Chinese food in Bali: 15 restaurants where you can find the best dim sum

Written by Jiayi Ng
Co-written by Nadia Crowe
Edited by Beverley Lennon

Call me typically Chinese if you like, but I’m not ashamed to say this: I LOVE DIM SUM.

While steaming hotpots and richly flavoured meats have got their own special place in my heart, it’s the little things that matter. When you lie in bed at night, do you dream of steamer baskets full of fragrant shumai (Chinese steamed dumplings), pearlescent har gow (shrimp dumplings) and custard buns in all their golden glory?

If you do, fellow dim sum enthusiast, this story is for you!

We know, it’s hard to find good dim sum in countries where Chinese cuisine doesn’t make up the majority. We’ve sure had our fair share of disappointments, but Bali isn’t going to be one of them!

Believe it or not, but there are a number of establishments right here in Bali, where dim sum fanatics can get their fix, and people who don’t love dim sum yet can meet their true love.

We mean, seriously, guys. Don’t love dim sum? Check out our top picks for dim sum in Bali, and you will change your mind.

Also read:

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1. Let your senses feel the blend of cultures: Sista Cafe

A blend of two incredible cuisines come together in the form of Sista Cafe, I’m talking about a French-Chinese fusion of magic! Nothin beats a hearty meal filled with dumplings and oriental goodies, when mixed with a hint of French passion, you get what can only be described as a mind blowing menu.

Boasting an incredible view of the rice paddy fields of Canggu, and a seriously cool interior, it’s no wonder that people flock here in droves! With a very unique style of ordering, where you get to pick and choose a mix of different things, you know you’ll be in for a treat! Make sure to sneak in some dumplings (vegan or otherwise) into your order, as they’re said to be the best in Canggu!

Don’t forget to snap a picture with their adorable paintings, or by their many quirky muralled walls!

2. A tropical take on Asian comfort food: Island Wok Bali

Soft pink walls, and boho wooden decor accompanies you as you munch on some delicious beef chow mein (Chinese stir-fried noodles). At Island Wok Bali, they take their Asian comfort food very seriously, and you’ll be surprised at how at home you feel once there.

Fans rave about their sweet and sour chicken and fried rice, let’s not forget about the spring rolls too! A quintessential dish at any Chinese restaurant and theirs are nothing to scoff at. You’ll almost forget to take photos of your food along with the restaurant’s tropical facade thanks to the food looking and smelling so enticing!

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3. Fill your stomach with colourful dumplings and smile with glee: Happy Chappy Chinese

Sticking to its Chinese roots, Happy Chappy is decorated with an elaborate red facade, traditional rosewood chairs are used to give it that extra authentic feel, and you’ll definitely be transported to the old streets of Beijing when you step in here. Not only that, they have incredible oriental decorations dotted around the place too, it all makes it an extremely pleasant visit!

Dim Sum lovers regularly comment at how authentic the ones at Happy Chappy taste, some even comparing them to the ones they’ve had in China itself! What’s more, on Sundays they have an all-you-can-eat Dim Sum buffet that features several of the classics in all different colours and styles (try the green ones!). From Hargau to spring rolls, you’ll be a happy chappy person upon leaving!

4. Feast your eyes on beautiful murals and your stomach on delicious Dim Sum: Dim Sum House Bali

*Temporarily closed due to COVID-19*

As the name suggests, this place is where you go to in Canggu if you’re looking for your money’s worth of Chinese food. Their all-you-can-eat buffet definitely fits into this category. Featuring several different types of steamed dumplings, buns, and fried dim sum, you’ll be absolutely spoiled for choice!

Apart from that, enjoy the gorgeous art murals on the walls, and relish in the fact that you found this super central restaurant, with an endless amount of dim sum for you to eat! Fill your belly, and hit the beach straight after! (Be proud of that food baby!)

5. Go big or go home – Ah Yat Abalone Seafood Restaurant

*Temporarily closed due to COVID-19*

We mean it – if you’re planning to drop by RIMBA Jimbaran BALI’s Ah Yat Abalone Seafood Restaurant for that dim sum fix, you’d better make sure your tummy is ready to go big.

With an extensive dim sum selection featuring over 40 of your favourite dishes, how could you bear to walk away without eating till you’re super full? Most selections are between Rp. 30,000 – 40,000++, which isn’t too hard on your wallet at all!

