I have many fond memories of going to dim sum – many with my popo, who managed to order everything as we walked to our table. I’ve also used my rudimentary Chinese to faking my way into ordering for friends enjoying dim sum for the first time. There’s nothing better than a table of steamer baskets with all varieties of dumplings, shared with friends and family.

Over the years some of our favorite restaurants in Hawaii have closed, younger generations not wanting to continue with the family business. New restaurants have taken their place, often forgoing the traditional carts of stacked baskets, having guests order off a menu instead. While the experience is altered, it still remains one of my favorite types of meals.

In Hawaii, in addition to sit down restaurants, there are also shops where you can get boxes of takeout dim sum – like a dozen char siu bao or siu mai (called manapua and pork hash in Hawaii). These are often taken as treats to the office or as an offering for a family pot luck.

Below are some of our favorite dim sum sit down restaurants and take out shops.

Sit-Down Restaurants

Several of these restaurants were included on the 2024 Hale ‘Aina Awards list of Best Dim Sum Restaurants. While most do not have cart service, their menus are good for those new to dim sum offering pictures and simple English descriptions.

Happy Days Chinese Restaurant – Kaimuki

Happy Days is one of the few that still rolls out carts of dim sum. On weekends the restaurant is packed, a testament to its popularity – be prepared to wait if you don’t have a reservation. It is loud and noisy (as a good Chinese restaurant should be). They received a Silver Hale ‘Aina Award.

3553 Waialae Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96816
808-738-8666
Website: https://www.happydayshi.com/

Jade Dynasty Seafood Restaurant – Ala Moana

Jade Dynasty in the Ala Moana Shopping Center is popular for large gatherings, having several private rooms for get togethers. They received the Gold Hale ‘Aina Award. Reservations are recommended.

Ala Moana Shopping Center
1450 Ala Moana Boulevard #4220
Honolulu, HI 96814
808-947-8818
Website: http://www.jadedynastyhawaii.com/
Instagram: @jadedynastyseafoodrestaurant

Yung Yee Kee Dim Sum – Ala Moana

Just outside of the Ala Moana Shopping Center on Kapiolani Boulevard is this popular restaurant. It is smaller than the other restaurants on this list but don’t let the size fool you – they were a finalist for the Hale ‘Aina Awards. Parking can be a little challenging.

1411 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 1
Honolulu, HI 96814
808-955-7478
Website: https://yungyeekeedimsum.com/
Instagram: @yungyeekeedimsum

Kapiolani Seafood Restaurant – Ala Moana
Honolulu Seafood Restaurant – Downtown Honolulu

Relative newcomers to the scene are Kapiolani Seafood Restaurant (across the street from Yung Yee Kee Dim Sum) and its sister restaurant Honolulu Seafood Restaurant in downtown Honolulu. Dishes are beautifully prepared, fresh, and delicious which are reflected in the slightly higher prices. It is well-worth a visit.

Kapiolani Seafood Restaurant
1538 Kapiolani Boulevard, #107
Honolulu, HI 96814
808-946-8688
Instagram: @kapiolaniseafoodrestaurant

Honolulu Seafood Restaurant
1055 Alakea Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-538-8788
Instagram: @honoluluseafoodrestaurant

Take-Out Shops

If you don’t want a sit down restaurant experience, you can also get dim sum to go. It is not uncommon for people to purchase char siu bao (manapua) or siu mai (pork hash) by the dozen. It is also popular for people from the neighbor islands to take boxes of dim sum back with them as many of the other islands do not have dim sum shops.

Royal Kitchen – Chinatown

Royal Kitchen is one of our favorite places to get dim sum – we often get a variety of dumplings to bring home for breakfast or lunch. We also get siu ji yuk (crispy skin roast pork) and jung (savory sticky rice bundles).

100 North Beretania Street, #175
Honolulu, HI 96817
808-524-4461
Website: https://royalkitchenhawaii.com/

Chun Wah Kam – multiple locations

Chun Wah Kam is another popular take-out shop. Not only do they sell popular dumplings like manapua, pork hash, and crispy gau gee, but you can get plate lunches. You can also buy char siu and siu ji yuk by the pound. See the website for locations.

Website: https://chunwahkam.com/
Instagram: @chunwahkamhawaii