Michelin stars. Classic Cantonese dim sum and dinner. Crystal Pork, signature dim sum, premium Cantonese.
Lunch dim sum: NT$1,800-3,000. Dinner NT$3,500-6,500. Easier to book than Le Palais. Mid-range Michelin experience.
3. Ya Ge at Mandarin Oriental Taipei
Two Michelin stars. Refined contemporary Cantonese. Dim sum lunch is the entry point.
Dim sum lunch: NT$1,500-2,800. Dinner NT$4,500-8,500. Booking 3-5 weeks ahead.
4. Yang Shin Vegetarian (Vegetarian Dim Sum)
Vegetarian Cantonese dim sum. Mock duck buns, vegan har gao. Excellent for vegetarian visitors.
NT$800-1,500 per person. Less famous than meat-focused restaurants but excellent quality.
5. Kao Chi (Yongkang Street)
Famous for Shanghai-style dim sum and xiao long bao. Less Cantonese, more Shanghai-Taiwanese. NT$400-800 per person. Walk-in often works.
6. San Yang Yang at Le Meridien (Mid-Range)
Hotel Cantonese restaurant. Solid dim sum lunch. NT$1,200-2,200.
7. Tasty Steamed Dumpling House (Multiple Locations)
Chain dim sum focus. Reliable mid-range. NT$400-700 per person.
8. Hsing Hsing Dumpling House (Historic)
Beijing-style dumplings but extensive Chinese menu. Long-running family restaurant. NT$200-400 per meal. Michelin Bib Gourmand.
9. Tien Hsiang Lo (Premium Vegetarian)
Buddhist vegetarian Cantonese. Lunch sets with multiple dim sum. NT$1,500-3,000.
10. Tian Tien Vegetarian Restaurant
Casual vegetarian dim sum. NT$400-700.
11. Lin’s Dim Sum (Casual)
Local family chains. Multiple Taipei locations. Casual setting. NT$300-600 per person.
12. Dragon Boat Hot Pot (Hybrid)
Hot pot restaurant with dim sum side menu. Different dim sum context. NT$1,200-2,500 per person.
Best Dim Sum by Tier
Premium (Michelin Star)
Le Palais (3 stars), The Guest House (2 stars), Ya Ge (2 stars). NT$1,500-4,500 lunch. Reservations weeks ahead. Worth every dollar.
Upper Mid-Range
San Yang Yang at Le Meridien, hotel restaurants at major chains. NT$1,200-2,200. Often booked alongside hotel stays.
Mid-Range
Kao Chi, Tasty Steamed Dumpling House, Tien Hsiang Lo (vegetarian). NT$400-800. Reliable quality without premium prices.
Casual
Lin’s Dim Sum, Hsing Hsing Dumpling House. NT$200-500. Quick, family-friendly, neighborhood feel.
Vegetarian
Yang Shin Vegetarian, Tien Hsiang Lo, Tian Tien Vegetarian. NT$400-1,500. Strong vegetarian focus.
What to Order at Dim Sum in Taipei
Steamed (Zheng) Dishes
Har Gao (蝦餃): Shrimp dumplings. Translucent skin, plump shrimp filling. NT$80-180 per portion (3-4 pieces).
Siu Mai (燒賣): Pork and shrimp open-top dumplings. NT$80-160.
Char Siu Bao (叉燒包): BBQ pork buns. NT$70-150 per portion.
Lo Mai Gai (糯米雞): Sticky rice in lotus leaf. NT$120-250.
Cheong Fan (腸粉): Rice noodle rolls with shrimp or beef. NT$100-200.
Fried Dishes
Spring Rolls (春卷): Crispy vegetable rolls. NT$80-150.
Salt and Pepper Squid (椒鹽魷魚): Crispy squid bites. NT$300-500.
Wok-fried Chicken Feet: Authentic dim sum specialty. NT$150-250.
Crispy Pork Belly: The Le Palais signature. NT$600-1,000 (premium).
Soup and Rice Dishes
Wonton Soup: Clear broth with wontons. NT$150-300.
Congee (粥): Rice porridge with various toppings. NT$80-200.
Fried Rice (炒飯): Various styles. NT$200-450.
Beef Noodles (牛肉麵): Cantonese-style broth. NT$200-350.
