NPR’s Best Books of 2016
“Perfect for those who specialize in eating Chinese food, rather than making it.”
– T. Susan Chang, The Level Teaspoon
“It is as erudite as it is darling. Whether exploring Buford Highway or boarding a plane for Guangzhou, it’s as essential as your wallet and your passport.”
– Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Ms. Phillips’s guide is extensive and satisfying. Her taxonomy is invariably brief, demanding only as much time as one will tolerate being delayed from reaching for a pair of chopsticks. Each item includes a short description, helpful tips on sauces, fillings and variations, plus some insightful history.”
- Wall Street Journal
“Small enough to fit in a handbag, Carolyn Phillips’ beautifully illustrated guide really can help a nervous diner navigate the sometimes intimidating realm of dim sum.”
- NPR
SAVORY DIM SUM
STEAMED WRAPPERS
Steamed Jiaozi • 14
Pot Stickers • 16
Siu Mai • 18
Char Siu Buns • 20
Chicken Buns • 22
Vegetarian Buns • 24
Chaozhou Rice Rolls • 26
Xiaolongbao • 28
Cheong Fun • 30
Fun Gor • 32
Har Gow • 34
Pork and Mung Bean Tamales • 36
Sticky Rice Chicken in Lotus Leaves • 38
UNWRAPPED PROTEINS
Roast Suckling Pig • 40
Crackly Skinned Pork Belly • 42
Char Siu • 44
Black Bean Spareribs • 46
Steamed Meatballs • 48
Stuffed Bean Curd • 50
Braised Brisket with Radishes • 52
Roast Chicken • 54
Braised Chicken • 56
Black Bean Chicken Feet • 58
Roast Duck • 60
Braised Duck Chins • 62
Blanched Goose Intestines • 64
Braised Cuttlefish • 66
Cold Tossed Jellyfish • 68
BAKED DIM SUM
Radish Puffs • 70
Baked Char Siu Buns • 72
Curry Beef Turnovers • 74
Creamy Cabbage Casserole • 76
PAN- AND DEEP-FRIED DIM SUM
Radish Cakes • 78
Shredded Lotus Fritters • 80
Garlic Chive Packets • 82
Honeycomb Taro-Wrapped Pork • 84
Coffee Pork Ribs • 86
Fried Rice-Dough Packets • 88
Soy Skin Rolls • 90
Spring Rolls • 92
Paper-Wrapped Chicken • 94
Wrapped Crab Claws • 96
Deep-Fried Shrimp Pouches • 98
Crouton Shrimp Balls • 100
DELICIOUS EXTRAS
Singapore Rice Noodles • 102
Chow Fun • 104
Fried Rice • 106
Congee • 108
Lo Mein • 110
Crispy Noodle Pillow • 112
Gai Lan With Oyster Sauce • 114
Stir-Fried Water Spinach with Bean Curd Cheese • 116
SWEET DIM SUM
HOT AND WARM SWEETS
Fried Sesame Balls • 120
Sandy Filled Mochi • 122
Chinese Beignets • 124
Sweet Potato Pockets • 126
Fried Water Chestnut Gelée • 128
Durian Puffs • 130
Deep-Fried Milk • 132
Tapioca Pudding • 134
SWEET BUNS
Lotus Seed Paste Buns • 136
Custard Buns • 138
Snow-Topped Buns • 140
Figurative Buns • 142
CHILLED SWEETS
Mango Pudding • 144
Soy Pudding • 146
Guiling Jelly • 148
Date Paste Jellies • 150
Red Bean Tapioca Balls • 152
Sesame Rollups • 154
CAKES AND TARTS
Raised Fermented Rice Cake • 156
Malay Cake • 158
Custard Tarts • 160