Best Family-Friendly Dim Sum To Try With Kids In Hong Kong Now!

DIM SUM LIBRARY: Dim Sum In Admiralty & Elements

Dim sum – but not as you know it. Dim Sum Library (from the creative folks at Aqua Group) offers dim sum favorites with a twist, incorporating new ingredients, unusual textures, and surprising flavors, all creatively presented. This trendy eatery has two outlets in Hong Kong, one in Pacific Place and the second at Elements Mall - perfect places to window shop and work off the calories after a heavy meal. Dim sum is served all day long in the comfortable yet elegant settings, and Mahjong tables are set up at the restaurant's back for diners who fancy a game post-meal!

Little Steps Tip: Make reservations as this place gets quite busy and make sure to try the dan dan xiao long bao (pictured), a delicious take on the Shanghai staple.

Dim Sum Library, 124/Level 1, Pacific Place, Admiralty, Hong Kong, +852 3643 0088 | Shop 1028B, 1/F, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 2810 0898, http://www.dimsumlibrary.com.hk

YUM CHA: Fun Dim Dum Creations For Kids In Locations Across Hong Kong

If you're looking for a yummy dim sum with plenty of entertainment for the kids throughout the meal, head to Yum Cha! Famous for their Hot Custard Buns with googly eyes - you poke the "mouth" with chopsticks and lava proceeds to flow out of the little bun character. They also do Doggy Sausage Rolls and BBQ Piggy Buns. It's a tried and tested family favorite in Hong Kong and with all the fun and photographic dishes, it's a meal that will most likely result in an Instagram post or two.

Yum Cha, Locations in Central, Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok, http://yumchahk.com, Facebook Page

MADAME FU: Gorgeous Dim Sum Restaurant In Central

Madame Fu is a favorite for families and kids in Hong Kong!  Located inside the trendy Tai Kwun development in Central, families love the 90-minute free-flow dim sum menu offered Monday - Friday from 11am to 3pm.  They also have dim sum lunch, night brunch, and afternoon tea too!  The setting has a feminine and slightly old Hong Kong glam feel so feel free to dress up and enjoy!

Madame Fu, 3rd Floor, Barrack Block, Tai Kwun, No. 10 Hollywood Road, Central District, Hong Kong, +852 2114 2118, reservations@madamefu.com.hk, https://www.madamefu.com.hk/

DIM SUM SQUARE: Casual Dim Dum In Sheung Wan

There is always a queue at Dim Sum Square in Sheung Wan, and for good reason. This little corner spot dishes out all the traditional treats at a fast and frenzied pace. Expect dim sum staples such as har gow (shrimp dumplings), lo bak go (turnip cake) and crispy chun guen (spring rolls) in a no-frills atmosphere. A favorite amongst locals and expats alike, the dim sum is freshly made in the back, then shipped straight into a basket on your table for you to devour. Menus are offered in both English and Cantonese and it's a great place to take visitors!

Little Steps Tip: Avoid peak hours, because they don't take reservations.

Dim Sum Square,  88 Jervois St, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, +852 2851 8088, www.dimsumsquare.top-cafes.com, Facebook Page

DIM SUM ICON: Kumamon-Themed Dim Dum In Tsim Sha Tsui

This favorite in Tsim Sha Tsui is popular with families for its adorable dim sum themes. In the past, they have done Gudetama, Little Twin Stars, and more. The current theme is the cuddly bear phenom Kumamon, a mascot created by the government of Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan that somehow developed a cult following of its own. Enjoy Deep Fried Chocolate Poo Emoji Buns or Steamed Egg Yolk Buns in the form of your favorite characters.

Dim Sum Icon, L308, The One, No. 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 2885 1345, Facebook Page

DRAGON-I: All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum In Central

Make your way over to The Centrium and enjoy the stellar all-you-can-eat dim sum brunch from Dragon-i. There is plenty of space in the front for the kids to run around, you can try anything your heart desires from the menu (including special requests), and they have stroller space, and high chairs are available. This is a go-to for families, mom & me playdates (there is a free-flow option!), and when guests visit from out of town and you want to take your whole clan for dim sum. We also love how Dragon-i now offers a vegan dim sum option as well.

Dragon-i, UG/F, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 3110 1222, info@dragon-i.com.hk, www.dragon-i.com.hk, Facebook Page

LIN HEUNG TEA HOUSE: Dim Sum With A Dose Of History In Central

With whirring ceiling fans, an ancient wall clock, birdcages, and dim sum carts, Lin Heung Tea House, established in 1918, transfers diners back into Old Hong Kong. Join the crowds of early-rising seniors that head to the two-story teahouse after their morning stroll, and join the hoards rushing to the pushcarts as soon as they roll out the freshly-made dim sum. The restaurant serves dim sum from 6am-5pm daily.