Desserts
Egg Tarts (蛋撻): Portuguese-Cantonese hybrid. NT$80-180.
Mango Pudding (芒果布丁): NT$100-250.
Tofu Pudding (豆花): Cool sweet tofu. NT$80-150.
Sesame Balls: Fried mochi with sesame. NT$80-150.
How to Order Dim Sum
At Premium Restaurants
Menu service: order from printed menu. Server brings dishes. Reserve in advance.
At Mid-Range Restaurants
Menu service. Some have cart service rolling between tables with dim sum trolleys.
At Casual Restaurants
Counter ordering or table menus. Quick service. Often cart service at chains.
What to Order Strategy
For 2 people: 6-8 different dim sum items. Spread between steamed, fried, dessert. NT$800-1,500 total.
For 4 people: 10-12 different items. NT$1,500-3,000 total.
For lunch group: 12-15 items. Round numbers good for sharing.
Don’t order too much initially. You can add as you eat.
Sample Dim Sum Order (For Two)
Have these for a typical Taipei dim sum lunch:
Har gao (shrimp dumplings): NT$120.
Siu mai: NT$100.
Char siu bao: NT$100.
Spring rolls: NT$120.
Cheong fan with shrimp: NT$180.
Sticky rice in lotus leaf: NT$180.
Mango pudding: NT$180.
Tea service: NT$100.
Total: NT$1,080 for two. NT$540 per person. Good mid-range dim sum lunch.
Tea Service in Dim Sum
Tea is essential to dim sum culture. Common teas served:
Pu’er (普洱): Aged dark tea. Strong, earthy. Premium for cutting through fatty dim sum.
Tieguanyin (鐵觀音): Roasted oolong. Robust flavor.
Jasmine (茉莉): Floral, lighter. Standard choice for casual dim sum.
Chrysanthemum (菊花): Floral, light. Mild.
Oolong (烏龍): Standard Cantonese option.
Pu’er is the traditional dim sum pairing. Order it specifically. Tea NT$50-200 per pot.
Dim Sum Timing
Traditional Hong Kong-Style
Morning dim sum 10am-12pm or weekend Sunday brunch.
Cantonese dim sum culture is morning-focused. Premium restaurants follow this tradition.
Taipei Specific Patterns
Lunch dim sum 11am-2pm at most restaurants.
Weekend brunch dim sum 10am-2pm peak.
Some premium restaurants (Le Palais) have dinner dim sum service too.
Best Times
Sunday late morning (10-11am): Peak Taipei dim sum tradition.
Weekday lunch (12-1pm): Solid choice. Less crowded than weekends.
Saturday late lunch (1-2pm): Manageable crowds.
Dim Sum Reservation Strategy
Le Palais: 4-8 weeks ahead. The Sunday lunch is most demanding.
The Guest House: 2-4 weeks ahead.
Ya Ge: 2-3 weeks ahead.
Mid-range hotel restaurants: 1-2 weeks ahead.
Casual chains: Walk-in usually fine.
Tien Hsiang Lo (vegetarian): 1-2 weeks ahead.
Sunday brunch dim sum specifically requires advance booking at popular restaurants.
Sunday Brunch Dim Sum
Sunday dim sum brunch is a major Taipei tradition:
Time: 10am-2pm typical operation.
Crowd: Multi-generational families. Tourists. Local foodies.
Atmosphere: Energetic, celebratory.
Reservations: Essential at premium spots. Walk-in possible at casual chains.
Total time: 90 minutes to 2 hours. Don’t rush.
Standard Sunday brunch budget per person: NT$1,500-3,500 at premium tier. NT$500-1,000 at mid-range. NT$300-500 at casual.
Dim Sum Etiquette
Pour tea for others first. Traditional Cantonese hospitality. Pour for tablemates before yourself.
Tap fingers to thank. When someone pours tea for you, lightly tap two fingers (index + middle) on the table as silent thanks.
Don’t double-dip chopsticks. Use serving chopsticks if provided. Otherwise, take with your chopsticks but be hygienic.
Eat dumplings whole. Don’t bite in half. One bite or two-quick-bites if too big.
Don’t ask for fork. Use chopsticks. Forks are available but considered amateur.
Soy sauce sparingly. Dim sum is seasoned. Soy sauce only as accent.
Pace yourself. Dim sum is meant to be enjoyed slowly. Don’t rush.
