Dim sum fans know the challenge—finding quality Cantonese bites without the luxury hotel bill. Singapore’s hawker centres, however, offer a practical answer. Some stalls are run by chefs with decades of fine-dining experience. Others are family-run operations serving generations of regulars. Here’s a carefully selected list of 10 dim sum hawker stalls that deliver both flavor and affordability.
1. Uncle Kun Delicacies
Location: Toa Payoh Vista Market, Blk 74 Lor 4 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310074
Chef Lam Kun, once of Shangri-La’s Shang Palace and Mouth Restaurant, brings fine-dining quality to a Toa Payoh hawker stall. His oblong Lor Mai Kai is hefty enough to count as lunch. The Fried Beehoon and thin-skinned Siew Mai make regulars out of first-timers. Weekends draw queues, but the turnover is fast.
2. Yi Dian Xin Hong Kong Dim Sum
Location: 973 Upper Serangoon Rd, Singapore 534725
Facebook: yidianxin1kovan
Chef Foong, with over 25 years in the industry including time at Tung Lok, runs this Upper Serangoon stall. The Salted Egg Custard Pau bursts with smooth, buttery filling. The Steamed Carrot Cake melts on the tongue, carrying umami from lup cheong. Their char siew rice rolls are soft and thin, holding just enough sweetness to balance the savory notes.
3. Five Star Hong Kong Style Handmade Dim Sum
Location: 705 Sims Dr, #07-01 Shun Li Industrial Complex, Singapore 387384
Chef Yiu Wah Tai, previously at Four Seasons’ Jiang-Nan Chun, now serves handmade dim sum through various outlets. The Har Gao and Siew Mai reflect his technique—juicy, tightly wrapped, fresh. For those craving spice, the Mala Dumpling has depth without overpowering heat. The Sims Drive outlet is air-conditioned for a more relaxed experience.
4. Nian Nian Fa Dim Sum
Location: Cheng San Market & Cooked Food Centre, 527 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, Singapore 560527
A former Hong Kong restaurant chef with 40+ years of experience crafts humble dishes packed with flavor. The Turnip Cake stands out for its deep radish aroma and crispy edges, especially with their house-made chili. Their Shrimp Dumplings have a satisfying crunch and clean prawn flavor wrapped in golden wonton skin.
5. Hong Kong Mongkok Tim Sum
Location: Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre, 335 Smith St, #02-097, Singapore 050335
Chef Chi Shu Kei, once at East Ocean Teochew Restaurant, now runs this Chinatown favourite. All six items on the menu are priced flat, keeping things simple and accessible. The Char Siew Bao is fluffy with generous, savory pork filling. Their Xia Jiao uses fresh, chunky shrimp for a satisfying bite. Queues form early, so a numbered ticket system keeps things moving.
6. Dim Sum Haus
Location: 57 Jalan Besar, Singapore 208809
Website: dimsumhaus.com.sg
This air-conditioned eatery leans slightly upscale but keeps prices modest at around $5 per dish. The Steamed Charcoal Chicken and Shrimp Siew Mai stands out visually and in taste. The Baked Salted Egg Custard Bun brings a warm, rich center in a golden crust. The Pan-Fried Carrot Cake combines texture—crispy outside, fluffy inside—with a mild sausage hit.
7. Kuai San Dian Xin
Location: Various outlets
Once priced at $1.30 per item and now at $1.50, this chain delivers real value. The HK Style Prawn Chee Cheong Fun stands out for its silky skin and fresh shrimp. The Big Bao is stuffed and reliable as a filling snack. Open 24/7 at several spots, it’s a reliable fix at any hour.
8. Ji Tuo Hong Kong Style Tim Sum
Location: SkyTech Building, 2 Bukit Batok Street 24, #09-18, Singapore 659480
Located on a rooftop kopitiam inside an industrial building, this quiet corner is worth the hunt. The elderly couple behind the counter make everything themselves. Their Fried Carrot Cake is rich and crisp. The Lotus Leaf Glutinous Rice carries deep aroma and satisfying stickiness. The Custard Buns are dense with flavor—more filling than showy.
9. Hua Ji Bao Dang
Location: Bukit Merah View Market & Hawker Centre, 115 Bukit Merah View, Singapore 151115
A family business since 1988, Hua Ji specializes in handmade paus under $2. The Char Siew Bao offers juicy, fragrant pork with soft, thin dough. Their Siew Mai delivers on seasoning and meat quality. Simple, reliable, and loved by long-time customers, this stall proves consistency wins over trendiness.
10. Xiao Chen Homemade Bao Dian
Location: Blk 68 Geylang Bahru, Singapore 330068
Run by a Malaysian cook who prepares fresh dim sum daily, this stall offers baskets at just $1.90. The Siew Mai and Har Gao are hand-shaped and meaty. More adventurous items like Century Egg Dumplings and Seaweed Siew Mai give variety to the regular menu. It’s ideal for quick bites with no compromise on freshness.
Each of these stalls reflects a commitment to flavor, technique, and affordability. No fancy plating or fine-dining ambiance, just well-executed classics prepared by chefs who know the craft. Whether you’re chasing molten custard buns or plump prawn dumplings, there’s a stall on this list worth your stop.