Lin Heung Tea House, 160-164 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2544 4556, info@linheung.com.hk, Facebook

SOCIAL PLACE: Dim Sum In Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsuen Wan & Sha Tin

Social Place offers contemporary Chinese cuisine in a hip yet laid-back environment. Dishes are fresh, healthy, and of high quality. Kids will love the chicken spring rolls, seared Chinese pancakes, and steamed custard buns. And for the grownups, peppered eggplant, truffle shiitake buns, and thousand-year-old eggs are just a few of the delights on offer, perfect when paired with a glass of wine or locally brewed beer! We particularly love the Charcoal Custard Buns made using healthier charcoal flour (pictured), and the centrally-positioned ping pong table which is great for keeping the kids busy as the dishes roll out.

Social Place, Locations in Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsuen Wan and Sha Tin, www.socialplace.hk, Facebook Page

LUNG KING HEEN: Dim Sum At The Four Seasons Hong Kong

Savor the three Michelin-starred contemporary Cantonese cuisine and dim sum with harbor views at Lung King Heen, one of the city's finest located in the Four Seasons Hotel. With exquisite seafood and superbly crafted dim sum, it's no wonder Lung King Heen was the first Chinese restaurant in the world to receive three Michelin stars. The private dining room for 14 is perfect for family celebrations, and children aged 3 and up are welcome. Different dim sum lunches are served on weekdays and weekends, plus there is an attractive children's menu on offer.

Lung King Heen, Four Seasons Hotel, 4/F, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 3196 8880, www.fourseasons.com/lung_king_heen

ABOVE & BEYOND: Dim sum At Hotel Icon In Tsim Sha Tsui

One of the best samples of Hong Kong's unique east-meets-west culture is the Cantonese-inspired afternoon tea offered at Above & Beyond of Hotel Icon in Tsim Sha Tsui East. Swap the scones with jam and clotted cream with seven dim sum specialties, including a Crispy-fried Puff stuffed with Prawns, Pork Dumpling with Halibut, and Black Mushroom, as well as pastries like the Chilled Jelly with Lychee and Osmanthus.

Little Steps Tip: Be sure to reserve a table by the window for panoramic views of Hong Kong.

Above & Beyond, 28th Floor, Hotel ICON, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hong Kong, +852 3400 1318, book.restaurant@hotel-icon.com, www.hotel-icon.com/above-beyond

LOCKCHA TEA HOUSE: Vegetarian Dim Dum In Central

LockCha Tea House is an elegant spot for a relaxing tea and dim sum experience. Enjoy a selection of over 100 teas (kids love the Jasmine flower tea that opens), amazing vegetarian dim sum, and sweet treats in a traditional and serene Cantonese tea house ambiance. The original tea house sits right in Hong Kong Park, perfect for a stroll before or after your meal. The tea and tea wares are available for purchase, which make for great gifts. LockCha's newest location in the restored Central Police Station compound, or Tai Kwun, features a tea house as well as a flagship tea shop.

Little Steps Tip: Join the tea tasting program if you want to know more about tea!

Lock Cha Tea House, G/F, The K.S. Lo Gallery, 10 Cotton Tree Drive Hong Kong Park, Admiralty (opposite the fish pond), Hong Kong +852 2801 7177 | G06-07, Block 01, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2276 5777, www.lockcha.com

MAXIM'S PALACE CITY HALL: Iconic Dim Dum Restaurant In Central

While Maxim's Palace now has 8 restaurants around Hong Kong, the one in Central's City Hall building is by far the most famous. It's crowded and it's noisy, but families and visitors alike flock to this Hong Kong institution that still features dim sum carts filled with bamboo baskets. Kids will love watching the trolleys whiz by, all the while digging into authentic steamed goodies from crunchy spring rolls and flaky egg tarts to delightfully sinful char siu bao (barbecue pork buns).

Little Steps Tip: No reservations, so arrive before noon or after 2pm to avoid the crowds.  Even better, download this app to collect your ticket in advance - no waiting - score!