Don’t blow on tea. Wait for it to cool naturally. Tea heat is part of the experience.
Compliment the chef. “Hen hao chi” (delicious) to the server. Appreciation is welcome.
Tipping not expected. 10% service charge often included.
Vegetarian Dim Sum in Taipei
Strong vegetarian dim sum options:
Yang Shin Vegetarian: The premier vegetarian Cantonese dim sum. Mock duck buns, vegan har gao, mushroom-stuffed dumplings. NT$800-1,500.
Tien Hsiang Lo: Buddhist-style with no garlic/onion. Excellent vegan options. NT$1,500-3,000.
Tian Tien Vegetarian: Casual chain. NT$400-700.
Communicate vegetarian preferences clearly. Most non-vegetarian restaurants can accommodate with notice.
Dim Sum With Kids
Family-friendly dim sum options:
Hotel restaurants: Larger tables, kid menus, high chairs. Easier with kids.
Casual chains (Tasty Steamed Dumpling House): Family-tolerant.
Hsing Hsing Dumpling House: Local family atmosphere.
Avoid: premium small spots like Le Palais (more adult atmosphere, not kid-tailored).
Common kid-friendly dim sum dishes: char siu bao, fried rice, congee, simple noodles.
Dim Sum Pricing Detail
Premium (NT$2,000-4,500 per person)
Le Palais, The Guest House, Ya Ge. Michelin-recognized. Reservations 4-8 weeks ahead. Worth special occasion.
Upper Mid-Range (NT$1,200-2,200 per person)
San Yang Yang and other hotel restaurants. Solid quality.
Mid-Range (NT$500-1,200 per person)
Kao Chi, Tasty Steamed Dumpling House, mid-tier dim sum restaurants.
Casual (NT$200-500 per person)
Lin’s Dim Sum, casual chains, Hsing Hsing Dumpling House.
Vegetarian (NT$400-3,000 per person)
Yang Shin Vegetarian (NT$800-1,500), Tien Hsiang Lo (NT$1,500-3,000), casual vegetarian options (NT$400-700).
Compare to Hong Kong Dim Sum
Hong Kong is the global dim sum capital but Taipei is competitive:
Quality: Comparable at premium tier. Hong Kong has more variety; Taipei has fewer but excellent restaurants.
Prices: Taipei 40-60% cheaper for equivalent quality.
Reservations: Taipei easier to book than Hong Kong’s top spots.
Atmosphere: Hong Kong has more dim sum culture density. Taipei more relaxed.
Diversity: Hong Kong wins on variety. Taipei wins on value.
For visitors who’ve done Hong Kong dim sum, Taipei delivers similar quality at lower prices. For first-time dim sum, Taipei is more accessible.
Specific Dim Sum Itinerary
If you want a dim sum-focused weekend day:
10am: Reservation at Le Palais (Sunday lunch). NT$2,500-4,500 per person.
12pm: Walk Dihua Street.
1:30pm: Coffee at a Da’an boutique cafe.
3pm: Afternoon walk in Da’an Park.
6pm: Light dinner (dim sum is filling).
Total: 8 hours focused on a single major dim sum experience.
Common Dim Sum Mistakes
Ordering too much initially. Start with 4-5 dishes; add as you eat.
Not making reservations. Premium spots book weeks ahead.
Rushing through. Dim sum is meant to be enjoyed slowly. Allow 90-120 minutes.
Skipping tea. Tea is essential. Order pu’er traditionally.
Asking for fork. Use chopsticks. Standard.
Over-saucing. Soy sauce in moderation. Don’t drown dim sum.
Ignoring rice noodle rolls (cheong fan). Often overlooked but excellent.
Filling up on familiar items. Try less common dim sum dishes too.
Day-of last-minute booking. Premium spots impossible. Casual chains work.
Solo dining at premium spots. Designed for groups. Solo possible but feels like an event.
Beyond Cantonese Dim Sum
Taipei has dim-sum-like options outside the Cantonese tradition:
Taiwanese dumpling specialties: Xiao long bao at Din Tai Fung, sheng jian bao at Kao Chi, traditional dumpling houses.
Shanghai dim sum: Kao Chi, Hangzhou Xiao Long Bao. Different tradition.
Beijing-style dumplings: Hsing Hsing Dumpling House. Larger, different shapes.