If you love dim sum enough, feel free to upgrade and go for the All You Can Eat Dim Sum Special at Rp. 238,000++. That’s right – you’ll get to indulge in 34 different dimsum favourites in elegant surroundings, without any guilt on your wallet!

Ah Yat boasts a ginormous interior (it’s the biggest Chinese restaurant in Bali!) that’s incredibly pleasing to the eye, complete with custom furniture, bright colours and modern artwork. You’ll even get to dine in close proximity to the live seafood on display!

 

Don’t get too distracted! Remember to try out yummy classics such as shu mai, har gow and chee cheong fun, and the Nasi Abalone (not included in buffet menu). Make my hunger while writing this worthwhile, please.

6. Where dim sum go for a makeover – Kou Dim Sum Parlor

Kou Dim Sum Parlor is the celebrity makeup artist for dim sum.

This relatively new restaurant is situated in Renon Plaza, featuring a cozy environment with cushioned chairs, where you can easily while away an afternoon with friends and family, and droolworthy dim sum, of course!

There’s just one downside – almost everything that comes out of the kitchen here looks almost too pretty to be eaten.

If you can’t find it in your heart to chomp into a minion custard bun or a Doraemon bao, fret not. There are plenty of other yummy choices that don’t need you to act like a monster. From regular shu mai to fusion choices like chicken, cheese and truffle xiao long bao, Kou Dim Sum is as much an experience of taste as it is of sight.

7. Dim sum, spice and everything nice – Kober Mie Setan Bali [Halal]

From first glance, Kober Mie Setan Bali is a crowded restaurant in Denpasar that serves up plate after plate of the spiciest noodles you’ll ever taste. In fact, it’s so crowded all the time that service can be rather slow and frustrating sometimes.

But what did we teach you about appearances being deceiving? This unassuming establishment doesn’t just burn your tongue, but soothes it with yummy dim sum at the same time!

From spring rolls to shumai and pandan baos, most of the dim sum here come extremely affordable prices. Feel free to order them along with a spicy noodle, because your wallet definitely won’t be burnt (maybe just your tongue)!

Better yet, this place is 100% Halal certified – what else is there to stop you from adding this into your foodie notebook?

8. Let the kid have “sum” fun with dim sum – The Restaurant at The Trans Resort Bali

*Temporarily closed due to COVID-19*

It’s kiddy heaven here at The Trans Resort every Sunday!

Check out the Fun Sunday Yum Cha (on Sundays, of course) at The Restaurant, where you and your kids (or the kid in you) get to have some fun with a dim sum buffet, featuring some of the cutest dim sum you can find on the planet.

Pick your favourites from a cart that staff push around the restaurant – from the more quirky animal buns to classic char siew baos and mouthwatering shu mai, this dim sum buffet is made to please both the young and old.

If you’re there for this buffet, you can also get free access to the resort’s gorgeous pool and kids’ club. Yes, that means you can finally have a meal in peace, with a happy kid and a happy you!

While the dim sum here may not be excellent (as compared to some of the rest), it’s a unique experience and the perfect way to spend some family time if you’re itching for something to do.

9. The undisputed crowd favourite – Dim Sum Inc. [Halal]

Any time is a good time for dim sum, which is why everyone’s favourite Dim Sum Inc. is open 24/7, ready to satisfy even your late night dim sum cravings!

This popular chain from Jakarta may be well-known amongst the locals, but that hasn’t had a dampening effect on its food quality. Pop by any time of the day to enjoy dim sum made with a passion – where shu mai, har gow, char siew paos are churned out non-stop, you won’t ever have to stop stuffing your face.

We think we get why people love Dim Sum Inc. now.

10. Local Balinese meets traditional Chinese – Golden Monkey Ubud

Located amongst the rice fields of Ubud, this serene restaurant is where traditional Bali marries Chinese culture.

You’ll find yourself immersed in this fusion world as you enter Golden Monkey’s tastefully and elegantly decorated space. But, while they play around with the restaurant’s design, Golden Monkey ain’t monkeying around with their dim sum.