Maxim's Palace City Hall, 2/F, Low Block 5-7, Edinburgh Palace, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2521 1303, www.maxims.com.hk

TIN LUNG HEEN: Dim Sum Overlooking The Hong Kong Harbor

Head over to the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong for refined authentic Cantonese cuisine and traditional dim sum from barbecued Iberian pork to egg custard tarts, with stunning 102nd-floor views of Hong Kong Island. High on glitz and glamour, the two Michelin-starred Tin Lung Heen is one of the world's highest Chinese restaurants and has private rooms that are great for family celebrations. High chairs are available so even the youngest can check out the views.

Tin Lung Heen, Level 102, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2263 2270, restaurantreservation.hk@ritzcarlton.com, www.ritzcarlton.com/tin-lung-heen

SUN HING RESTAURANT: Dim Sum In Kennedy Town

Kids can’t sleep? Stroll over to Sun Hing Restaurant, a pint-sized traditional Chinese dim sum restaurant where old-fashioned carts start rolling with treats in the early am until late at night. Open from 3am - 4pm, celebrities, students, and K Town residents mix and chat over midnight snacks and morning tea. Try the signature shrimp dumplings, runny custard bun (pictured), and legendary deep-fried milk! The restaurant is self-service from finding a table to fighting for the food as it comes out of the kitchen - help yourself!

Sun Hing Restaurant, Shop C, G/F, 8 Smithfield Road, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, +852 2816 0616

SHANG PALACE: Dim Sum At The Kowloon Shangri-La Hong Kong

True to its name, Michelin's two-star Shang Palace is nothing short of Eastern glamour. Feast your eyes on the ornate décor and the Chinese paintings on the wall, and spend a peaceful afternoon with your family on the selection of exquisite lunch-only dim sum with top-notch ingredients such as abalone, lobster, and bird's nest. There is ample space between tables for strollers or just for more privacy.

Shang Palace, Lower Level I, Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel, 64 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2733 8754, www.shangri-la.com/shang-palace

NANHAI NO. 1: Dim Sum At iSquare In Tsim Sha Tsui

The hip Nanhai No. 1 is where you and your family can take in sweeping views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island while enjoying classic Chinese dishes and the signature fresh seafood caught daily in the South China Sea in contemporary fashion. Chair cushions are available for children. Arrive early or stay late to enjoy afternoon cocktails or coffee on the outdoor terrace with stunning views.

Nanhai No. 1, 30/F, iSquare, 63 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2487 3688, www.elite-concepts/nanhai-1, Facebook Page

DIMDIMSUM: Dim Sum In Jordan, Mong Kok, Wan Chai And Sha Tin

Named as one of the 101 Best Places to Eat In The World by Newsweek in 2012, DimDimSum offers deftly prepared dim sum dishes from traditional to creative in a casual setting across four outlets in the city. Must-try house specialties include pan-fried stuffed eggplant with Teriyaki sauce, pan-fried tofu skin and chicken with cumin and steamed tripe with black pepper sauce, as well as steaming-hot piggy custard buns for the kiddos. Finally, make sure to leave room for the much-loved Hong Kong favorite bo lo bao, or pineapple bun (pictured).

DimDimSum, Jordan, Mong Kok, Wan Chai and Sha Tin, info@dimdimsum.hk, www.dimdimsum.hk

DIN TAI FUNG: An institution for Shanghainese dumplings

Whilst not technically dim sum, Din Tai Fung makes our list for its delicious xiao long bao, or Shanghainese soup dumplings (pictured). Hailing from Taiwan, this dumpling institution has taken the world by storm and now has 5 locations in Hong Kong as well as countless others across a dozen countries. Restaurants are casual and fuss-free, and most have windowed kitchens where antsy kids can get up and watch the dumplings being made. Little Steps tip: Test out the kid's chopstick skills and see who can pick up the oh-so-delicate dumplings without spilling the soup. But make sure the kids let the dumplings cool, as the soup is boiling hot!

Din Tai Fung, Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, Sha Tin and Tuen Muen, www.dintaifung.com.hk

WANT MORE? More Kid-Friendly Dim Sum Restaurants Across Hong Kong:

• Tim Ho Wan - cheap Michelin-starred dim sum
• Lei Garden - upscale Chinese restaurant chain
• Mott 32 - dim sum with a luxurious twist
• Duddell’s - fancy dim sim in an artful setting
• Tao Heung - cheap local joint
• Chau Kee - famous for their Golden Lava French Toast
• Lo Dim - fabulous local dim sum
• One Dim Sum - tiny and cheap local resto close to bird/flower market
• Tyfun Dim Sum - Causeway Bay!
• Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine - Famous for...Hello Kitty!
• LoYe Dim Sum - Wan Chai favorite