How to Pair Teas with Dim Sum

When eating dim sum, it would be almost criminal to not accompany the food with tea, which is considered just as important as the food itself in China. However, this certainly isn’t a one tea fits all situation, as each different variety of tea features unique tastes and aromas that can impact on the flavour of the food. Therefore, it is important to drink the right type of tea with the type of dim sum you are enjoying, to ensure you are experiencing the full flavour of each dish.

Lighter dishes

Lighter dishes, such as prawn dumplings, pair well with Jasmine tea, as its floral flavours are not overpowered by the food, allowing you to experience its full aroma. However, the tea itself is not too strong, meaning that the full potential of the food is enjoyed as well. Typically, jasmine tea (or green tea) will be the default tea for a dim sum restaurant, as it can work well with most dishes.

Shellfish dishes

Dishes involving shellfish, like lobster or crab, require a darker tea with a strong flavour. Oolong tea is a great choice, as it has a particularly complex taste which compliments the more powerful flavours of shellfish.

Spicy dishes

Spicier dishes tend to involve chilli and are often a little greasier than the steamed dim sum dishes. Pu-erh tea is a strong tea which can match the intensity of the flavours presented by spicy dishes, and also has the added bonus of aiding digestion of oily foods!

Savoury Pastry dishes

Pastry-based dim sum, such as the ever-popular Chinese roast pork puffs, require a full-bodied tea to accompany them. Keemun tea is a great choice for savoury dishes involving pastry or darker meats. However, it typically doesn’t work well with sweet dishes, even if they are made using pastry.

Chicken dishes

Chicken tends to be fairly mild, and its flavours can easily become overpowered by stronger teas. Therefore, green tea is a great choice, as it is still flavoursome, yet does not overwhelm the subtler tastes of lighter meat.

What is your favourite type of chinese herbal tea? Let us know via our social media channels!