All the iconic dim sum dishes, including xiao long bao, har gow (of course, did you think you could escape the har gow mention) and a pretty mean char siew bao, are available here. On Sundays, they even have an all-you-can-eat buffet from 11am to 3pm, so pick your days carefully, gluttons, or pay (literally!) for your mistake.

Cocktails and ice cold Bintangs are also available as the Robin to your Batman dim sum, but we suggest you go easy on that. Fights break out easily when you’re tipsy, and your sneaky friend is trying to steal your bun.

11. Chill vibes with authentic dim sum – Amber Resto Bali

Love dim sum and looking for a quiet place to chill for the afternoon?

Things don’t get more real than at Amber Resto Bali, which is run by a Chinese family looking to serve authentic Chinese food to the Bali crowd. Furnished with tasteful wooden furniture and surrounded by greenery, dim sum here is gobbled down amongst a thick Bali island vibe that will have your worries flying away in an instant.

All your favourites are here, including, yes, har gow, creamy custard baos, chicken feet and the much-raved-about chicken shu mai!

Amber Resto also offers cuter options, such as porcupine and bunny buns, which the little ones will absolutely love. If you’re looking for something heavier, they also serve some yummy seafood for your second round of gluttony.

Sit back and relax with your baskets of dimsum, and after that, why not head for a soothing swinging session on the giant swing? Not too soon after your meal, please – the ocean doesn’t need your donation of half-digested dim sum.

12. The perfect marriage of seafood and dim sum – Mr. Wok [Halal]

Wok do you mean you can have yummy seafood and dim sum at the same time?

It’s the best of both worlds here at Mr. Wok’s homey establishment in Uluwatu, for those of you who don’t believe that a tiny basket of food could possibly leave you completely satisfied.

Well, Mr. Wok is going to prove you wrong with his perfect blend of fresh seafood and made-to-order Hong Kong-style dim sum, both of which are completely halal! Grab a fresh deep fried squid, a juicy snapper and round it off with the highly recommended crispy money bags and pan fried dumpling.

Still not full? Well, you can always just order more, because why won’t you when the food’s this good?

13. Experience authentic Chinese luxury – Table 8

*Temporarily closed due to COVID-19*

The biggest joy in life, we think, is being able to eat like a king. Which is why we don’t mind the occasional splurge, and if there’s anywhere you should splurge at, it would be Mulia Bali’s Table 8.

With a glorious interior inspired by ancient Chinese palaces, and a focus on authentic Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine, it’s no wonder that Table 8 is churning out dim sum worthy to be served to a king.

You get to choose from a selection of traditional dim sum dishes, including everyone’s favourite har gow, shu mai and flowy custard buns. Can’t choose? Opt for the All-You-Can-Eat Dimsum buffet, and you’ll find yourself in heaven.

This restaurant may be just a tad pricey for what Bali has to offer, but if you’re looking for a luxurious experience on top of good taste, it’s definitely worth it.

14. Budget-friendly classic dim sum – WokMie Bali

*Temporarily closed due to COVID-19*

Sometimes we are broke and can’t afford nice stuff. We understand.

Which is why we’re here to tell you, even poor people can have nice food. WokMie Bali is the best friend to the poor right here in Kuta, masquerading as a noodle bar with a fast food concept.

Here’s the kicker – they also serve all the classic renditions of dim sum, including h– g– (you can spell it if you’ve been paying attention), xiao long bao, chicken feet, and the usual baos. And here’s the kicker to the kicker – they all come at Rp. 30,000 per serving!

With its convenient location in central Kuta, here’s the best spot for all of you backpackers with incredibly tight budgets. Actually, why are you still here? We’d be reading this at WokMie if we were you.

15. Halal and very affordable dim sum – Restoran Renon [Halal]

Who says dim sum is both expensive and non-halal?

Restoran Renon may lose out in terms of ambience, looking more like a school canteen than a restaurant, but it wins in terms of some really cheap dim sum (Rp. 15,000!) and that it’s halal!

Popular among the locals, chee cheong fun, char siew bao, and even a pretty demonic-looking Doraemon pandan bao are available here, with extensive list of dim sum selections.

If you’re looking for a place to hang out with your family, or just want to try dim sum with some local flair, Restoran Renon is your guy!

You’re welcome! 🙂 Have we convinced you to go out there and get sum dim sum? Which do you prefer?

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

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