Korean and Japanese mandu/gyoza: Some specialty restaurants. Different tradition.
Pure Cantonese dim sum is the focus of this article, but Taipei has variety beyond.
Related Taipei guides
- Taipei Food Guide: What to Eat and Where to Find It
- Best Beef Noodle Soup in Taipei: 10 Iconic Bowls
- Stinky Tofu in Taipei: Where to Try It
- Bubble Tea in Taipei: Birthplace & Best Shops
- Traditional Taiwanese Breakfast in Taipei: What to Order
- Taiwanese Street Food Guide: 30 Must-Try Dishes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dim sum in Taipei?
Le Palais at Palais de Chine Hotel is the consensus top – three Michelin stars. The Guest House at Sheraton Grand Taipei (2 stars) and Ya Ge at Mandarin Oriental (2 stars) are excellent alternatives. Mid-range: Kao Chi for Shanghai-style. Vegetarian: Yang Shin Vegetarian.
How much does dim sum cost in Taipei?
Premium (Michelin star): NT$1,500-4,500 per person. Upper mid-range (hotel restaurants): NT$1,200-2,200. Mid-range: NT$500-1,200. Casual: NT$200-500. Vegetarian: NT$400-3,000 depending on tier.
What is Le Palais in Taipei?
Le Palais is the three-Michelin-star Cantonese restaurant inside Palais de Chine Hotel. Considered the premier dim sum experience in Taipei. Signature dishes include Honey-Glazed Cantonese-Style Roasted Crispy Pork and Peking Duck. Lunch dim sum NT$2,500-4,500 per person. Reservations 4-8 weeks ahead essential.
Do I need a reservation for dim sum in Taipei?
Yes for premium spots (Le Palais 4-8 weeks ahead). Upper mid-range hotel restaurants 2-4 weeks ahead. Mid-range and casual chains usually walk-in friendly. Sunday brunch dim sum specifically requires advance booking.
When should I eat dim sum in Taipei?
Traditional time: morning to early afternoon (10am-2pm). Sunday late morning is the peak Taipei dim sum tradition. Weekday lunch is calmer. Some restaurants serve dim sum dinner. Allow 90-120 minutes for the proper experience.
What should I order at dim sum?
For two people: har gao (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork-shrimp dumplings), char siu bao (BBQ pork buns), spring rolls, cheong fan (rice noodle rolls), sticky rice in lotus leaf, and a sweet (mango pudding). Total NT$1,000-1,500.
What tea do I drink with dim sum?
Traditional is pu’er (aged dark tea) – strong, cuts through fatty dim sum. Alternative options include tieguanyin, jasmine, chrysanthemum, or oolong. Order specifically; tea service is essential. NT$50-200 per pot.
Are there vegetarian dim sum options in Taipei?
Yes – Yang Shin Vegetarian is the premier vegetarian Cantonese dim sum. Tien Hsiang Lo and Tian Tien Vegetarian are alternatives. NT$400-3,000 depending on tier. Mock duck buns, vegan har gao, mushroom-stuffed dumplings.
Is Taipei dim sum cheaper than Hong Kong?
Yes – 40-60% cheaper for equivalent quality at the premium tier. Le Palais’s three-Michelin-star dim sum lunch (NT$2,500-4,500) costs roughly half of equivalent three-star dim sum in Hong Kong (HK$3,500-6,000+).
What is the difference between dim sum and xiao long bao?
Dim sum is the broader Cantonese tradition of small dishes (steamed, fried, sweet) typically served at lunch. Xiao long bao are Taiwanese-specific soup dumplings. Both are dumpling-related but different cuisines and contexts. Din Tai Fung does xiao long bao; Le Palais does Cantonese dim sum.
The Bottom Line
The best dim sum in Taipei delivers Michelin-recognized Cantonese cuisine at prices 40-60% below Hong Kong. Le Palais (three Michelin stars) is the premier experience; The Guest House and Ya Ge are strong two-star alternatives. Mid-range options at Kao Chi or hotel restaurants offer excellent quality without premium prices. Sunday brunch dim sum is the iconic Taipei tradition – reserve premium spots 4-8 weeks ahead. Budget NT$500-2,500 per person depending on tier, order strategically across steamed/fried/sweet categories, and enjoy one of Asia’s best value dim sum experiences.